Feed an (Italian) army with Co+op Basics
My Italian Grandmother’s heart swells every time she sees my well-stocked pantry. I am prepared to feed an army at a moment’s notice, and sometimes that actually happens with my big family. But what my Grandma doesn’t know is how much I save by stocking my pantry with Co+op Basics products.
From nuts to pasta to olive oil to broths, all are on standby in my pantry looking forward to when they join a pot to make a yummy meal. My well stocked rice, quinoa, vinegar, dressings and beans eagerly await the day they will become a salad in that new ceramic bowl they’ve been making googly eyes with. All of these are Co+op Basics products and are going to save you heaps of money.
What is Co+op Basics?
Through the National Co+op Grocers, we have pooled our buying strength with over 150 food co-ops across the country to negotiate lower prices on essential daily products. When we save, you save, so we introduced Co+op Basics. Co+op Basics offers 260 staple food and household items at or below suggested retail cost.
But we decided to take it one step further. Our department managers said, "This is good, but we can do better." On top of the NCG negotiated low prices, each department at the Co-op has chosen popular must-have items and reduced their price (often dramatically) to give you more savings at the register.
From the pantry to medicine cabinet, Co+op Basics can save you money in every part of your home.
The Refrigerator
It’s where you start your day. Half-asleep, you prepare breakfast. You make coffee, scramble some eggs with splash of milk, sprinkle with cheese, and grab a yogurt and an apple for a mid morning snack. Guess what? All of these items are on Co+op Basics.
Beyond breakfast, Co+op Basics foods are also staple at my Sunday family dinners. Imagine feeding 50 Italians on linguini and meatball night? Thankfully, I can and not break the bank. From grass-fed beef to pasta sauce, almost the entire meal is cooked with Co+op Basics products.
Tip: Shop the purple Co+op Basics tags AND use your 10% owner's discount for extra savings. With the combined savings, you’re often getting your items below cost. Now that's exciting!
The Pantry
I learned at an early age that a pantry should be filled with a family’s favorite canned tomatoes and pasta for weekly marinara night. There’s nothing better than being the one who gets to choose which shape pasta the family will eat that night. From pasta sauces to olives to linguine to spaghetti to fusilli and penne, these staple Co+op Basic products make dinner fun and delicious.
Tip: Did you know that you can save 70% when you buy Co+op Basics pinto beans in bulk versus canned? And that you can save 55% when you buy quinoa in bulk versus a box off the shelf? Yes please!
The Bathroom
Shampoo, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper and tissues are all home essentials we’ve cut prices on to pass those savings to you. Interested in taking healthy supplements? Fill your medicine cabinet with over 80 Wellness items on Co+op Basics.
Tip: If your wellness/body care products total $100 or more, you get a 10% discount on those products. This happens automatically at the register for owners and non-owners. Imagine buying $100 of Co+op Basics wellness/body care products, getting your 10% wellness discount AND adding your 10% owners discount- we’re practically paying you to take those products home.
Storage Closet
Storage closets offer a central place to store our household items. Growing families will be happy to know that we have diapers, wipes, formula and baby food at reduced prices on our Co+op Basics program. In my family, we’re in love with Sappo Hill Soap. It’s in our shower, kitchen sink, bathroom sink and I’m pretty sure my husband sleeps with a few under his pillow. It’s local, has only a few ingredients and it’s on Co+op Basics.
Tip: Keep an eye out for manufacture coupons on Co+op Basic items. I buy my favorite Co+op Basic dish soap when it has a manufacturer’s coupon and it’s the best price in town.
Learn first hand how to plan and prep budget friendly meals using Co+op Basics products. Sign up for our Co+op Basics Cooking Class this Wednesday, September 28 at 6:30pm. FREE to Co-op Owners. Can’t make it then? We’ll offer another class after the first of the year. Stay tuned!
