Update as of March 15th, 2022: Oregon Health Authority no longer requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings.

Update as of August 13th, 2021: Oregon Health Authority requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings in response to a large jump in COVID-19 hospitalizations due to the Delta variant of the virus. We require face coverings to be worn by all shoppers, employees, vendors, contractors, and other visitors. Designated Priority Shopping hour resumes for vulnerable community members from 7:00 am to 8:00 am daily. Our eGrocery curbside pick-up program resumes on our website on Friday for pick-up on Monday, August 16th with a $10 service charge. Due to labor shortages, please reserve this program for high-risk shoppers.

 

Update as of July 28th,  2021: Oregon Health Authority recommends universal public mask use for all public indoor settings. In response to a large jump in cases due to the Delta variant. This recommendation includes fully vaccinated people.

Update as of June 30th, 2021: Face coverings and social distancing are no longer required for Co-op shoppers. Employees will continue to adhere to OSHA standards that require face coverings and social distancing. Thank you for your support and patience throughout!

 

The Ashland Food Co-op acknowledges and shares our community’s concerns about protecting against the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The safety and health of staff and customers is a top priority for the Co-op. We are taking proactive steps throughout our store to maintain a clean atmosphere to work and shop.

Click here for a Dec 6, 2020 update on a positive COVID-19 test

 

We have consolidated store changes below.
 

Hours of operation:

• 7-8am: priority shopping for vulnerable community members.
• Store hours remain 7am-9pm.
• The AFC Kitchen and hot bar closes at 8pm. You can now order ahead from the kitchen online.

Before entering the store:

• All staff and shoppers in the store must wear a mask or face covering. Free temporary masks are available at the Customer Service Desk. 
• Reusable grocery bags are allowed if you bag your own groceries.
• Sanitizing wipes are available at all cart stations.
• Please do not hang out or otherwise loiter in the Co-op courtyard or store.

In the store:

• Aisles are one way -
  Please follow the "one way" stickers on the store floor to help maintain distance in aisles.
• A no-touch hand sanitizer dispenser is located at the Information Desk and to the right of the exit doors.
• As of April 20th, 2021 reusable bulk and produce bags are acceptable.
  • The $.02 charge on plastic produce bags will resume- effective April 22nd, 2021.
• Bulk nut butters are being individually packaged and stored in the bulk cooler.
• Please help protect cashiers and yourself by bagging your own groceries, if you are able.
• Plexiglass barriers have been installed to help protect cashiers and shoppers where social distancing isn't possible.
  
• You'll find social distancing reminder stickers at checkout stands and throughout the store. Thanks for helping to share your space.
  

Co-op Kitchen:

• No outside mugs or containers are permitted.
• Indoor seating is currently closed.
• The hot bar, salad bar and soup bar are no longer self-service; Co-op employees will help to box your meal to-go.
• Self-serve coffee is no longer available.
• The Co-op has increased the number of items available as “Grab & Go” selections.

Special orders & returns:

Special orders are being accepted. Product returns are permitted as of April 20th, 2021.

Classes, events and sales:

• Free Monday Night Lectures are being held online most weeks. Check the Events page for more coming up.
• Links to information providing illness prevention steps and facts about COVID-19 can be found below.

  World Health Organization (WHO)
  United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
  Jackson County Public Health Advisory
   

  covid

Cloth masks for staff

Led by board member Julie O'Dwyer, a group of Co-op friends worked hard over several days to make two cloth masks for each employee, in accordance with new recommendations from the CDC and OHA.
Thanks to these selfless, thoughtful community members for their contributions to everyone's safety:
Joe Dunbar - 200 masks at a discounted price; Erin McConnell - 45 masks and counting; Erica Thompson - 30 masks; board member Trine Ostergaard - 30 masks; Jenni Presley - 7 masks; Christine Begley - 30 masks.