We Love Local
We take pride in supporting local farmers, producers, vendors and vintners. When we say local, we mean local. At some grocery stores, the word local gets thrown around like the word “natural,” ambiguously and with a broad definition.
But local means something to us. A definition we take meticulous pride in.
Local adjective
Any food or product grown, produced or made within 200 miles.
Let’s use it in a sentence. The Ashland Food Co-op supports an average of 250 local companies.
We carry local fruits, veggies, meat, beer, wine, vitamins and more. In fact, 25% of our total sales come from selling local products. With all the abundance the Rogue Valley has to offer, it's easy to love local, especially this time of year.
Join us during Thrive’s Eat Local Celebration to feast on farm-fresh produce, handcrafted products and world class beer and wine. From September 9th - 25th, we’ll feature local-centric deli specials, in-store promotions and meet the maker demos. For a full Tasting Kiosk schedule, visit our calendar of events.
Beyond the Co-op, there are many opportunities to local love during Thrive’s Eat Local Celebration. Get out and explore!
Salsa Festival and Showdown at the Medford Food Co-op
Join Thrive, the Medford Food Co-op, Caminos and La Clinica at a Salsa Festival & Showdown, a day celebrating Latino culture, healthy living, and local foods. Entertainment, food trucks, recipe demonstrations, kids activities, salsa sampling & a salsa-making competition all round out the fun. Free!
Harvest Dinner on Oak Street
Join Standing Stone Brewery Co. for a special evening dining under the stars. This community event benefiting Rogue Valley Farm to School features some of the best chefs in the Rogue Valley collaborating to create a meal celebrating the local farms and the bounty of our region. Local craft beer, wine, and cider will be poured along with live music from The Brothers Reed.
Don’t forget to get your Explore the Rogue Valley Passport stamped if you eat at the Deli or attend one of our in store tastings. You can pick up a passport at the Co-op or any other Eat Local week participating business. Attend a minimum of three Eat Local Celebration events and be entered to win $100 gift certificate to the CSA or growers market of your choice. For more information and a complete list of Thrive’s Eat Local Celebration events visit buylocalbuyrogue.com.
More Co-op News
An update on Strategic Energy Management at the Co-op
By Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management intern
Open letter from AFC Board on Coronavirus Policies
The Ashland Food Co-op has played a critical role supporting our community for nearly 50 years by providing healthy food and a safe place to shop. With the recent COVID-19 shutdown, this support has been even more important and has stretched our organization in ways that we could not have anticipated. We have endeavored to address the needs of both our staff and our customers, hopefully in the most cooperative manner.
Owner Voting on 2020 Co-op Board & more
As an owner of the Ashland Food Co-op, you are an important decision-maker in the leadership of the Co-op! A vital part of your ownership is voting for the Board of Directors.
On the ballot: Vote for Board Candidates and Change for Good Organizations
Vote for Board Candidates
This year, four candidates are nominated for three Board positions: each elected Board director will serve a three-year term. The candidates are Ed Claassen, Mark Gibbs, Carolina Livi and Julie O'Dywer.
2020 Annual Meeting for Owners
Mark the evening of May 13 at 5pm on your calendar and join us for the 2020 AFC Annual Meeting. We’ll host the meeting online using Google Hangouts. Please click here to join the meeting, or call in at this number:
+1 617-675-4444
PIN: 719 680 293 2056#
A dozen local favorites to explore this summer
The Co-op has always had a focus on supporting the strong local scene of growers and producers - and in these times, it's even more important. Here is just a small selection of some of our favorites from the area. Help support local businesses next time you stop by the Co-op by picking one of these products.
Unwavering Spirit in a Time of Change
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
It’s been two months since my last update on our Co-op community, but it could just as well have been two years ago, or from an alternate reality! Needless to say, life at the Co-op has changed, and it hasn’t been easy for employees or shoppers. But despite the challenges, it has been an inspiring and reaffirming time that reminds us why we love the cooperative enterprise.
Staying Sustainable in A Changing World
By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator
In the midst of a health crisis, how can we focus on sustainability? Let’s be real - these are tough times!
What does sustainability look like now? I like to refer to the definition of sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. How can we meet the needs of the present, while keeping the future in mind?
Democracy and Co-ops
By Annie Hoy, Board Director
This month, AFC Owners will democratically elect a slate of board candidates. These candidates are co-op owners, just like you and me. By holding annual elections, co-ops around the world and close to home are expressing Cooperative Principle 2: Democratic Member Control.
2019 Patronage Dividends are available now
From the Board of Directors:
This year, the Co-op Board of Directors is taking unprecedented action to distribute 100% of the over $628,000 2019 Patronage Dividend to our owners. In this time of great need, there is no holding back. This is not the moment to put away funds for the future, but rather to support our owners fully so that we may all have more strength to weather the storm.
Beans from Scratch
Michelle isn't serving up samples right now, so she's serving up kitchen tips instead! Here's her tried and true approach to cooking dry beans, plus some extra tips for upping your flavor, saving time, and cook other legumes. (Ingredients and modifications are below the video.)
Ingredients
Tips to Stay Safe and Limit Waste
By Mahlea Rasmussen, Education Coordinator
Inspired by Bea Johnson's Zero Waste Home
We are in uncertain times and some of you may be second-guessing some of your zero waste practices and replacing them with safety measures for you and your family. I was proud not to have chemical cleaners in my home and never used plastic gloves - but now those products are being suggested for staying clean and safe. Here are some tips to keep your home safe while working towards more sustainability.
Ashland Food Co-op employees are heroes, worthy of respect and gratitude
Until a crisis like this occurs, few think of Grocers as essential service providers. However, our employees have been here day in and day out, risking their health and the safety of their loved ones, to provide food for our community. This is not a job that can be done from home or from what is now considered a safe social distance. Our employees have worked with the utmost professionalism, care, and concern for shopper well-being.
Meet Reagan Roach, AFC Executive Chef & Prepared Foods Manager
The Co-op's general manager, Emile Amorotico, sat down with the newest addition to the co-op's management team, Reagan Roach. Get to know Reagan in the interview below - and say hi when you see him in store!
5 Things You Didn't Know the Co-op Carries for Cold, Flu & Immune Protection
- Wishgarden Herbs - Kick Ass Immune: Your total frontline immune defense!
- Oshala Farm - Oshala Fire Cider: Locally made in the Applegate. It tastes so good you could craft a healthy dressing with this fire cider!
- Mickelberry Gardens - Elderberry: Great Immune support for kids and adults. Made in Oregon.
