Participate in YOUR Co-op
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
Democracy is a pillar of the cooperative structure, which means that co-ops have been designed to provide opportunities for anyone to take part in the process of moving the organization forward. If we think about democracy more broadly than just voting for the board—but by being able to contribute our voices, our talents, knowledge and skills to collectively helping the Co-op create impact, then suddenly, each and every one of us is shaping our co-op at any given moment. We all contribute to helping the Co-op make a real difference in the world!
Our Co-op means many things to many people. Some of us see the Co-op as a wonderful grocery store. Some of us see it as a community hub, while others see the Co-op as a leader in education and upholder of our communal values.
Each of us finds our own connection to the Co-op by way of the value it brings to us.
There are so many ways to participate in “cooperative life”, and when we do, we are keeping the business model strong and the Cooperative Principles in action, whether as a shopper, as an owner, as a staff member, or in some cases as all three!
Our owners create impact in so many ways: not only through voting for and serving on the board, but by providing input and feedback to the Co-op, investing equity and loans, attending classes, and even by enjoying great music with family in the Co-op courtyard.
Though most owners are shoppers, not all shoppers are owners.
Shoppers create impact by providing the revenue our Co-op needs to do all the great work that it does.
After all, the Co-op sells groceries in order to do good things for its members and our community. Shoppers also make an impact when they buy local by keeping dollars closer to home. Those dollars support staff wages and benefits, fund community donations and sponsorships, and provide the great classes and events so many of us enjoy.
Supporting the Cooperative Movement is done every day by everyone who engages with our Co-op, whether by shopping or merely participating socially. And the impact that we collectively make grows only as our Co-op continues to grow.
More Co-op News
Ashland Food Co-op's December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
This December, Ashland Food Co-op is proud to partner with Rogue Action Center (RAC) as part of their Change for Good initiative. RAC is dedicated to cultivating organizing power and leadership to create a more just and thriving Southern Oregon. Their mission focuses on building community power for Housing Justice, Racial Justice, and Queer & Trans Liberation. They achieve this through a combination of base building, youth-centered leadership development, coalition building, and advocacy campaigns aimed at transforming societal rules.
Our November Change for Good Partner: SOESD Indian Education Fund
Each month, the Ashland Food Co-op partners with a local nonprofit through our Change for Good program. This November, we are proud to feature the important work of the Southern Oregon Indian Education Department (SOESD) Indian Education Fund.
The Change for Good program allows our shoppers to round up their total at the register, with the extra change going to support a different local nonprofit each month. The funds collected make a meaningful difference for these organizations and the communities they serve.
Save on Field Day Items and Support Native Foodways
This November, get ready for gatherings with friends and family with big savings on all Field Day products at your co-op. Save on more than 270 Field Day items — from maple syrup to wild-caught tuna to paper towels — from Oct. 30 through Dec. 3. Field Day is our value brand that offers high-quality, delicious food and household products at more affordable prices every day through Co+op Basics, making this savings event even more spectacular. Our lowest prices will be even lower!
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring Native Heritage
Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It's observed on the second Monday in October, coinciding with the federal holiday of Columbus Day in the United States.
Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage
September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, diverse cultures, and rich histories of Americans with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
September Change for Good Partner: Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
At Ashland Food Co-op, our commitment to community and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. This September, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our Change for Good partner, Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (Friends of CSNM). This dedicated organization works tirelessly to protect, restore, and conserve the natural beauty of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument through service, advocacy, and education.
Stewardship in Action: Restoring Riparian Areas
August Change for Good Partner: Rogue River Watershed Council
At Ashland Food Co-op, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable community. Each month, our Change for Good program partners with a local organization to support their mission and amplify their impact. For August, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Rogue River Watershed Council (RRWC).
Who is the Rogue River Watershed Council?
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.
July Change for Good Partner: Peace House
Meet our July Change for Good partner - Peace House! This incredible organization has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to building a culture of peace through compassionate actions that support human rights and justice for all.
About Peace House
Peace House has a broad and impactful mission. Their work spans several critical areas, including:
Supporting Stream Smart: Our June Change for Good Partner
We are delighted to announce our June Change for Good partner, Stream Smart, a remarkable local organization dedicated to improving the health of our streams and rivers.
What is Stream Smart?
2024 Owner Coupon Schedule
Here's the schedule for the 2024 Owner Coupons. Not an Owner? Find out all about the benefits of Ownership!
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.
May Change for Good: Our Family Farms
This month, the Ashland Food Co-op is proud to annouce our Change for Good partner, Our Family Farms, an organization dedicated to safeguarding our agricultural heritage and promoting regenerative organic practices.
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.
