Change for Good

 

2020 was the first year of the Change for Good partnership, a register round-up program to benefit a monthly slate of organizations, voted on by Co-op owners, through the cumulative donations of shoppers choosing to round-up their shopping total to the nearest dollar.
 

This is a recording of an informational webinar that is sharing information on our Change for Good program, the application process, and timeline.

Our Change for Good Application deadline is ๐Ÿต:๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฌ๐—ฝ๐—บ, ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฐ๐—ต ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿณ๐˜๐—ต, ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿญ.

The application can be found in the Change for Good section of our AFC Gives webpage

 

To learn more about AFC Gives and its funding programs, please visit ashlandfood.coop/afcgives

 

Here are some highlights from the webinar:

Organizations must:
   โ€ข Have documented tax-exempt status to be eligible
   โ€ข Have a Co-op member listed in the Organization or on the Board of Directors
   โ€ข Meet at least one of the AFC Gives priorities (detailed below)
   โ€ข Operate in Jackson or Josephine Counties

Featured Change for Good organizations will be required to:
   โ€ข Offer an info table at the Coop for two hours, twice per month (on hold until Covid distancing is lifted)
   โ€ข Provide marketing images and info for the Co-op's:
      - Weekly Sales Flyer (pending available real estate on flyer/insert)
      - Social Media posts (2)
      - E-Mail Blasts (2)
      - Printed Posters in Store (TBD)
      - Customer Displays (at each register and a larger display on the Community Monitor above the soup bar)
   โ€ข Provide a brief explanation of the organization's mission and work (for cashiers' interactions with customers)
   โ€ข Media:
      - Logo (AI or high-quality PNG)
      - 4-8 photos/videos/other content to share in marketing channels.
      - Any projects, stories or other information you'd like the Co-op to highlight.
      - An email (and optional social media postings) to your list encouraging your supporters to round-up for Change for Good during your featured month.

For 2021, we are looking for nonprofit organizations to partner monthly with the Co-op and its owners in support of five priorities:

  • ๐—˜quity, ๐——iversity, ๐—œnclusion - Support for organizations that specifically focus on increasing diversity, supporting equity and inclusion and educate the public on anti-racism.
  • ๐—•๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐—ก๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐˜€ - Support for housing and homelessness; providing for food, shelter, and clothing; and addressing the needs of children in or on the edge of poverty.
  • ๐—–๐—น๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ - Support for developing climate resiliency and sustainability.
  • ๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น๐˜๐—ต๐˜† ๐—™๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ฑ - Increasing the awareness and viability of local food producers and support for sustainable agriculture.
  • ๐—–๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ - Highlighting the arts and cultural programs that bring awareness to the coop principles of community, equity, and sustainability.

 

Applications will require an explanation of how the work of your organization addresses one or more of these priorities.

 

More Co-op News

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month, first celebrated in 1990, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures equal opportunities in all areas of public life. Disability Pride Month promotes visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities.

Co-op, Community and Coffee

We are thrilled to announce that the Ashland Food Co-op has purchased the Rogue Valley Roasting Company (RoCo) from longtime owner, Dustin Way.

A Closer Look at Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festivities and delicious Mexican cuisine (and who doesnโ€™t love both of those things?). At the Ashland Food Co-op, it's important for us to approach this celebration mindfully and with a cultural understanding.

March Change for Good: KS Wild

As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner โ€“ 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.

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.