
Change for Good
2020 was the first year of the Change for Good partnership, a register round-up program to benefit a monthly slate of organizations, voted on by Co-op owners, through the cumulative donations of shoppers choosing to round-up their shopping total to the nearest dollar.
This is a recording of an informational webinar that is sharing information on our Change for Good program, the application process, and timeline.
Our Change for Good Application deadline is ๐ต:๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฝ๐บ, ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ญ๐ณ๐๐ต, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ญ.
The application can be found in the Change for Good section of our AFC Gives webpage
To learn more about AFC Gives and its funding programs, please visit ashlandfood.coop/afcgives
Here are some highlights from the webinar:
Organizations must:
โข Have documented tax-exempt status to be eligible
โข Have a Co-op member listed in the Organization or on the Board of Directors
โข Meet at least one of the AFC Gives priorities (detailed below)
โข Operate in Jackson or Josephine Counties
Featured Change for Good organizations will be required to:
โข Offer an info table at the Coop for two hours, twice per month (on hold until Covid distancing is lifted)
โข Provide marketing images and info for the Co-op's:
- Weekly Sales Flyer (pending available real estate on flyer/insert)
- Social Media posts (2)
- E-Mail Blasts (2)
- Printed Posters in Store (TBD)
- Customer Displays (at each register and a larger display on the Community Monitor above the soup bar)
โข Provide a brief explanation of the organization's mission and work (for cashiers' interactions with customers)
โข Media:
- Logo (AI or high-quality PNG)
- 4-8 photos/videos/other content to share in marketing channels.
- Any projects, stories or other information you'd like the Co-op to highlight.
- An email (and optional social media postings) to your list encouraging your supporters to round-up for Change for Good during your featured month.
For 2021, we are looking for nonprofit organizations to partner monthly with the Co-op and its owners in support of five priorities:
- ๐quity, ๐iversity, ๐nclusion - Support for organizations that specifically focus on increasing diversity, supporting equity and inclusion and educate the public on anti-racism.
- ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ก๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ - Support for housing and homelessness; providing for food, shelter, and clothing; and addressing the needs of children in or on the edge of poverty.
- ๐๐น๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ - Support for developing climate resiliency and sustainability.
- ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต๐ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ - Increasing the awareness and viability of local food producers and support for sustainable agriculture.
- ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ - Highlighting the arts and cultural programs that bring awareness to the coop principles of community, equity, and sustainability.
Applications will require an explanation of how the work of your organization addresses one or more of these priorities.
More Co-op News

Co-op, Community and Coffee
We are thrilled to announce that the Ashland Food Co-op has purchased the Rogue Valley Roasting Company (RoCo) from longtime owner, Dustin Way.

May Change for Good: Our Family Farms
This month, the Ashland Food Co-op is proud to annouce our Change for Good partner, Our Family Farms, an organization dedicated to safeguarding our agricultural heritage and promoting regenerative organic practices.

A Closer Look at Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festivities and delicious Mexican cuisine (and who doesnโt love both of those things?). At the Ashland Food Co-op, it's important for us to approach this celebration mindfully and with a cultural understanding.



March Change for Good: KS Wild
As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner โ KS Wild, an organization dedicated to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Oregon. At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making KS Wild the perfect ally in our ongoing quest for positive change.
What is KS Wild?

February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Climate
As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly vital to support organizations dedicated to creating positive environmental impacts. This February, Ashland Food Co-op proudly introduces Rogue Climate as its Change for Good partner. Join us in supporting their mission to empower Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change.

January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program
Hey Co-op community!
As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.

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.