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

A dozen local favorites to explore this summer

The Co-op has always had a focus on supporting the strong local scene of growers and producers - and in these times, it's even more important. Here is just a small selection of some of our favorites from the area.  Help support local businesses next time you stop by the Co-op by picking one of these products.

Unwavering Spirit in a Time of Change

By Emile Amarotico, General Manager

It’s been two months since my last update on our Co-op community, but it could just as well have been two years ago, or from an alternate reality! Needless to say, life at the Co-op has changed, and it hasn’t been easy for employees or shoppers. But despite the challenges, it has been an inspiring and reaffirming time that reminds us why we love the cooperative enterprise.

Staying Sustainable in A Changing World

By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator

In the midst of a health crisis, how can we focus on sustainability? Let’s be real - these are tough times!

What does sustainability look like now? I like to refer to the definition of sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. How can we meet the needs of the present, while keeping the future in mind?

Democracy and Co-ops

By Annie Hoy, Board Director

This month, AFC Owners will democratically elect a slate of board candidates. These candidates are co-op owners, just like you and me. By holding annual elections, co-ops around the world and close to home are expressing Cooperative Principle 2: Democratic Member Control.

2019 Patronage Dividends are available now


From the Board of Directors:

This year, the Co-op Board of Directors is taking unprecedented action to distribute 100% of the over $628,000 2019 Patronage Dividend to our owners. In this time of great need, there is no holding back. This is not the moment to put away funds for the future, but rather to support our owners fully so that we may all have more strength to weather the storm.

Beans from Scratch

Michelle isn't serving up samples right now, so she's serving up kitchen tips instead! Here's her tried and true approach to cooking dry beans, plus some extra tips for upping your flavor, saving time, and cook other legumes. (Ingredients and modifications are below the video.)

Ingredients

Tips to Stay Safe and Limit Waste

By Mahlea Rasmussen, Education Coordinator
Inspired by Bea Johnson's Zero Waste Home

We are in uncertain times and some of you may be second-guessing some of your zero waste practices and replacing them with safety measures for you and your family. I was proud not to have chemical cleaners in my home and never used plastic gloves - but now those products are being suggested for staying clean and safe. Here are some tips to keep your home safe while working towards more sustainability.

Ashland Food Co-op employees are heroes, worthy of respect and gratitude

Until a crisis like this occurs, few think of Grocers as essential service providers. However, our employees have been here day in and day out, risking their health and the safety of their loved ones, to provide food for our community. This is not a job that can be done from home or from what is now considered a safe social distance. Our employees have worked with the utmost professionalism, care, and concern for shopper well-being.

5 Things You Didn't Know the Co-op Carries for Cold, Flu & Immune Protection

  1. Wishgarden Herbs - Kick Ass Immune: Your total frontline immune defense!
     
  2. Oshala Farm - Oshala Fire Cider: Locally made in the Applegate. It tastes so good you could craft a healthy dressing with this fire cider!
     
  3. Mickelberry Gardens - Elderberry: Great Immune support for kids and adults. Made in Oregon.

Choose To Reuse

by Rianna Koppel, Co-op Sustainability Coordinator


At the Ashland Food Co-op, we are committed to becoming Zero Waste by 2030. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about packaging and single-use at our store. Our owners care deeply about reducing plastic waste, and we do too! 

Reusable Bags 

At the co-op, we have many different bag options… So what's the best choice?

Lisa Beam: Why I'm a Board Member

Why serve on the Board of Directors at the Ashland Food Coop? This was the question that I was faced with about a year ago.

I have lived, worked and shopped in Ashland for the last 20 years. Many of those years I have actively participated on non-profit boards, civic organizations and committees. However, in the last few years I stepped away from those responsibilities to focus on family and business life.

Henry in the Garden: The Pollinator Plan

By Henry Herting, Co-op garden volunteer

It's that fun time of the year when we get to plan our gardens. This year since our pollinators are taking such a hard hit, we are planning a pollinator garden.

Some plants that are considered good for pollinators are not so good fo the gardeners. They are invasive; they are weeds. Nobody likes weeds in their garden - who likes getting down on their knee pads and clawing at deep-rooted weeds growing in places where you don't want them?

Rogue To Go at the Co-op

We are excited to announce the official launch of Rogue To Go at the Ashland Food Co-op!

Rogue To Go is a reusable container pilot program. The pilot connects five participating restaurants by offering a reusable container that can be used for meals to-go and help eliminate single-use boxes. These O2GO containers are made locally in Bend, Oregon by OZZI. The bright green containers are 100% recyclable through a specialty recycler - truly zero waste!

How can you start using Rogue To Go? Check out the steps below and follow along with a walk-through video.