Meet Your Board: Melina Barker
Hello, Co-op members! My name is Melina Barker, and I joined the AFC Board of Directors this July. Since then, I have been busy learning about all the work the previous members have done to craft strategic goals to support the success of the AFC.
I am truly honored to work alongside the dedicated members of the board to better serve the community and members of the Co-op. My career has centered around educating youth and families about healthy, local food. From the early days of Rogue Valley Farm to School, leading farm field trips and school garden activities, to my current position as Program Coordinator for the Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network working across the state to advance farm to school initiatives. I have seen the joy and wonder of students as they discover how delicious fresh produce can taste, and develop an appreciation for all it takes for local farmers to produce food for the community.
The Co-op not only insures that our community can access fresh, local, wholesome food, but also funds important community projects that support healthy living, education, and sustainability. As a member of the AFC Gives committee, I am proud to be working to expand the support we can offer to local organizations doing important work in our community. For many years the AFC has offered a Community Grants program that has funded programs throughout the Rogue Valley that embody the Co-op's values of healthy food and sustainable living.
Now, the committee and board are working to expand this support to a year-round Change for Good program that allows members to choose to support a monthly non-profit by rounding up to the nearest dollar of their purchase. Programs such as this have proved to be quite successful in other communities and offer shoppers an easy way to give back to the vital work of community organizations.
Keep your eyes out for a ballot in May where you as members will not only be voting for new board members, but also casting a vote for the organizations who will benefit from the Change for Good partnership.
More Co-op News
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.
April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:
Frederick Douglass And Co-ops in 1846
When Douglass Came to Rochdale, England a Slave and Left a Free Man
By David J Thompson
February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.
November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program
October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
AFC Gives Community Fund
September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.
July Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
June Change for Good Partner: Maslow Project
Celebrate Ashland Food Co-op's 50th Anniversary
Ashland Food Co-op has been a staple in our community for 50 years and invites you to celebrate this anniversary with them on June 3rd, 2022 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, at the AFC employee parking lot for dancing, food, face painting and more!
Music by Eight Dollar Mountain and Wild and Blue.
Siano's Karibbean Cookhouse, Walkabout Brewing Co. and Rogue Kombucha will be joining us with delicious food and beverages available for purchase.