January 1st, 2024

January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program

Hey Co-op community!

As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.

Not only does the AHS Culinary Arts program help students obtain their Oregon Food Handler licenses, but it also provides multiple years of programs for students to hone their culinary skills and fosters an environment where creativity and passion for cooking can thrive. Formally known as the Career and Technical Education Culinary and Hospitality program, this ACF-accredited initiative is not just about teaching cooking; it's about shaping the future of our local culinary scene.

While state and federal funding support the program with industry-grade equipment, there's a gap when it comes to consumables. This is where the Ashland High School Culinary Program faces a challenge. Thanks to the collaboration with the Ashland Food Co-op and AHAA, we are working together to fill this gap, ensuring these students have the chance to work with relevant, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Let's take a moment to applaud the accomplishments of these aspiring chefs. In 2023, they clinched victory at the Ashland Culinary Festival Jr. Chef Competition, crafted delectable treats for the Ashland Schools Foundation Monster Dash, and served up culinary delights to over 300 attendees at the Winter Fine Arts Festival.

This January, every purchase you make at the Ashland Food Co-op can contribute to the success of the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program. Simply round up your total at the register, and your spare change will go towards providing these students with the best ingredients and opportunities for their culinary journey.

Let's come together as a community and support the future chefs of Ashland. Change for Good starts with you!

More Co-op News

August 27th, 2020

Change for Good in September: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy

For the month of September, Ashland Food Co-op shoppers can round up at the register to support Southern Oregon Land Conservancy. Since 1973, SOLC has been working on multiple fronts to improve land quality and conservation for humans and nature alike. Check out some of the projects below that SOLC has been working on recently. And mark your calendar for Saturday, October 24, as SOLC hosts an Open Lands Day hike and tour on the Rogue River Preserve.

August 5th, 2020

Chatting about community giving with JPR's "Jefferson Exchange"

Recently, Julie O'Dwyer, Ashland Food Co-op board vice-president, joined a panel of guests on Jefferson Public Radio's "Jefferson Exchange" to discuss how the pandemic has led to an even greater need for community giving and support of local non-profits.

JPR logo

July 7th, 2020

Get to know Ashland Emergency Food Bank

The sixth cooperative principle, "Concern for Community," has become even more important since the pandemic began and economies, locally and globally, started to constrict. To address this, the Board of Directors agreed in April to release 100% of patronage dividends and designate Ashland Emergency Food Bank as a donation option for those dividends - resulting in over $20,000 in donations. And with the early launch of Change for Good register round-up, AEFB was a natural choice to receive round-up donations. 

June 15th, 2020

2020 Co-op Election Results

2020 Co-op Election Results

Ashland Food Co-op owners voted for three open seats on the Board of Directors, and for ten non-profit organizations for the Change for Good register round-up program.

Click a name below to read more about that Co-op Board member.

May 26th, 2020

Co-op Owners Step-Up to Support the Ashland Emergency Food Bank!

AFC and AEFB Press Release - Local Strength!

Release Date: 5-26-2020

In April, the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors announced to the community that the Co-op would be returning 100% of the 2019 Patronage Dividend to its owners. The 100% Patronage Dividend return to Co-op owners converted to over $628,000.

The Co-op Board felt in this time of great need it was not the right time for the Co-op to put away funds for the future, but rather to support owners fully so they may have more strength to weather these stormy times.

May 20th, 2020

Free Monday Night Lectures - virtual and recorded

Thanks to the many agile and adaptable experts in the Rogue Valley, the much-loved Free Monday Night Lectures live on - even if everything is moving online.

While we miss seeing community members with a joy of learning showing up at the Co-op Classroom, we hope these recordings teach and inspire you. 

 

May 8th, 2020

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.

May 4th, 2020

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.