February Change for Good: BASE Southern Oregon

This February, Ashland Food Co-op is proud to support BASE Southern Oregon as our Change for Good partner! BASE (Black Alliance & Social Empowerment) is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black residents in Southern Oregon through events, resources, and advocacy.

Your donations at the register all month long will help BASE continue their impactful work, and there are plenty of ways to get involved! Here’s what’s coming up:

2nd Annual Black Art Showcase | Now – February 21

📍 Rogue Gallery & Art Center, Medford

This powerful exhibit, themed "Journeys of Resistance: Voices in Art," features works by Black artists of all ages. Stop by to experience the creativity, resilience, and history of the Black community through diverse artistic expressions. Join us at the closing reception on February 21 for artist talks and community conversations!

Film Screening: Farming While Black | February 20

📍 Varsity Theater, Ashland | 7 PM

Join us for a special screening of Farming While Black, featuring Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm. This film dives into the rich legacy of Black farmers and food justice activism. All ticket proceeds go directly to BASE! Grab your tickets today.

BASE Inaugural Fundraising Gala | February 28

📍 Ashland Hills Hotel

Celebrate and support BASE at their first-ever fundraising gala! It’s an evening of connection, empowerment, and community, with all proceeds funding programs like youth mentorship, cultural events, and advocacy efforts. Reserve your spot now! Want to donate an auction item? Contact Darice Johnson at [email protected].

Black-Owned Business Directory

Did you know the Rogue Valley has dozens of Black-owned businesses? From restaurants to wellness services, the BASE Business Directory highlights local Black entrepreneurs. Explore and support these businesses here: BASEOregon.org/directory.

Together, we can help BASE continue to create a more inclusive, thriving Southern Oregon. Round up at the register all month long to support their mission!

More Co-op News

Meet the 1st Street Beet


Welcome to the newly redesigned and reimagined newsletter from the Ashland Food Co-op: 1st Street Beet.
Think of this publication as a resource to know what’s going on in every level of the community: at the co-op, around town, in the region, and on Earth!

May Day Community Block Party

Photography by Chelsea Whitney Art

On May 1st, several Southern Oregon businesses came together for a block party to provide a space to gather as a community after a rough spell due to the pandemic and fires. The May Day Block Party was hosted on Main St in Phoenix, where the scent of food trucks mingled with artisan goods such as local cheeses, locally farmed flowers, and even fresh-baked pastries.

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.