![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2023-10/AFC-Cheryl-McIntosh-Photography-6%20Exterior%20%281%29.jpg?itok=h5eCrz8p)
It's Co-op Month!
OK, you've got us, every month is Co-op Month here at AFC! But every October since 1964, cooperatives of all kinds have celebrated the cooperative difference. Here at the Ashland Food Co-op, we're excited to recognize the history, benefits, and principles behind our own co-op.
Co-ops are community-focused businesses that are owned and democratically controlled by their members. As a food co-op, the Ashland Food Co-op is committed to serving our owners and providing access to healthy, sustainable food and products. Our roots stretch back to 1973 when a group of neighbors banded together to bring wholesome food to the community. You can read more about the history of AFC here.
For 50 years, the Ashland Food Co-op has lived out the seven cooperative principles - voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education and training, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. We work hard to embody these values year-round.
As a co-op, we are invested in the wellbeing of our members, employees, and community. Together, we work to build an inclusive, sustainable local food system. Thank you for supporting the Ashland Food Co-op - we look forward to celebrating with you this October!
More Co-op News
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-10/SOCAN-BlogCover.png?itok=aTB9YunN)
November Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
November Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Climate Action Now
November's Change for Good Partner is
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-10/Texture_Blue%20Watercolor_iStock-531321454.jpg?itok=l5QSVl-m)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-09/Change%20for%20Good%20post%20-%20A%20%283%29.png?itok=i4MyPB3O)
October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-08/Change%20for%20Good%20post%20-%20A%20%282%29.png?itok=g0CNdX9z)
September Change for Good Partner: Center for NonProfit Legal Services
September's Change for Good Partner is
Center for NonProfit Legal Services
The Center for NonProfit Legal Services has provided free/low-cost civil legal assistance to low-income persons and seniors residing in Jackson County since 1972.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-07/Change%20for%20Good%20post%20-%20A%20%282%29.png?itok=7ekgsjZ-)
August Change for Good Partner: Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
August's Change for Good Partner is
Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
(KS Wild)
KS Wild's mission is to protect and restore wild nature in the Klamath-Siskiyou region of southwest Oregon and northwest California.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-06/Smoke%20Safety_Header-01.png?itok=ww2bqC5v)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-06/Change%20for%20Good%20post%20-%20A.png?itok=XZW-tE9f)
July Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
July's Change for Good Partner is
Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
Protecting and enhancing precious land in the Rogue River region
to benefit our human and natural communities since 1978
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!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-05/6.png?itok=vGEyrYWi)
June Change for Good Recipient: Our Family Farms
June's Change for Good Recipient is
Our Family Farms, an Oregon 501(c)3 non profit organization, is hard at work educating and inspiring farmers, policy makers and the community at large to support regenerative agricultural practices.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-05/Ashland-Food-Co-op-Marketing-and-Education-Manager-Tracy-Kaiser-with-Daughter-1024x680.jpg?itok=4oxLMbir)
Capiche Conversations: Interview with Tracy Kaiser, Marketing & Education Manager of Ashland Food Co-op
Our own marketing manager, Tracy Kaiser, was interviewed by Melissa L. Michaels for Capiche Conversations.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-05/MayDayBlockPartyHeader.jpg?itok=OQF3fnsT)
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.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-04/Change%20for%20Good%20post%20-%20A_0.png?itok=vsVbVFF4)
May Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Farm to School
May's Change for Good Recipient is
Rogue Valley Farm to School educates children about our food system through hands-on farm and garden programs, and by increasing local foods in school meals.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-04/Change%20for%20Good%20post%20-%20A%20%281%29.png?itok=d-2j5nkZ)
April Change for Good Recipient: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
April's Change for Good Recipient is
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-03/Youtube%20Thumbnails%20%283%29.png?itok=MGSbHETs)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/blog/2021-03/3.png?itok=HOx99lic)
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.