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

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 doesn’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 – 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.