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.
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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
July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project
Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
Bicycle Benefits
Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.
May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City
Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!
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
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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
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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
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Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.