In a strongly worded editorial, the Sacramento Bee blasted attempts by a political group to sue the Sacramento Natural Food Coop and its Board of Directors, saying the move is "unnecessarily dividing a flourishing local institution." http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/08/3755093/co-op-shouldnt-be-in-the-boycott.html

"Co-op members ought to be able to make their own shopping decisions. If some feel strongly about the Palestinian cause, then they can opt not to buy matzo, or even bath salts sourced from Israeli waters," says the Bee. "Besides, there are more proper – and far more effective – forums for presenting views on the Mideast than the aisles of a grocery store. Not everything has to be about politics. Sometimes, food should just be food."

The newspaper also supported the Board's decision in rejecting a vote on the boycott, which its Bylaws require it to do if a proposal is in conflict with the Cooperative principles, its articles of incorporation, and state and federal law.

"Co-op leaders make a persuasive case that a ban on Israeli products could lead to a never-ending cycle of boycotts and litmus tests over any number of issues.Should the co-op shun products made in China, which jails dissidents and has an abysmal human rights record? Should it ban products from rural parts of California that voted for Proposition 8, the ban on same-sex marriage? Should it ban products from Arizona, since it passed an immigration law that is widely viewed as hostile to Latinos? Where does it stop?"

The Bee also effectively countered the argument by boycotters that since the Co-op already is political since it carries sustainable products and products that are not tested on animals.

"...Those causes are right in line with the mission of an organic food store that aspires to offer healthy products and to be environmentally conscious. They are of a different order entirely from an issue like the Mideast conflict."

According to an article in the Sacramento Press last week, two local leaders of BDS, a national organization that has targeted co-ops across the United States to promote its political agenda, has sued the Co-op. The Co-op says it may need to expend "tens of thousands of dollars" to counter the lawsuit, funds its leaders say should be devoted to helping local farmers and providing owners with dividends for their patronage.