Become an Owner-Volunteer with the AFC Board
The AFC Board of Directors is looking for owner-volunteers for three board committees: the Owner Engagement Committee (OEC), Board Development Committee (BDC), and AFC Gives Committee.
In addition to working with a group of great people, you will be assisting in a process that greatly benefits the community in which we live. Owner volunteers serve a one-year term and receive the benefit of a special coupon for a 10% discount on all AFC purchases for every four hours they volunteer for the Co-op. Owner Volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year.
Owner volunteer applications are due online by Thursday, February 6. Please be sure to indicate the committee(s) you are interested in. If you have any questions, please contact the Board Administrator, [email protected]
Click the link below to read more about each committee, or begin the application below:
Board Development Committee - The BDC assists with yearly Board elections, education and development training programs for Board directors.
Owner Engagement Committee - The OEC advises the AFC Board of Directors on matters of Board engagement with owners including the annual meeting, owner forums, and other Board owner events.
AFC Gives Committee - The AFC Gives Committee coordinates the management and distribution of grant funds to local non-profit organizations through a variety of AFC Board approved programs.
Click here to fill out the application in a new window.
Board Development Committee
Owner Volunteer Position
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the AFC Board Development Committee (BDC). Here is some information to help you complete your application.
The BDC generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Conference room of the Pioneer Street building. The meetings typically run 60 minutes. Monthly meetings are on an as-needed basis for the months of July and December.
The committee advises the AFC Board of Directors (BOD) on matters of Board Development including, BOD elections, trainings, retreats and Board structure and compensation. Activities may include Board candidate interviews, attending Board candidate information night and helping plan the logistics of the Board retreat.
The BDC consists of at least two Directors, the General Manager, the Board Administrator and at least one Owner Volunteer. One Director is appointed Chair of the BDC and the Board Administrator is responsible for meeting minutes.
Necessary Skills: Must be familiar with Google docs and Excel. Board experience and/or cooperative business experience is beneficial. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable with a consensus decision process.
Benefits: In addition to working with a highly experienced group of great people, you will be working to ensure that the governance of the AFC is a highly competent, thoughtful, and well supported group of volunteers that have the long-term interests of the AFC in the forefront of their efforts. Owner volunteers receive a 10% discount coupon, for one shopping trip at AFC, after they have served a minimum of 4 hours. This discount may not be combined with any other offers and will expire after ninety days. Owner volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year.
Application Process: You must be an AFC owner to apply. Think about what skills you would bring to this committee. If you have specific questions about the BDC, please address your questions to [email protected]. Then fill out the application online by Thursday, February 6. Interviews will be held at a later date. Apply here.
Owner Engagement Committee
Owner Volunteer Position
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the AFC Owner Engagement Committee (OEC). Here is some information to help you complete your application.
The OEC generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the Board Conference room of the Pioneer Street building. The meetings typically run 60 minutes. Monthly meetings are on an as-needed basis for the months of July and December.
The OEC advises the AFC Board of Directors on matters of Board engagement with owners including the annual meeting, owner forums, and other Board owner events..
The OEC consists of at least two Directors, a representative from the Market Department, the Board Administrator and at least one Owner Volunteer. One Director is appointed Chair of the OEC and the Board Administrator is responsible for meeting minutes.
Necessary Skills: Must be familiar with Google docs. Board experience and/or cooperative business experience is beneficial but not required. Interest in cultivating community engagement is important. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable with a consensus decision process.
Benefits: In addition to working with a highly experienced group of great people, you will be working to ensure that the governance of the AFC is a highly competent, thoughtful, and well supported group of volunteers that have the long-term interests of the AFC in the forefront of their efforts. Owner volunteers receive a 10% discount coupon, for one shopping trip at AFC, after they have served a minimum of 4 hours. This discount may not be combined with any other offers and will expire after ninety days. Owner volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year.
Application Process: You must be an AFC owner to apply. Think about what skills you would bring to this committee. If you have specific questions about the OEC, please address your questions to [email protected]. Then fill out the application online by Thursday, February 6. Interviews will be held at a later date. Apply here.
AFC Gives Committee
Owner Volunteer Position
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Ashland Food Co-op Gives Committee. Here is some information to help you complete your application.
The AFC Gives Committee generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Conference room of the Pioneer Street Building. The meetings typically run 60 minutes. Monthly meetings are on an as-needed basis for the months of July and December.
The AFC Gives Committee coordinates the management and distribution of grant funds to local non-profit organizations through a variety of AFC Board approved programs. Specifically, there will be significant time requested the end of April and beginning of May to review Grant applications.
Necessary Skills:
Familiarity with Google Docs and Excel, Cooperative Committee experience and consensus decision process all are beneficial.
