A dozen local favorites to explore this summer
The Co-op has always had a focus on supporting the strong local scene of growers and producers - and in these times, it's even more important. Here is just a small selection of some of our favorites from the area. Help support local businesses next time you stop by the Co-op by picking one of these products.
Siskiyou Seeds
With growing season upon us, it's a good time to get planting! Grown locally, organically, and without any GMOs, these are seeds with proven success in the region.
Fry Family Farm flowers
By buying flowers locally, you can be sure of a long-lasting display of peak blooms. Always cut in-season to reflect the Rogue Valley's beauty.
Blue Fox Farm greens
From start to finish, Blue Fox Farm focuses on quality: from seed to harvest to packing, everything takes place on the farm. Sustainable, Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth, and certified Salmon-Safe.
Pennington Farms fig conserve
Sustainably grown berries and fruits grown by the Pennington family - plus they do muffins, pies, ice cream, and flowers!
Banyan Botanicals' ayurvedic herbs & oils
As the first USDA certified organic Ayurvedic massage and herbal oils, Banyan Botanicals focuses on providing high-quality products and education on Ayurveda. Get support from a 5,000 year old tradition by exploring their entire line.
Luna Verde Designs felted soap
From our neighbors in Northern California, this felted soap is vegan, with a coconut & olive oil base. Luna Verde comes from a permaculture mini-farm where they also offer classes in McCloud, CA.
Mix breads
Already an Ashland favorite, these breads are minimally processed to create rustic, irresistible loaves.
Pie + Vine pizza crusts and focaccia
Scratch-made Italian breads are just one of Pie + Vine's specialties. Enjoy on its own, or as a base for a personal pizza.
Walkabout Brewing beers
With over 20 years experience brewing in Southern Oregon, you can't go wrong with a classic like the Worker’s Pale Ale or Jabberwocky English Strong Ale. Well-balanced and highly enjoyable, these could be your go-to summer brew.
Apple Outlaw ciders
You may know Apple Outlaw because of our collaboration on the annual Community Cider, made from donated backyard apples and pears. They also do a lot of other unique ciders which stand out on their own.
Quady North wine-in-a-can
An always-enjoyable local winemaker, Quady North is now offering some of their classics in a can. Take one with you for your next mountain summit adventure.
Upper Five wines
Upper Five is unique for its certified-biodynamic vineyards, for ethical and sustainable land stewardship, and natural winemaking process, using native yeasts.
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.