Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage

September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, diverse cultures, and rich histories of Americans with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. At the Ashland Food Co-op, we believe this celebration is not just about acknowledging the past, but also about recognizing the ongoing contributions of Hispanic and Latino (Latinx, Latine) Americans to our community and our food system.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th, was first established as a week-long observance in 1968 and expanded to a month in 1988. The start date is significant as it coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

This month-long celebration gives us an opportunity to reflect on the immense impact Hispanic and Latino cultures have had on American society. At the Co-op, we are looking particularly at the realm of agriculture and cuisine. From the introduction of staple crops like corn, beans, and squash to the rich flavors and cooking techniques that have become integral to American cuisine with Hispanic and Latino influences are deeply woven into the fabric of our food systems and culinary landscape.

At the Ashland Food Co-op, we recognize that our food system is strengthened by diversity – in our crops, our farming practices, and most importantly, in the people who bring food from farm to table. Hispanic and Latino farmers and food workers play a crucial role in this system, often working behind the scenes to ensure that fresh, high-quality produce reaches our shelves and your plates.

We believe it's important to shine a light on these contributions, not only to express our gratitude but also to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage behind many of the foods we enjoy every day. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we hope to encourage our community to explore the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latino cultures through food, and to recognize the hardworking individuals who make our diverse food system possible.

One notable figure in the history of American agriculture is Cesar Chavez, a Mexican-American labor leader and civil rights activist. Chavez co-founded the National Farmworkers Association (later the United Farm Workers union) and tirelessly advocated for the rights of farmworkers, many of whom were of Hispanic and/or Latino origin.

Chavez's work brought national attention to the harsh conditions faced by farmworkers and led to significant improvements in labor laws and working conditions. His legacy reminds us of the importance of fair labor practices in our food system and the ongoing need to support and respect the people who work hard to bring food to our tables.

One of the best ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is through food. We encourage our community to explore some of the Hispanic and Latino-owned brands the Co-op carries including Siete, Cocoa and Craft, Rip Van Wafels, Natura, Buenatural, Cacique and more. And it’s always fun to try new recipes and learn about the cultural significance behind different ingredients and dishes.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's remember that the diversity of our community is our strength. By honoring the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our food system, we not only celebrate our shared cultural heritage but also work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Learn more:

https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources

https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

More Co-op News

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.

What to do with all this citrus?!

So you grabbed a few too many extra oranges and grapefruits and lemons (and some finger limes, and some satsumas…), and rather than watch them go bad, we want to provide you with some ideas on how to reduce waste. You’ll also get to enjoy citrus in a lot of new ways!

There are many guides and recipes across the internet (like this one by our friends at Grow Forage Cook Ferment), so here are a few ideas to get your creative and citrus juices flowing.

Update from the General Manager: "Food for Paradise" campaign

Ashland Food Co-op's General Manager, Emile Amarotico, ends 2018 on a very uplifting note with a report back on the "Food for Paradise" donation campaign. Watch the video below, or read on for an extended written update.

Hello, this is Emile Amarotico, the general manager of Ashland Food Co-op with an update on the Co-op’s Food for Paradise initiative.

5 Fresh Ways to Save at the Co-op

We’ve all been there: your bank account is looking thin after a month of celebrations, but you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to save up for a big purchase later in the year

Now’s the time to make some changes to your spending - but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality goods at the Ashland Food Co-op.

These are some lesser known ways to save at the Co-op. Think of them like ordering off the secret menu. 

Savings Level: $

4 Ways to Reduce Your Food Waste

It’s the New Year, our favorite time for goal-setting, making positive resolutions, and shifting our impact. One of the Co-op’s goals is to become a Zero Waste facility. Our staff works to divert as much food waste as we can - and we hope our member-owners will join us in this goal too.

Meet Cooking Class Instructor Charlie Douglass

Many talented local chefs share their expertise in the Co-op Kitchen. Charlie Douglass is no exception. As the former Master Chocolatier at Harry and David, Charlie knows a thing or two about chocolate and candy making. 

Tell us how your love of cooking and food began.

Meet Cooking Class Instructor Tiazza Rose

From bread baking to Moroccan cooking, many talented local chefs share their expertise in the Co-op Kitchen. We'd like you to meet a few of them. Tiazza Rose has been teaching the Ashland community the art of Moroccan cooking for years. If you haven't taken a class from Tiazza yet, you should. Here's why.

 

Tell us how your love of cooking and food began.

Give the Gift of Wellness

 

Finding the perfect gift for a friend or loved one is an art. This winter, we carefully selected these assortments for those who love some good self-care, are working in partnership with their gut health, or for those making efforts to reduce their pain. Each of these gift ideas will help you make your loved ones feel extra special and extra healthful.

 

Give the Gift of Good Food

During the month of November, Co-op shoppers can nourish their own families and help fight hunger in the Rogue Valley. We’ve teamed up once again with Smart Chicken® for the Smart Giving Holiday Challenge.

Here’s how it works.

  • For every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken® you purchase from the Meat Department or the Deli, Smart Chicken® will donate one pound of chicken to a local non profit

We're All Turtles

By Dean Williamson, Board of Director

My grandmother loved to talk. Oh, could she talk! And she had one expression that I’ve always really liked. “If you come across a turtle on top of a fence post, you can be pretty sure it didn’t get there by itself.”

The Power of Principle Seven

By Emile Amarotico, General Manager

As we approach the holidays, I’d like to invoke the spirit of the Seventh Cooperative Principle: Concern for Community. The International Cooperative Alliance defines Principle Seven as when “cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.”

So how does that work? How does Ashland Food Co-op demonstrate concern for community?