January’s Change for Good Partner – Community Works
At Ashland Food Co-op, we’re thrilled to kick off the new year by supporting Community Works, our January Change for Good partner. This incredible organization is dedicated to empowering individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence through crisis support, safe housing, and community outreach. Community Works provides services that are free, confidential, and open to all genders, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.
Here’s how Community Works is making a difference and how you can get involved:
Upcoming Events
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January 14th: Human Trafficking Film Screening and Panel
Join Community Works in Medford for a powerful event shedding light on the realities of human trafficking. Learn more and be part of the solution. -
March 12th: Start by Believing Community Event
Held at the Smullin Center in Medford, this event fosters a culture of belief and support for survivors in our community. -
April 26th: A Million Dreams Gala
Celebrate the incredible work of Community Works at this inspiring gala at the Rogue Valley Country Club.
Monthly Meetups
The Community Works Ambassadors group meets on the third Thursday of every month at a vineyard in Talent. These gatherings are open to the public, providing an opportunity to learn more about Community Works’ mission, connect with like-minded individuals, and find ways to support their work.
Why It Matters
Domestic and sexual violence impacts countless lives in our community, but organizations like Community Works are creating pathways to healing and safety. Their services ensure survivors have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives and thrive.
How You Can Help
By rounding up your purchases at Ashland Food Co-op this month, you’re directly supporting Community Works’ vital programs. Together, we can create a stronger, safer community for everyone.
Learn more about Community Works at community-works.org.
More Co-op News
Meet Pachamama Coffee Cooperative
By Lauren Taber, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative
Pachamama Coffee Cooperative started in 2001 with a few simple questions in mind: what would it look like to take Fair Trade a step further? How can coffee farmers be in direct relationship with end consumers in the United States?
We found that the answer was even simpler: cooperative ownership. Pachamama Coffee has been 100% farmer-owned since day one, and is currently owned by 140,000 small scale family farmers across the coffee producing regions of the world.
Community Cider Backyard Fruit Drive
How often can you browse the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, see a bottle of hand crafted, local cider and say, “Hey, I help make that!” Well, at the Co-op you can.
2018 Board Election Results
The AFC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the 2018 Board Election. There were three excellent candidates running for two Board positions. In total, 905 votes were cast.
Congratulations to the following candidates who will serve three-year terms on the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors.
Thank you for voting!
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Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes
By Barry Haynes, Store Manager
Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.
Beat the Heat
When the heat of summer takes over, it can be hard on our bodies and moods. Don’t let the scorching temps get you down, cool off with one of these refreshing Staff recommendations.
Report from the Board of Directors: Strategic Plan Update
By Jeff Golden, External Relations Committee Chair
Ashland Food Co-op is striding into the future with careful intention. We’re especially focused on the three top priorities of our strategic planning process, a collaboration of our board and management team. A quick update:
Riding off into the Sunset
By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager
Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.
Report from the General Manager and Board of Directors
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager and Ed Claassen, Board President
Ashland Food Co-op Signs Contract to Purchase Property
The Ashland Food Co-op expects to soon complete the purchase of an undeveloped lot at 120 Clear Creek Drive in Ashland. The parcel is located directly behind Ashland Lumber. This purchase is a major step in the Co-op’s vision for growing its downtown presence.
Staff Picks: Summer Hikes and Trail Snacks
Our staff loves to head outside and enjoy the gorgeous Oregon outdoors. Here's a few of their favorite trails and the Co-op snacks they like to take with them.
Be a Zero Waste Hero in Four Easy Steps
By Stephanie Koerella, Education Coordinator
Reducing our waste has continued to be of greater concern for Rogue Valley residents, especially since January, when options for recycling became even more limited. While the Ashland Food Co-op is ramping up our efforts to reduce waste as a business, there is a lot that our community can do at home to help the cause.
On the Road to Sustainability
By Laura Pfister, Media Coordinator
Forty six years ago, a group of families formed a buying club to access sustainable, local organic food as an alternative to modern industrial agriculture. This humble foundation of social and environmental responsibility started the Ashland Food Co-op and has shaped every decision we’ve ever made. It’s how, over four decades later, that a small buying club became a 30 million dollar, 17,500 square foot Certified Organic Retailer diverting 82% of their discards from the landfill.
