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
More Co-op News
Meet Reagan Roach, AFC Executive Chef & Prepared Foods Manager
The Co-op's general manager, Emile Amorotico, sat down with the newest addition to the co-op's management team, Reagan Roach. Get to know Reagan in the interview below - and say hi when you see him in store!
5 Things You Didn't Know the Co-op Carries for Cold, Flu & Immune Protection
- Wishgarden Herbs - Kick Ass Immune: Your total frontline immune defense!
- Oshala Farm - Oshala Fire Cider: Locally made in the Applegate. It tastes so good you could craft a healthy dressing with this fire cider!
- Mickelberry Gardens - Elderberry: Great Immune support for kids and adults. Made in Oregon.
Choose To Reuse
by Rianna Koppel, Co-op Sustainability Coordinator
At the Ashland Food Co-op, we are committed to becoming Zero Waste by 2030. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about packaging and single-use at our store. Our owners care deeply about reducing plastic waste, and we do too!
Reusable Bags
At the co-op, we have many different bag options… So what's the best choice?
Lisa Beam: Why I'm a Board Member
Why serve on the Board of Directors at the Ashland Food Coop? This was the question that I was faced with about a year ago.
I have lived, worked and shopped in Ashland for the last 20 years. Many of those years I have actively participated on non-profit boards, civic organizations and committees. However, in the last few years I stepped away from those responsibilities to focus on family and business life.
Henry in the Garden: The Pollinator Plan
By Henry Herting, Co-op garden volunteer
It's that fun time of the year when we get to plan our gardens. This year since our pollinators are taking such a hard hit, we are planning a pollinator garden.
Some plants that are considered good for pollinators are not so good fo the gardeners. They are invasive; they are weeds. Nobody likes weeds in their garden - who likes getting down on their knee pads and clawing at deep-rooted weeds growing in places where you don't want them?
Rogue To Go at the Co-op
We are excited to announce the official launch of Rogue To Go at the Ashland Food Co-op!
Rogue To Go is a reusable container pilot program. The pilot connects five participating restaurants by offering a reusable container that can be used for meals to-go and help eliminate single-use boxes. These O2GO containers are made locally in Bend, Oregon by OZZI. The bright green containers are 100% recyclable through a specialty recycler - truly zero waste!
How can you start using Rogue To Go? Check out the steps below and follow along with a walk-through video.
Apply for an AFC Gives community grant
For over 25 years, the Ashland Food Co-op has been re-investing in the local community by awarding grants to non-profit organizations doing important work in the Rogue Valley. Putting the seventh cooperative principle, "concern for community," into action, over $30,000 was donated in 2019 - and in 2020, there are even more opportunities for non-profits.
The Co-op is getting a refresh
We are giving our store a much-needed fresh coat of paint. We think you'll enjoy the changes!
When
The painting team will begin our project on February 5th, 2020 with a start time of 9pm.
Where
The entire retail store, deli serving area and interior seating area will receive a fresh new coat of paint.
Timeline
If all goes as planned, our painting project should be finished by February 20.
Will Store Hours Change?
No. We will be painting from 9pm to 5am.
Explore citrus!
Looking to explore some new citrus varieties? Know more before you go! Check out the many types of sweet, sour and somewhere in between that you can enjoy at the Co-op! (Availability may vary due to seasonality.)
Taste for Life winter wellness giveaway
It's a month of giveaways from Taste for Life!
Giveaway #1 has finished up - so it's time for #2! This giveaway runs 1/27-2/2, so sign up below.
This package includes: NOW's Sabucus Zinc-C lozenges, Mushroom Wisdom's SX-Fraction, Bluebonnet's Stress Release formula, ChildLife's First Defense immune formula, Vitafusion's Organic Women's Multi vitamin, Quantum Health's Eye Health supplement, Kyo-Green Sprouts Blend digestion supplement, Solgar's full spectrum Curcumin supplement, and Solgar's No. 7 joint comfort supplement.
Rogue Co-ops College Scholarship
As part of the Rogue Co-ops, a group of Rogue Valley cooperative businesses that includes Ashland Food Co-op, Grange Co-op, Medford Food Co-op, and Rogue Credit Union, we're excited to offer a scholarship opportunity to local high school students planning on attending college.
The Rogue Co-ops have collectively funded a $2,000 scholarship (and Grange Co-op offers an additional eight $1,500 scholarships) for students (in public, private or home school settings) who meet the following requirements:
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.
Sustainability Update: Building on a Strong Foundation
Sustainability Update
Our team has been working on many different projects throughout the year, taking great steps to fulfill our four sustainability goals. Our four goals to achieve by 2030 are: carbon neutrality, zero waste, eliminating toxic chemicals, and being a leader in our sustainable community. We look forward to our sustainable success in the upcoming decade!
2020: A vision for the future through Co-ops and local food
As the 2010s come to a close, the “20/20” eyesight analogy couldn’t be more appropriate for the new decade. With our eye on the future, there’s clearly a sense of urgency and awareness of the unique times we’re living in: a changing climate, increases in costs of living, and the shared pressures of a globalized world.