The Power of Principle Seven
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
As we approach the holidays, I’d like to invoke the spirit of the Seventh Cooperative Principle: Concern for Community. The International Cooperative Alliance defines Principle Seven as when “cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.”
So how does that work? How does Ashland Food Co-op demonstrate concern for community?
First and foremost, our high product standards support healthy eating, transparent, clean food systems and a respect for our environment. Our Certified Organic Retailer designation is an indication of the care that we put into how we handle the food we sell from the minute it enters the Co-op’s doors until it leaves to go home with you.
Another big way we show concern for community is through our Community Grants program. This year the Co-op donated over $25,000 in grants to support nonprofits doing great work throughout the Rogue Valley. We helped 32 organizations with a variety of projects that reflects the diversity of our values as a co-op community: from supporting organizations providing bee education to several grassroots snack programs for underserved students in public schools.
2018 Community Grant Recipients
“So how am I, one owner, a part of all of this? The Co-op’s making these decisions, not me.” When you join the Co-op, you become an owner, and board members and staff members make business decisions on your behalf. This includes which organizations we support and what products to carry over the course of the year. So what’s the owner’s role in all of this? To shop, vote, and provide input. When you shop at the Co-op, you are financially supporting all of the good work that the Co-op is doing in our community and beyond. When you vote, you are helping shape the governing vision of the Co-op—your voice is truly represented. When you provide input, you are letting leadership know what’s important to you, small or big. These types of owner participation are very powerful tools. Imagine the power that would be exerted if everyone who shopped and provided input also voted!
What are some other ways that owners can actively practice “Principle 7: Concern for Community”?
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Owners can support the following organizations at the register with a donation - Ashland Schools Foundation, ACCESS, Ashland Emergency Food Bank, Red Cross. Simply tell the cashier the organization and amount (year round!).
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Grab an extra item during your shop and place in the donation bin (a blue recycle bin) for the Ashland Emergency Food Bank, located near the exit (year round!).
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Opt out of using plastic, and purchase reusable produce bags at the Co-op for your fruits and veggies instead.
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Opt out of paper receipts, and receive them via email instead.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season!
More Co-op News
Owner Benefits: Independence and Connection
By Julie O'Dwyer, Board Secretary, Chair of the Owner Engagement Committee
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.
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.
Report from the General Manager and Board of Directors
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager and Ed Claassen, Board President