More Co-op News
An update on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op
By Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management intern
Open letter from AFC Board on Coronavirus Policies
The Ashland Food Co-op has played a critical role supporting our community for nearly 50 years by providing healthy food and a safe place to shop. With the recent COVID-19 shutdown, this support has been even more important and has stretched our organization in ways that we could not have anticipated. We have endeavored to address the needs of both our staff and our customers, hopefully in the most cooperative manner.
Owner Voting on 2020 Co-op Board & more
As an owner of the Ashland Food Co-op, you are an important decision-maker in the leadership of the Co-op! A vital part of your ownership is voting for the Board of Directors.
On the ballot: Vote for Board Candidates and Change for Good Organizations
Vote for Board Candidates
This year, four candidates are nominated for three Board positions: each elected Board director will serve a three-year term. The candidates are Ed Claassen, Mark Gibbs, Carolina Livi and Julie O'Dywer.
2020 Annual Meeting for Owners
Mark the evening of May 13 at 5pm on your calendar and join us for the 2020 AFC Annual Meeting. We’ll host the meeting online using Google Hangouts. Please click here to join the meeting, or call in at this number:
+1 617-675-4444
PIN: 719 680 293 2056#
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.
Unwavering Spirit in a Time of Change
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
It’s been two months since my last update on our Co-op community, but it could just as well have been two years ago, or from an alternate reality! Needless to say, life at the Co-op has changed, and it hasn’t been easy for employees or shoppers. But despite the challenges, it has been an inspiring and reaffirming time that reminds us why we love the cooperative enterprise.
Staying Sustainable in A Changing World
By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator
In the midst of a health crisis, how can we focus on sustainability? Let’s be real - these are tough times!
What does sustainability look like now? I like to refer to the definition of sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. How can we meet the needs of the present, while keeping the future in mind?
Democracy and Co-ops
By Annie Hoy, Board Director
This month, AFC Owners will democratically elect a slate of board candidates. These candidates are co-op owners, just like you and me. By holding annual elections, co-ops around the world and close to home are expressing Cooperative Principle 2: Democratic Member Control.
2019 Patronage Dividends are available now
From the Board of Directors:
This year, the Co-op Board of Directors is taking unprecedented action to distribute 100% of the over $628,000 2019 Patronage Dividend to our owners. In this time of great need, there is no holding back. This is not the moment to put away funds for the future, but rather to support our owners fully so that we may all have more strength to weather the storm.
Beans from Scratch
Michelle isn't serving up samples right now, so she's serving up kitchen tips instead! Here's her tried and true approach to cooking dry beans, plus some extra tips for upping your flavor, saving time, and cook other legumes. (Ingredients and modifications are below the video.)
Ingredients
Tips to Stay Safe and Limit Waste
By Mahlea Rasmussen, Education Coordinator
Inspired by Bea Johnson's Zero Waste Home
We are in uncertain times and some of you may be second-guessing some of your zero waste practices and replacing them with safety measures for you and your family. I was proud not to have chemical cleaners in my home and never used plastic gloves - but now those products are being suggested for staying clean and safe. Here are some tips to keep your home safe while working towards more sustainability.
Ashland Food Co-op employees are heroes, worthy of respect and gratitude
Until a crisis like this occurs, few think of Grocers as essential service providers. However, our employees have been here day in and day out, risking their health and the safety of their loved ones, to provide food for our community. This is not a job that can be done from home or from what is now considered a safe social distance. Our employees have worked with the utmost professionalism, care, and concern for shopper well-being.
Meet Reagan Roach, AFC Executive Chef & Prepared Foods Manager
The Co-op's general manager, Emile Amorotico, sat down with the newest addition to the co-op's management team, Reagan Roach. Get to know Reagan in the interview below - and say hi when you see him in store!
5 Things You Didn't Know the Co-op Carries for Cold, Flu & Immune Protection
- Wishgarden Herbs - Kick Ass Immune: Your total frontline immune defense!
- Oshala Farm - Oshala Fire Cider: Locally made in the Applegate. It tastes so good you could craft a healthy dressing with this fire cider!
- Mickelberry Gardens - Elderberry: Great Immune support for kids and adults. Made in Oregon.
