Summer Picnic Guide
Everyone loves a picnic. But some are better at organizing one than others. Make planning the perfect picnic a breeze with our easy picnic guide.
Choose a location
Before you start prepping and packing, make sure you have a location picked out. This will help you determine what you need to bring and how food should be properly stored and or packed. Southern Oregon is overflowing with beautiful places to grill a burger or enjoy a cold beverage. From the Japanese Gardens to the swimming reservoir, you can’t go wrong with Ashland’s gem, Lithia Park. A short drive from Ashland and a moderate hike, Grizzly Peak offers picnicking with a view. Stressed for time? Get a grab and go lunch from the Deli, relax in the Co-op Courtyard and enjoy the people watching.
Prep everything
From cutting veggies to assembling burger patties, prep everything ahead of time. It will keep the fuss—and mess—to a minimum once you get outside.
Stay sun safe and bug free
Avoid looking like a lobster and make sure to wear a hat, layers and slather on all natural sunscreen. Pack a bottle of chemical-free mosquito repellent from the Wellness Department to keep the bugs at bay.
Go green
Bring reusable napkins and avoid fly-away paper napkins. If you are using disposable flatware or other products, look for recycled and biodegradable options at the Co-op. And remember, you packed it in, you pack it out. Keep your favorite picnic spot clean and pristine for the next al fresco diners.
Make it fun
Make your picnic special. Stop by the Co-op for a fresh cut bouquet of flowers from Le Mera Gardens to adorn your picnic table or blanket. Turn on some tunes, bring a book, a game, bubbles, or a Frisbee to play with when you are done eating. And remember, picnicking is a great time to unplug so turn off that cell phone.
In a hurry? Or feeling spontaneous? The Co-op has a variety of fresh, pre-made dips, salads and sandwiches to ease the planning stress and get you on your way to relaxation and sunshine. Check out our July/August newsletter for more picnicking tips and our favorite summer recipes.
More Co-op News
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
Ashland Food Co-op Signs Contract to Purchase Property
The Ashland Food Co-op expects to soon complete the purchase of an undeveloped lot at 120 Clear Creek Drive in Ashland. The parcel is located directly behind Ashland Lumber. This purchase is a major step in the Co-op’s vision for growing its downtown presence.
Staff Picks: Summer Hikes and Trail Snacks
Our staff loves to head outside and enjoy the gorgeous Oregon outdoors. Here's a few of their favorite trails and the Co-op snacks they like to take with them.
