
February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Farm Corps
February's Change for Good Partner is
local nonprofit Rogue Farm Corps
Rogue Farm Corps envisions a world in which land is deeply cared for, power is equitably shared, and farms, ranches, and the people who work them flourish.
Rogue Farm Corps trains and equips the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on educational programs and the preservation of farmland. They operate throughout Oregon and were founded here in the Rogue Valley almost 20 years ago.
RFC’s newest program is Farm Launch, born from the recognition of how daunting it is for many new farmers to start a business and navigate the process of securing land tenure. Each year from October to March, Farm Launch provides in-depth technical support to a cohort of 10 beginning farmers and ranchers who will take the next steps towards accessing land and establishing their farm businesses.
Alongside Farm Launch, we also now provide business support services to our Farmer Training Program graduates. Hot topics include business structures and formation, setting up accounting systems, product pricing, business banking, establishing recordkeeping systems, and writing business plans.
One such graduate who we worked with last year, Corinne Stephens, operates Pistil Flowers in Grants Pass. Corinne shares, “The RFC grad support has been tremendously helpful in providing feedback and resources for my next steps forward as a farming business. The overall support I have received this season has really empowered me to keep going with my farming dreams and goals. I have gained so much clarity and insight and feel confident pursuing my goals with the guidance from this program. I am grateful to be a part of this network and community!”
Rogue Farm Corps trains and equips the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on educational programs and the preservation of farmland.
Values:
Stewardship - protecting farmland and promoting agricultural practices that restore water, soil and biodiversity.
Mentorship - sharing knowledge and experience across generations through hands-on, experiential education and learning.
Collaboration - joining forces with partners and allies to advance shared goals and act together for a livable future.
Systemic change - addressing disparities in the food system to achieve equitable access to education, training, land, and capital, and building diverse, adaptable communities able to thrive in a changing climate.
Interested in becoming a host farm, applying for internship or apprenticeships, or learning more about Rogue Farm Corps?
Visit roguefarmcorps.org
Rogue Farm Corps was voted on by our owners in our 2021 election to be a Change for Good Partner.
Through the cumulative register round up donations over the course of this month ~ our shoppers will help support this local nonprofit organization and the work that they are doing in our community.
The AFC Gives committee focuses on ways that the Co-op community can support local organizations and groups doing important work in the Rogue Valley.
2020 was the first year of Change for Good, a register round-up program to benefit a slate of ten organizations, voted on by Co-op owners, through the cumulative donations of shoppers choosing to round-up their shopping total to the nearest dollar.
From one cent to 99 cents, it all adds up to feeling good about supporting the community.
More Co-op News

Bicycle Benefits
Do you love to bike? Do you love to save money? Do you love the Co-op? Let us tell you about this awesome program at the Ashland Food Co-op! We all know biking is great for the environment and by joining Bicycle Benefits you'll be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, all while enjoying some pretty sweet perks.
So, what exactly is Bicycle Benefits? It's a program that rewards cyclists for their pedal power! Here's how it works:
1. Stop by the Co-op and buy your $5 Bicycle Benefits sticker
April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President

March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:

Frederick Douglass And Co-ops in 1846
When Douglass Came to Rochdale, England a Slave and Left a Free Man
By David J Thompson

February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:


January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels

December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.

November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program

October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
AFC Gives Community Fund

September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.


July Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels

June Change for Good Partner: Maslow Project

Celebrate Ashland Food Co-op's 50th Anniversary
Ashland Food Co-op has been a staple in our community for 50 years and invites you to celebrate this anniversary with them on June 3rd, 2022 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, at the AFC employee parking lot for dancing, food, face painting and more!
Music by Eight Dollar Mountain and Wild and Blue.
Siano's Karibbean Cookhouse, Walkabout Brewing Co. and Rogue Kombucha will be joining us with delicious food and beverages available for purchase.