Our November Change for Good Partner: SOESD Indian Education Fund

Each month, the Ashland Food Co-op partners with a local nonprofit through our Change for Good program. This November, we are proud to feature the important work of the Southern Oregon Indian Education Department (SOESD) Indian Education Fund.

The Change for Good program allows our shoppers to round up their total at the register, with the extra change going to support a different local nonprofit each month. The funds collected make a meaningful difference for these organizations and the communities they serve.

November is also Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and important contributions of Native American peoples. It's the perfect time to spotlight an organization like the Southern Oregon Indian Education Fund that is dedicated to supporting Native students and celebrating Indigenous identities in our schools.

The SOESD Indian Education Fund provides vital services to help ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students in Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath County school districts. Their programs focus on English learners, migrant education, and supporting Native American students.

Specifically, the Indian Education Fund works to develop curricula and teaching strategies that embrace each learner's unique identity and help break down barriers that prevent students from succeeding in school. They offer workshops, presentations, coaching, and consultations to help districts build, implement, and maintain these important programs.

Funding for the SOESD's Indian Education work comes primarily through federal Title 1C Migrant and Title VI Indian Education grants, with additional support from the Southern Oregon Education Service District and local foundations.

By rounding up your purchase at the Ashland Food Co-op this November, you'll be directly supporting the SOESD Indian Education Fund's efforts to empower students, celebrate diversity, and create more inclusive schools across our region. We're proud to feature their impactful work as our November Change for Good partner.

More Co-op News

Love Local with the Local Guy

Throughout September, we will be celebrating all things local. And no one loves local or is more local than our Temporary Demo Coordinator, Brighton Litjens. He was basically raised at the Co-op, has a strong passion for local farmers and producers and loves delighting shoppers with delicious samples and great deals. Who better to tell us about loving local than the "Local Guy" himself?

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Meet Board of Director Trine Ostergaard

Trine Ostergaard is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. She brings a world, literally, of experience to the table and has a sincere passion and love for the Co-op. We are thrilled to have her aboard and asked her to answer a few questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Meet Board of Director Dean Williamson

Dean Williamson is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. He brings to the table a plethora of co-op experience and a love of chocolate chip cookies. We are thrilled to have him aboard and asked him to answer a few questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Staff Picks: Favorite Local Products

September is Love Local Month!  All month long we’re celebrating our local farmers and vendors with demos, events and more. Here are some of our staff's favorite local products.

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How Can I Reduce My Plastic Use at the Co-op?

By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator

Plastic pollution today is a global dilemma. Did you know that more than 40% of plastic is used once, then tossed? In 2015, 79% of total plastic waste ended up in landfills or the environment. How can our co-op help reduce the amount of single-use plastics? Luckily, we offer a variety of options for owners.

Stainless Steel Straws

Meet Pachamama Coffee Cooperative

By Lauren Taber, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative

Pachamama Coffee Cooperative started in 2001 with a few simple questions in mind: what would it look like to take Fair Trade a step further? How can coffee farmers be in direct relationship with end consumers in the United States?

We found that the answer was even simpler: cooperative ownership. Pachamama Coffee has been 100% farmer-owned since day one, and is currently owned by 140,000 small scale family farmers across the coffee producing regions of the world.

Community Cider Backyard Fruit Drive

How often can you browse the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, see a bottle of hand crafted, local cider and say, “Hey, I help make that!” Well, at the Co-op you can.

2018 Board Election Results

The AFC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the 2018 Board Election. There were three excellent candidates running for two Board positions. In total, 905 votes were cast.

Congratulations to the following candidates who will serve three-year terms on the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors.

Thank you for voting!

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Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes

By Barry Haynes, Store Manager

Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an  engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.

Beat the Heat

When the heat of summer takes over, it can be hard on our bodies and moods. Don’t let the scorching temps get you down, cool off with one of these refreshing Staff recommendations.
 

Report from the Board of Directors: Strategic Plan Update

By Jeff Golden, External Relations Committee Chair

Ashland Food Co-op is striding into the future with careful intention. We’re especially focused on the three top priorities of our strategic planning process, a collaboration of our board and management team. A quick update:

Riding off into the Sunset

 

By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager

Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.