November/December GM Update: Overcoming Challenges
It’s probably already cliche to say “it’s been one heck of a year.” There have been challenges a-plenty for all of us, whether we’re working or shopping at the Co-op - but I’m so proud of how all of us have persevered.
First, I wanted to thank this community for the level of engagement we’ve experienced this year. More owners are showing up at board meetings; and we’ve had productive discussions about a number of topics of concern for owners and shoppers. It should be celebrated that this community is filled with lots of different viewpoints, because diversity drives dialogue and gives us an opportunity to work together towards more compassion.
Currently, our county and region are seeing an uptick in Coronavirus cases. Our approach since March has been to be safe rather than sorry, and thanks to everyone’s combined efforts, no Co-op employees or shoppers have reported contracting the virus. The Co-op will continue to follow OHA’s recommendations for the winter, which include face coverings and other safety protocols.
As part of the Co-op’s goal to keep shoppers safe, we launched an online grocery ordering service earlier this year to offer curbside pick-up and Ashland delivery. This has been a life-saver for a number of our shoppers - perhaps literally! As the regular flu season approaches, along with the threat of coronavirus, allowing shoppers to minimize contact when shopping is a high priority. I am very happy to report that eGrocery delivery service provided by the Rotary Club of Ashland will continue through January 31. Learn more here.
Despite the non-stop disruptions of 2020, our team of 170+ dedicated employees continues to show up day after day, week after week with uninterrupted service to our community. The job has had added challenges this year, and we have worked to support our employees. The Board of Directors supported a “hero pay” differential that began in March and has recently been extended to the end of the year. And our employees’ experiences have inspired us to state why Black Lives Matter to the Co-op (read more here).
Of course our many friends and neighbors who were impacted by the Almeda and Obenchain Fires are still on our mind. Remember when I asked you back in 2018 to support a fundraiser for the town of Paradise after their devastating fires? I drew a parallel then to Ashland: a small city in the mountains, a diverse population, and the threat of wildfires always looming. Unfortunately, we experienced a very similar event in our valley. And the ways our community responded have moved me:
- The Co-op’s Almeda Fire Relief Fund has raised over $110,000 - an amazing outpouring of direct financial support. Over half of this has already been distributed, and the AFC Gives committee is strategically planning additional disbursements.
- Vendors donated thousands of dollars worth of products to support relief efforts.
- Our staff jumped in to volunteer with Rogue Food Unites, Rogue Valley Fire aid volunteers, Rogue Action Center, ACCESS and many other organizations leading recovery efforts.
- Shoppers have generously donated to seven Co-op staff who lost their homes, both by directly donating to GoFundMe accounts, and by buying pumpkins in October, which raised $2,490.
- Product donations from our trusted vendors resulted in the new Relief Reuben at the Co-op Kitchen, where 100% of proceeds are going to relief efforts. And already over $4,700 has been raised!
One thing isn’t changing this year: the Co-op’s Thanksgiving meal, a great option for an affordable, high-quality meal, available in individual servings or as a family meal for 6-8 people. Ordering ends on November 23, and pick-up takes place on November 25 - you can check out the offerings and order here. We're also expanding the opportunities to enjoy the Co-op Kitchen’s Thanksgiving offerings through EBT/SNAP benefits - read more here. Get an early taste of Thanksgiving when we switch the hot bar on November 16, or pick up just the dishes you need or crave from the Grab & Go cooler.
We look forward to offering a unique alternative to the annual Gingerbread Cookie Party on December 12 - while we can’t have everyone in our cozy classroom this year, you’ll still be able to pick up cookies and decorating materials to take home.
Moving forward we're planning for a 2021 that allows us to get back to what we love: bringing this community together over healthy, flavorful food and a deep connection to our valley. We'll have backup plans, but we hope to celebrate a return to "the old normal" in 2021 - including real hugs! All of us at the Co-op wish you a peaceful and healthy holiday season.
In cooperation,
Emile Amarotico
More Co-op News
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:
10 Ways to Shine Your Light in Dark Times
By Allan Weisbard L.C.S.W.
Since 1963, autumn has been a difficult time for me. Two months shy of my 13th birthday I lost my younger brother to cancer, then shortly afterwards, President Kennedy was assassinated.
Masks Required for All In-Store Shoppers
To protect the health of Co-op staff and shoppers, all shoppers and other visitors on Ashland Food Co-op property must wear face coverings over mouth and nose except when dining in an approved area. As of November 11, 2020, face shields will not be permitted unless worn with a mask.
From the Board: Co-ops Look in the Mirror
By Annie Hoy, Board Secretary and Chair of Owner Engagement Committee
Food Co-ops around the nation proudly display signage saying EVERYONE WELCOME. Or they use the slogan, “Anyone can shop. Anyone can join.” But are food co-ops, and other cooperative businesses, walking the walk?
End of year wrap-up on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op
Hi there. I hope this finds you well. It’s me, Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management (SEM) intern for the Ashland Food Co-op. The global and local crises have only devolved into further chaos since we last spoke. As we sit with the reality of coworkers, neighbors, and friends who’ve lost their homes and businesses to the recent fires, and thousands more across the nation losing their loved ones to COVID-19, I imagine many are feeling frozen and powerless to help those that are suffering.
SNAP in the Co-op Kitchen and Thanksgiving
Use your SNAP EBT benefits for all Co-op Kitchen items through November 20th, 2020!
Recognizing the difficulties in food preparation for families who lost their homes in the local wildfires, the State of Oregon has expanded SNAP benefits to be used for hot foods, like made-to-order and hot bar meals from the Co-op Kitchen, through November 20.
And starting on November 16, you can get an early taste of Thanksgiving as the Co-op Kitchen hot bar rolls out the full Thanksgiving spread.
Black Lives Matter
We acknowledge that the Ashland Food Co-op has not had a culture where all employees and community members felt safe sharing their experiences of discrimination in our store. We apologize for this. We are on a learning journey. We have reached out for help, and are listening to our Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) employees and owners who want to be part of the positive change we seek.
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Vendors & businesses donating to relief efforts
From day one of the Almeda Fires, the Co-op team wanted to help the community. They reached out to vendors across the region and country to ask for their help with products, supplies and food to get to the fire victims.
And that help came through in big ways, getting nutritious food to displaced families, home supplies in high demand, and wellness and food for first responders and firefighters. Thank you for supporting these businesses as thanks for their help in our community's relief efforts.