Celebrating National Co-op Month
Celebrating Co-op Month
October is National Co-op Month! And at the Ashland Food Co-op we’ve had the pleasure of seeing firsthand how co-ops really do build a better world, starting right here in our community. The entire month of October - with the support of the US Department of Agriculture - highlights the importance of co-ops as a hub of democracy, community building, and circular economic practices.
In fact, 2025 has been historically named The Year of the Cooperatives. Being or becoming an AFC Owner means more than just saving money when you shop. Owners are part of a community that values sustainability, supports local producers, and makes decisions together.
What's in It for You?
Patronage Dividends: Each year, AFC shares a portion of its profits with its owners. The more you shop, the more you earn back.
Owner Coupons: You get to save 10% on one whole purchase six times a year. That means six chances to load up on your favorite local products.
Education Discounts: Eager to learn more about cooking, gardening, or sustainability? Owners get $5 off classes and pay less for kids' camps. Knowledge gives you power… and costs less when you're an owner.
Community Involvement: Get involved in your community - vote in Board elections, join a committee, and have a say in how Ashland Food Co-op is run.
Why it Matters
We aren’t just a grocery store - we are a community that puts people before profits. When you become an owner, you back a system that cares about fairness, sustainability and environmental equity, and supporting local producers. Did you know that every dollar you spend at AFC creates three times the local economic effect compared to regular grocery stores?
Becoming an owner is straightforward:
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Complete the online form or reach out to owner services.
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Invest $100 once (or choose to make $10/month payments).
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Start enjoying all ownership perks right away.
There are over 1 billion co-op owners worldwide and over 29,000 co-ops in the US alone; this means 1 in every 3 Americans are involved in at least one cooperative. Each year we strive to reach greater heights with the help of our community partners and patrons. AFC appreciates your dedication and looks forward to a lifelong partnership with each individual who walks through our doors.
More Co-op News
No Hassle Holiday - Thanksgiving Dinner from the Co-op!
This Thanksgiving, let us take the hassle out of your holiday feast preparation!
November Change for Good: Rogue Food Unites
Say hello to our November Change for Good partner - Rogue Food Unites!
Rogue Food Unites (RFU) uses food to heal individuals and communities during times of crisis. RFU was formed in 2020 out of the dual disasters of the Almeda and Obenchain fires and the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities. Within a short time, RFU began contracting with the State of Oregon to supply hot meals, food boxes, and solidarity cards in Deschutes, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson Counties.
Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!
The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!
October Change for Good: Center for Non-Profit Legal Services
This October, the Ashland Food Co-op is proud to partner with the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services (CNPLS) for our Change for Good program. All month long, shoppers can round up their purchases to support CNPLS and their mission to provide access to justice.
CNPLS is a non-profit legal aid firm serving low-income and vulnerable community members in Ashland and surrounding areas. Their team of dedicated lawyers and volunteers work to ensure everyone has access to legal help, regardless of their ability to pay.
It's Co-op Month!
OK, you've got us, every month is Co-op Month here at AFC! But every October since 1964, cooperatives of all kinds have celebrated the cooperative difference. Here at the Ashland Food Co-op, we're excited to recognize the history, benefits, and principles behind our own co-op.
September Change for Good: AFC Community Fund
As we enter the beautiful month of September here in Southern Oregon, we're excited to share that our Change for Good partner this month is our very own Community Fund. As many of you know, the Community Fund allows us to support amazing local projects and organizations doing great work right here in Southern Oregon.
August Change for Good - Partnering with ACCESS to Make a Difference!
We are honored to partner with ACCESS this August - a fantastic organization that has been serving our community for over four decades. ACCESS, which stands for "A Community in Action, Connecting, Empowering, and Strengthening Self-Sufficiency," is dedicated to addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Southern Oregon.
Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program.
Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.
July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project
Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
Bicycle Benefits
Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.
May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City
Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.
April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner: