July Change for Good Partner: Peace House
Meet our July Change for Good partner - Peace House! This incredible organization has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to building a culture of peace through compassionate actions that support human rights and justice for all.
About Peace House
Peace House has a broad and impactful mission. Their work spans several critical areas, including:
- Feeding Hungry People: One of Peace House's flagship initiatives is their community meal program, affectionately known as "Uncle Food's Diner." For over 30 years, this program has been providing healthy and delicious meals to those facing food insecurity in Ashland.
- Supporting Prisoners: They provide books and other support to people isolated in prisons, fostering education and connection.
- Promoting Nonviolence: Peace House is actively involved in advocating for nonviolent solutions to war, striving for peace and justice on a broader scale.
- Community Education and Engagement: Through various programs and events, Peace House educates and engages our community on critical issues of peace and justice.
Uncle Food's Diner: A Legacy of Compassion
"Uncle Food's Diner" is more than just a meal program; it's a lifeline for many in our community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peace House heroically expanded their meal services to four days a week, delivering meals to five locations across Ashland every day. This monumental effort resulted in tens of thousands of meals served annually to those without access to food or kitchens during a challenging time.
Despite the challenges of funding and venue availability, Peace House never missed a beat. Their dedicated volunteers and staff served meals outdoors throughout the winter, rain or shine, ensuring no one went hungry. Today, Uncle Food's Diner has returned to its roots, offering sit-down meals with tables, chairs, and real silverware, restoring a sense of dignity and community for guests and volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
This July, you can support Peace House and their incredible Uncle Food's Diner program through Ashland Food Co-op's Change for Good program. Simply round up your purchase at the register, and your small change will make a big difference. Your contributions will help sustain this vital program, ensuring that our neighbors in need continue to receive nutritious meals and compassionate support.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Ashland Food Co-op, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting those who support us. Peace House embodies these values, and we are proud to partner with them this month. Together, we can help build a more compassionate and just community.
Thank you for your generosity and for being part of our cooperative family. Let's make July a month of positive change!
More Co-op News
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June's Change for Good Recipient is
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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.
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.
May Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Farm to School
May's Change for Good Recipient is
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April Change for Good Recipient: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
April's Change for Good Recipient is
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.
A Visit with Magnolia Farms
Visit Magnolia Farms and learn more about owner Elissa Thau, who the Ashland Food Co-op is so honored to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Visit with Emerald Hills
Visit the Emerald Hills Ranch and learn more about this fourth generation ranching family that the Ashland Food Co-op is so proud to partner with for more than twenty years.
A Conversation with Katie Falkenberg, Photographer and Filmmaker
Katie Falkenberg's photography and filmmaking has taken her all over the world, and lucky for us - she's been calling the Rogue Valley home for a couple years now. Exquisitely and harmoniously capturing the world around her, she is documenting not only through the lens but also through her peaceful and loving spirit. Katie reached out to us in hopes of collaborating after falling in love with the co-op soon after moving here.
March Change for Good Recipient: North Mountain Park Nature Center
March's Change for Good Recipient is
North Mountain Park Nature Center,
a division of Ashland Parks and Recreation, that encompasses demonstration gardens, a nature playground, and approximately 14 acres of Natural Area that is managed for wildlife preservation and public education.
February Change for Good Recipient: Ashland High Arts Advocates
January Change for Good Recipient: Rogue Valley Mentoring
Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.
Coronavirus Preparedness at the Co-op
Update as of March 15th, 2022: Oregon Health Authority no longer requires face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings.
Shopping Safely & Efficiently
As coronavirus cases increase in Jackson County, the Co-op is taking extra precautions to protect shoppers and employees.
To ensure social distancing in the store, the number of persons allowed in the store at once has been reduced to 50% capacity. Understandably, this may lead to a short wait outside of the store, but please be assured the line moves quickly.
In order to keep the wait as short as possible, here are a few steps you can take to help out: