This may reflect the extent to which the food plan is an integral aspect of the co-op. It has generally worked best to have a food budget, paid ahead, with checks written out of the account, rather than to bill back and reimburse shoppers. We risk becoming the controlling agent of our houses if each house doesn't understand its own responsibilities. Membership Co-ops need to establish systems to recruit and to maintain membership. It is generally good to have a single membership person.
People know who to talk to and it's less confusing than if no contact person is evident.
Open systems really do foster diversity. He suggests that international students often make great contributions to co-ops. Since they are usually overseas while looking for housing, a more open system may make more sense for them. For example, a set number of slots in the co-op could go to international students that house members haven't met. Whatever is decided, it is very important to make sure that the system is well understood by prospective house members.