Benefits:
In addition to working with a group of great people, you will be assisting in a process that greatly benefits the community in which we live. Owner/Volunteers will receive a coupon good for a 10% discount on a one time shopping trip to the Co-op, after serving a minimum of 4 hours. The discount may not be combined with any other offers and will expire after ninety days. Owner Volunteers are eligible to receive the 10% one-time Board Volunteer Reward discount up to four times a year.
Application Process:
You must be an AFC Owner to apply. If you have specific questions please address them to [email protected]. Then fill out the online application by Thursday, February 6. Apply here.
More Co-op News
How to stay sustainable with paper products
Have you thought about how sustainable your paper home products are? While the use of single-use plastics has (rightfully) been criticized, some products are made to be single-use - like toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins. With these products, it’s best to examine sustainability by looking at what goes into their production.
2019 Owner Coupon / Benefits Calendar
Hey Co-op owners - if you're wondering if it's a $5 off or 10% discount month... you can reference this calendar.
These benefits are available to all Co-op owners. If you're not an owner yet, you can sign up online!
Farm Tour on the Shelves
The Farm Tour shines a spotlight on Southern Oregon - it represents the full range of products grown in the Rogue Valley. The Farm Tour isn't until July 14, but here's a list of tour activities for participating farms that are also on the shelves at the Ashland Food Co-op. Get an early taste of quality local goods!
Planning for Summer... and Smoke
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
If we are lucky, we’ll only have another seven week smoke intrusion this summer. If we are not, we could be the next Paradise. In less than 13 hours, last November’s Camp Fire wiped out nearly 19,000 structures and more than 80 lives. With community help, we were able to raise over $14,000 to support Chico Natural Foods Co-op’s efforts to feed some of the nearly 20,000 displaced Paradise residents.
The Co-op's "Secret Garden"
Did you know the Co-op employees have a small garden on our campus? Planning and management falls on our fantastic Co-op volunteer: Henry Herting.
Below, Henry shares some background on the garden, what it’s used for, and some additional tales from over the years.
Originally, the need for a kitchen garden arose from having a kitchen classroom in which culinary classes were being held. Visiting chefs have always been invited to use the garden for any ingredients they may have forgotten or items they could use as garnish for their dishes.
Sustainable Ashland Food Co-op: You are the key!
By Steve Bowman, AFC Board Director
Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen
By Mahlea Rasmussen, Education Coordinator
Outside of work I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I find it a soothing space to create nourishing meals and lasting memories. I find it essential to be as eco-friendly as possible and a few changes can transform your kitchen into a sustainable center of your home.
Earth Day Bulk Sale! April 17-21
Save money while working towards a more sustainable shopping experience! The Co-op bulk department is a great "first stop" for your grocery lists - everything from hummus mix to local honey to pet food is available. Plus there's less waste, all the way from shipping to ended up in your shopping cart.
Check out a quick tour below:
Film festival giveaway
Enter your name and email below to be entered to win two film vouchers for the 2019 Ashland Independent Film Festival.
No purchase necessary. Giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by AIFF. US residents only. Entry will be closed at 5pm PT on Monday, April 15.
The state of plastics
Many Co-op owners and shoppers have shared their interest in reducing plastic usage in the store. From bioplastics, to compostable plastics to recycling options, the Ashland Food Co-op continues to research what works best as we move towards our goal of being a zero waste store. Here is where we stand.
Ashland Food Co-op Celebrates 20-year Partnership with ACCESS
We are proud of a partnership with ACCESS that has benefited the community immensely over the past twenty years. Read on for more about the partnership, or watch the short video below.
Food waste at the Co-op
By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator
How many times in the past month have you reached back in the fridge to snack on some fresh strawberries only to discover… mold?! In the United States, 40% of food is wasted every year. Luckily, how we address food waste can have a major impact. According to Paul Hawkin’s Drawdown, reducing food waste is #3 on the list of best ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. At the Co-op, we use the EPA’s Food Recovery Hierarchy as a guide to bettering our own practices.
Meet Cooking Class Instructor, Gianaclis Caldwell
Get to know Gianaclis Caldwell ahead of her class, "Easy Mozzarella and Burratta - From Scratch!" on March 7. Gianaclis is the author of the award-winning book Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking and owner of Pholia Farm.
Tell us how your love of cooking (or cheese) and food began.
Wellness Secret Weapons
There are still plenty of colds and viruses making their rounds, and we want to help you better defend against them!
In January, we asked on social media what kind of secret weapons you use in the winter to stay healthy. We had a lot of responses, so we'll start with the All-Stars.
With your initial recommendations, our Wellness team reviewed the suggestions and picked the products with the highest quality standards and best feedback. Check those out below.
Mushrooms for wellness
You may have heard about the fascinating discovery that trees can communicate with each other. What’s the secret? The mycelia - tiny strands of fungus - in the soil form a vast underground network through which trees send chemical signals to their neighbors.
The mycelia differs from the fruiting body of the mushroom, which is the reproductive component that contains spores and is thought to be higher in Beta Glucans.