Board Report: How "Food For Paradise" Got Started

By Mira Wonderwheel, Board of Directors

In response to the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors saw a need and moved into action in collaboration with General Manager Emile Amarotico and the co-op team. Emile reached out to Liza Tadesco, General Manager at Chico Natural Foods Cooperative, located about 15 miles outside of Paradise, California and learned they had a secure warehouse space and were actively receiving pallet-load donations to distribute at local shelters, pop-up kitchens, and their Co-op store in Chico.

The Board unanimously agreed to authorize Ashland Food Co-op to donate $3,000 to Chico Natural Foods Cooperative and they will distribute food and grocery items to their community in need as a result of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California.

After the resolution, the Ashland Food Co-op Team rose to the occasion and quickly took the necessary actions to make this donation and broader community support possible. We are grateful to be a part of collaborative cooperative power in action and appreciate that we can support the Paradise community by providing some nourishing healthy food.

If you are interested in donating, The Ashland Food Co-op is inviting the community to donate a matching $3,000 to broaden this effort's impact, and will match up to another $3,000. Shoppers can make a donation to benefit Paradise, CA evacuees at the Co-op checkout stands, or online at www.ashlandfood.coop/foodforparadise.

More Co-op News

Community Cider Backyard Fruit Drive

How often can you browse the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, see a bottle of hand crafted, local cider and say, “Hey, I help make that!” Well, at the Co-op you can.

2018 Board Election Results

The AFC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the 2018 Board Election. There were three excellent candidates running for two Board positions. In total, 905 votes were cast.

Congratulations to the following candidates who will serve three-year terms on the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors.

Thank you for voting!

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Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes

By Barry Haynes, Store Manager

Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an  engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.

Beat the Heat

When the heat of summer takes over, it can be hard on our bodies and moods. Don’t let the scorching temps get you down, cool off with one of these refreshing Staff recommendations.
 

Report from the Board of Directors: Strategic Plan Update

By Jeff Golden, External Relations Committee Chair

Ashland Food Co-op is striding into the future with careful intention. We’re especially focused on the three top priorities of our strategic planning process, a collaboration of our board and management team. A quick update:

Riding off into the Sunset

 

By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager

Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.

Staff Picks: Summer Hikes and Trail Snacks

Our staff loves to head outside and enjoy the gorgeous Oregon outdoors. Here's a few of their favorite trails and the Co-op snacks they like to take with them.

 

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Be a Zero Waste Hero in Four Easy Steps

By Stephanie Koerella, Education Coordinator

Reducing our waste has continued to be of greater concern for Rogue Valley residents, especially since January, when options for recycling became even more limited. While the Ashland Food Co-op is ramping up our efforts to reduce waste as a business, there is a lot that our community can do at home to help the cause.

On the Road to Sustainability

By Laura Pfister, Media Coordinator

Forty six years ago, a group of families formed a buying club to access sustainable, local organic food as an alternative to modern industrial agriculture. This humble foundation of social and environmental responsibility started the Ashland Food Co-op and has shaped every decision we’ve ever made. It’s how, over four decades later, that a small buying club became a 30 million dollar, 17,500 square foot Certified Organic Retailer diverting 82% of their discards from the landfill.

Staff Picks: Earth Friendly Products

In celebration of Sustainability Month in April, we asked our Sustainability Committee to share their favorite eco-friendly product.