AFC and AEFB Press Release - Local Strength!

Release Date: 5-26-2020

In April, the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors announced to the community that the Co-op would be returning 100% of the 2019 Patronage Dividend to its owners. The 100% Patronage Dividend return to Co-op owners converted to over $628,000.

The Co-op Board felt in this time of great need it was not the right time for the Co-op to put away funds for the future, but rather to support owners fully so they may have more strength to weather these stormy times.

Co-op owners were invited to use any amount of their dividend to support the needs of their family, friends and community. The Co-op team created a convenient option for owners to donate all or a portion of their patronage dividend to the Ashland Emergency Food Bank (AEFB), a local non-profit which supports Ashland and Talent residents or people who work or worked in Ashland prior to COVID-19.

Within a three week period of time, over $16,000 was donated by Co-op owners. The AEFB Board of Directors were deeply moved by the generosity and support of their local community. They quickly made the decision to use the $16,000 towards buying locally grown produce and organic products.

George Kramer, AEFB Board President, and Tracy Kaiser, Marketing and Education Manager for the Co-op, have been brainstorming new ways to partner on programs and strengthen their support for local farmers and producers. CSA opportunities, simple cooking classes and community meal kits are just a few of their thoughts.

In February, the Co-op hired Prepared Foods Manager, Chef Reagan Roach. Reagan was a key leader in developing a Farm to Table concept prior to his position at the Co-op. Reagan is passionate about sourcing local products for the Co-op and will be supporting the AEFB team and Tracy on their locally sourced programs.

Now more than ever, the Co-op way of “stronger together” has never been so empowering for our earth, our local economy and our local organizations who support making our community healthier!

“The Ashland Emergency Food Bank would like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival employees and our local restaurant staff to know - we are in this together and we are here for you! We recognize our food insecure community may change quickly in the next few months," states George Kramer from AEFB. More than ever, this is why partnerships with the Co-op and other local organizations are key to keeping our community healthy.