Berries, dairies, and a little radical cooperation
A Note from Lisa
On the wall in my office hangs a simple sign that says, “Cooperation is Radical.”
I find myself looking at it daily and reflecting on how true it feels — perhaps more now than ever.
In a world that often encourages us to look out for ourselves first, cooperation asks us to think differently. It reminds us that we can accomplish more when we work together than when we go it alone, and that what’s best for one individual isn’t always what’s best for the whole. Seeking first to understand and taking time to consider differing points of view is how we learn, grow, and often find a better path forward.
That’s really what a food cooperative is all about. Every member-owner, local farmer, food producer, staff member, and community partner plays a part in building something none of us could create on our own.
One of my favorite things about our Co-op is watching neighbors literally bump into one another in the aisles. Every shoulder graze and interaction deepens our sense of community. There are so many smiles here every day, and honestly, I don’t see that in many other grocery stores. I think what we’ve built together is pretty special, and I’m grateful that you continue to choose the Co-op to do your grocery shopping.
Summer is my favorite season because we live in the land of Berries and Dairies. This is the time of year when both are at their very best.
Berries: Cooperation doesn’t stop at the doors of the Co-op — it’s also how many of our farmers do business every day. The certified organic strawberries you’ll find in our Produce Department arrive through Puget Sound Food Hub — a farmer-owned cooperative that helps small farms work together to bring their harvests to stores like ours. This year’s strawberries come from Pure Nelida, Silva Family Farm, Cabrera Farms, and Josh Farms. It’s a wonderful example of cooperation in action, and a super delicious reminder that working together benefits everyone.
We’re rapidly nearing the end of local strawberry season, so if you haven’t stocked up yet, now’s the time. Pick up a pint, a half flat, or even a full flat at the Co-op or at the farmers market this weekend. Warmer spring weather brought the harvest earlier, making this sweet season feel waaay too brief.
Dairies: Calling all you cheeseheads! As part of our ongoing series of Member Engagement Events, this July we’re taking 30 Co-op members to Twin Sisters Creamery, a local, family-run business that creates award-winning cheese. If you want to join this type of community-building event in the future, keep an eye on Co-op emails — we announce them here first!
Value
As General Manager, one of the questions I spend a lot of time thinking about is this:
How do we continue to support local farmers and producers while also helping our members stretch their grocery dollars?
Those two goals don’t always pull in the same direction because, let’s face it, local and organic food often costs more. So, we have to be intentional about doing both.
Like many of you, we’ve been keeping a close eye on inflation. The encouraging news is that while overall inflation has increased by more than 4% over the past year, grocery prices have risen at a slower rate — about 2.7%. That’s good news, but I also know that grocery bills remain one of the largest expenses many of us face.
That’s why we continue to review pricing throughout the store, negotiate deals with suppliers whenever we can, and expand programs that help members save. Shopping our weekly sales, choosing Co-op Basics products (look for purple signs), taking advantage of our Bulk Department, and even growing some of your own food are all great ways to stretch your grocery budget.
Whether you’re harvesting tomatoes from your backyard, clipping herbs from a patio planter, or shopping our Produce Department, we’re here to help you put healthy, delicious food on the table.
Speaking of gardening, shout-out to my Sunnyland neighbor, Erika, who graciously offered me some of her tomato plants and dahlia tubers. Moments like that continue to remind me how neighborly Bellingham is and that gives me the happy feels 😉
Happenings in and Around the Co-op
We’re excited to bring back one of our favorite member benefits. From July 1-15, members can enjoy a single-use 10% discount on the shopping trip of their choice. Definitely a good time to stock up.
If you have a friend, neighbor, or family member who’s been thinking about joining the Co-op, tell them about our Membership Drive, also happening July 1-15. New members will receive a $10 Co-op gift card along with a reusable canvas tote bag to help kickstart their Co-op experience.
We’re proud to sponsor Northwest Tune-Up, the mountain bike and music festival taking place July 10-12, as well as Pride IN Bellingham. Some of our staff will be walking in the Pride Parade on July 12 before joining the festival at Depot Market Square. If you’re planning to be there, please stop by our booth to say hello and pick up some swag!
On My Reading List
I’ve been reading “Regenerative Business” by Carol Sanford and “Good Morning, Beautiful Business” by Judy Wicks. They’re very different books, but they share a common thread: Businesses can do more than generate profits. They can strengthen communities, build healthier local economies, and leave things better than they found them.
And because summer always inspires me to take a food road trip, the newest addition to my cookbook collection is “Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip.” I’m pretty sure the Perfect Meyer Lemonade is going to become a summer staple at my house. I discovered the book through a wonderful website called Omnivore: Books on Food, which I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cooking.
If you’ve read a book that’s made you think about food or business differently, or discovered a cookbook I shouldn’t miss, I hope you’ll send me an email. As a formally trained chef, I love cooking almost as much as I love reading about food and farming.
And who knows … maybe it’s time for a Co-op Book Club?!
As I finish writing this, I’m looking once again at that sign on my office wall.
“Cooperation is Radical.”
Every time you choose to shop at the Co-op, support a local farmer, volunteer in our community, or simply share a meal made with local ingredients, you’re participating in that simple but powerful idea.
Thank you for helping make Community Food Co-op so much more than a grocery store. Together, we’re building a stronger local food system and a stronger community.
I never take that for granted.
With love and gratitude,
Lisa