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
March Change for Good: KS Wild
As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner – KS Wild, an organization dedicated to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Oregon. At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making KS Wild the perfect ally in our ongoing quest for positive change.
What is KS Wild?
February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Climate
As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly vital to support organizations dedicated to creating positive environmental impacts. This February, Ashland Food Co-op proudly introduces Rogue Climate as its Change for Good partner. Join us in supporting their mission to empower Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change.
January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program
Hey Co-op community!
As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.
No Hassle Holiday - Thanksgiving Dinner from the Co-op!
This Thanksgiving, let us take the hassle out of your holiday feast preparation!
November Change for Good: Rogue Food Unites
Say hello to our November Change for Good partner - Rogue Food Unites!
Rogue Food Unites (RFU) uses food to heal individuals and communities during times of crisis. RFU was formed in 2020 out of the dual disasters of the Almeda and Obenchain fires and the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities. Within a short time, RFU began contracting with the State of Oregon to supply hot meals, food boxes, and solidarity cards in Deschutes, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson Counties.
Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!
The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!
October Change for Good: Center for Non-Profit Legal Services
This October, the Ashland Food Co-op is proud to partner with the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services (CNPLS) for our Change for Good program. All month long, shoppers can round up their purchases to support CNPLS and their mission to provide access to justice.
CNPLS is a non-profit legal aid firm serving low-income and vulnerable community members in Ashland and surrounding areas. Their team of dedicated lawyers and volunteers work to ensure everyone has access to legal help, regardless of their ability to pay.
It's Co-op Month!
OK, you've got us, every month is Co-op Month here at AFC! But every October since 1964, cooperatives of all kinds have celebrated the cooperative difference. Here at the Ashland Food Co-op, we're excited to recognize the history, benefits, and principles behind our own co-op.
September Change for Good: AFC Community Fund
As we enter the beautiful month of September here in Southern Oregon, we're excited to share that our Change for Good partner this month is our very own Community Fund. As many of you know, the Community Fund allows us to support amazing local projects and organizations doing great work right here in Southern Oregon.
August Change for Good - Partnering with ACCESS to Make a Difference!
We are honored to partner with ACCESS this August - a fantastic organization that has been serving our community for over four decades. ACCESS, which stands for "A Community in Action, Connecting, Empowering, and Strengthening Self-Sufficiency," is dedicated to addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Southern Oregon.
Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program.
Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.
July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project
Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
Bicycle Benefits
Do you love to bike? Do you love to save money? Do you love the Co-op? Let us tell you about this awesome program at the Ashland Food Co-op! We all know biking is great for the environment and by joining Bicycle Benefits you'll be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, all while enjoying some pretty sweet perks.
So, what exactly is Bicycle Benefits? It's a program that rewards cyclists for their pedal power! Here's how it works:
1. Stop by the Co-op and buy your $5 Bicycle Benefits sticker
May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City
Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!