In 2019, Jefferson County Farm and Gardens expect to grow over 10,000 pounds of food for the JC Food Banks.

All Active Members—that is members who have shopped at the Co-op within the past year and are paid up as of April 30, 2019—are eligible to vote.

The Food Co-op Produce team was invited to take a tour of the 28-acre farm. The greenhouses were warm and lush with the earthy smells of living things though it was a cool overcast day.

NCG (National Co+op Grocers) serves as a unified voice to advocate for issues that are important to food co-op owners, shoppers and communities. Together we are working to build a sustainable food system, ensure the fair treatment of people, protect and preserve a healthy environment and promote the cooperative business model.

Try this recipe when a vegetarian pho is in order. It’s flavorful mushroom broth and spicy notes contrast well with the shiitakes and aromatic basil. The lime, added at the table, sets everything harmoniously together.   

Members frequently ask us about sustainable practices. They not only look to us for products that meet a certain standard, but they also ask us for tips and advice on what they can do to make small changes to their daily lives in order to make a big impact in their footprint.

We asked fellow member Susan Fox to share some of her tips, and this is what she said.

Food co-ops have a long history of tackling complex issues in our food system. From pesticides to pasturing, it’s our business to know how your food gets made. Climate change has already begun to have major implications for food production and we take this challenge seriously. Sourcing food from local, organic farmers and producers who are using best practices for land and animal management is our specialty, but what about food that comes from far away?

Did I mention that I love poached eggs? Let me count the ways: on a bed of sauteed spinach, on top of a bowl of soup, with melted cheese salsa and beans, as a quick cold snack, poached egg pickles….

Much of the garbage we see floating in the ocean today starts at our shopping carts. Making a difference begins with zero waste shopping and the packaging that comes with it. This is especially true with groceries and bathroom items.

Each month, the Food Co-op will highlight one of the many non-profit groups we support with our Beans for Bags program. Thanks to all our members for their nominations and continued re-use of their shopping bags. Funds generated help support people doing great work in our community.

Each month, I report to the board on how we are progressing on our long-term goals, which we call our Ends. These Ends reflect our aspirations—what we want to accomplish—and they are what makes us different from a regular grocery store. We publish these reports as a blog to keep our member-owners up to date on what we are doing.

With a pot each of beans and rice, you have the foundation for a series of easy meals.

This tropical pasta salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken or tofu seasoned with a jerk spice rub.

 The Instant Pot is a boon for cooking tasty Irish stews. It requires little effort and time, and the results are fabulous. After an hour, including prep and hands-off cooking time I have a stew that’s fall apart tender with a rich stock and complex flavors.

EPIC products are a modern expression of ancestral diets and lifestyles, allowing people to thrive consuming a wide array of nature's bounties—just as Mother Nature intended.

Each Month, Members are given three choices on where to donate their beans ($.05). This month we are happy to feature Sunfield - Land for Learning.

To Celebrate Pi Day, We are sharing 9 recipes with you!

Lioness Organics is in the process of receiving it’s USDA Organic Certification.  I am in the final stages, and hope to be offering certified organic products to you soon! **SAVE 10% on all Lioness Organics Products through March 2019

Sunflowers dig deep, stand tall, turn towards the sun, and aren’t afraid to be big and bold. The best thing about sunflowers is that they share their bounty with all.

Each month, I report to the board on how we are progressing on our long-term goals, which we call our Ends. These Ends reflect our aspirations—what we want to accomplish—and they are what makes us different from a regular grocery store.