Co-op + Community = A Perfect Match
At the Co-op, we are all about community. After all, YOU are why we are here and providing healthy, organic food to the Rogue Valley.
As a cooperative enterprise, there are seven principles we follow. We use them as guidlines to put our values into practice. Principle 7, Concern for Community, affords us the opportunity to give back to local nonprofits that do so much good in this beautiful place we call home.
This year, we donated $24,040 to 32 area nonprofit organizations at our annual Community Grants Dinner. The Community Grant Program is the highlight of Principle 7 and the most visible way we give back to the community.
Each year, the Co-op Board of Directors set aside a small percentage of sales from the previous year to fund the program. There are four categories for grants: environmental stewardship, environmental/sustainability education, education programs focused on food, nutrition and health, and food or supportive services for people in need.
The maximum grant any nonprofit can receive is $1,500. The Grant Committee, which includes AFC board members, staff, and community members, reviewed all grants and allocated the funds.
Congratulations to the following nonprofits who received Community Grants this funding cycle.
Ashland Food Angels
Southern Oregon Education Service District Migrant Education Program
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
Klamath Bird Observatory
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley
Options for Homeless Residents of Ashland (OHRA)
Ashland Parks Foundation, on behalf of North Mountain Park Nature Center
Natives of One Wind Indigenous Alliance ~ Red Earth Descendants
Children's Advocacy Center of Jackson County
Rogue River School District #35
Outdoor Discovery Program Parent Advisory Committee
Multicultural Association of Southern Oregon/KSKQ Community Radio
Rogue Community College Foundation
ACCESS
Ashland Middle School- Rain and Fire-Wise Garden
Civil Liberties Defense Center
Asante Ashland Community Hospital
Pacifica, A Garden in the Siskiyous
Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
Southern Oregon Regional Environmental Education Leaders
Bellview Grange #759
White Oak Farm and Education Center
Lotus Rising Project
Bee Girl
Ashland Middle School- School-Wide Composting Project
The Siskiyou Field Institute
Southern Oregon University Foundation
The Family Nurturing Center
Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Rose Circle Mentoring Network
Rogue Climate
Lomakatsi Restoration Project
The next funding cycle for Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grant program will begin in February 2017.
More Co-op News
April Change for Good Recipient: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
April's Change for Good Recipient is
A Visit with Rolling Hills
Visit Rolling Hills Farm and learn more about owner Dave Belzberg, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than thirty five years.
A Visit with Magnolia Farms
Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Visit with Emerald Hills
Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker
Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.
March Change for Good Recipient: North Mountain Park Nature Center
March's Change for Good Recipient is
North Mountain Park Nature Center,
a division of Ashland Parks and Recreation, that encompasses demonstration gardens, a nature playground, and approximately 14 acres of Natural Area that is managed for wildlife preservation and public education.
February Change for Good Recipient: Ashland High Arts Advocates
January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring
Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.
Coronavirus Preparedness at the Co-op
Update as of March 15th, 2022: Oregon Health Authority no longer requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings.
Shopping Safely & Efficiently
As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees.
To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.
In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out:
10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times
By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.
Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.
Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers
To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask.
From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror
By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee
Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk?
November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges
It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered.