October 13th, 2023

Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!

The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!

Nick headshotI left the restaurant industry over fifteen years ago following a desire that I had to align my career with my lifestyle. In my aspirations to live a healthier, more grounded life, I found a sense of belonging in the natural food industry. Through my work, I was able to support the earth communities around me, and in doing so, connect with like-minded individuals. 

Over the years I watched my small company grow and dominate many of the east coast natural food markets, becoming a notable competitor to major brands such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joes. I supported the evolution of this organization, opening new stores, training generations of young leaders, and ensuring that our actions continued to align with the company's core mission to protect and restore the environment. 

As time went on, I began to see changes. The rapid growth that enabled financial success brought along cultural consequences of corporate America, and I found myself questioning whether massive expansion could still support individual employees and local communities. I navigated through murky waters and decided that it was time to once again reconnect with my deep rooted desire to pursue meaningful, impactful work. 

That's when I found the Ashland Food Coop.

A company that unites the health-based focus of natural foods with a community-centric approach to business, AFC brings something as simple as food to the frontlines of the community. I am absolutely honored to have the opportunity to lead an organization that supports our collective physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. By offering quality, local food to the community of Ashland and giving back through grants, local initiatives, and community events, I know that we can continue to use our business to support the greater Rogue Valley and transform local economies. 

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the work that you all have begun at the Ashland Food Coop. Let's continue to use the power of food to support ourselves, our earth, and above all, each other.

With Gratitude,

Nick

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.