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?

KS Wild, short for Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, is a non-profit organization passionately devoted to protecting and restoring the wild ecosystems of the Klamath and Siskiyou regions. Nestled in the heart of Southern Oregon, these landscapes are not only home to a diverse array of plant and animal species but also serve as a source of clean water, fresh air, and recreational enjoyment for our community.

The Mission: Preserving the Irreplaceable

At the core of KS Wild's mission is the belief that these wildlands are irreplaceable treasures that deserve our utmost care and protection. The organization works tirelessly to defend these areas from threats such as irresponsible logging, mining, and other activities that could irreversibly harm the delicate balance of nature.

Through advocacy, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, KS Wild strives to ensure the longevity of our region's unique ecosystems. Their efforts extend to preserving critical habitats, safeguarding biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land management practices.

Why It Matters: A Greener Tomorrow

Southern Oregon's natural beauty is not just a backdrop to our daily lives – it's a living, breathing entity that sustains us. The health of our wildlands directly impacts the health of our communities, influencing everything from the air we breathe to the water we drink. By supporting KS Wild, we are investing in a greener tomorrow for ourselves and future generations.

Rounding Up for Change

This March, you have the power to contribute to the invaluable work of KS Wild every time you shop at the Ashland Food Co-op. Our Change for Good program allows you to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar at the register, with every penny going directly to support local organizations like KS Wild.

It might seem like pocket change, but when combined with the collective generosity of our community, these small contributions add up to make a significant impact. Your spare change becomes a force for positive change, helping KS Wild continue their crucial work in safeguarding the ecological treasures that make Southern Oregon so special.

More Co-op News

4 Ways to Reduce Your Food Waste

It’s the New Year, our favorite time for goal-setting, making positive resolutions, and shifting our impact. One of the Co-op’s goals is to become a Zero Waste facility. Our staff works to divert as much food waste as we can - and we hope our member-owners will join us in this goal too.

Meet Cooking Class Instructor Charlie Douglass

Many talented local chefs share their expertise in the Co-op Kitchen. Charlie Douglass is no exception. As the former Master Chocolatier at Harry and David, Charlie knows a thing or two about chocolate and candy making. 

Tell us how your love of cooking and food began.

Meet Cooking Class Instructor Tiazza Rose

From bread baking to Moroccan cooking, many talented local chefs share their expertise in the Co-op Kitchen. We'd like you to meet a few of them. Tiazza Rose has been teaching the Ashland community the art of Moroccan cooking for years. If you haven't taken a class from Tiazza yet, you should. Here's why.

 

Tell us how your love of cooking and food began.

Give the Gift of Wellness

 

Finding the perfect gift for a friend or loved one is an art. This winter, we carefully selected these assortments for those who love some good self-care, are working in partnership with their gut health, or for those making efforts to reduce their pain. Each of these gift ideas will help you make your loved ones feel extra special and extra healthful.

 

Give the Gift of Good Food

During the month of November, Co-op shoppers can nourish their own families and help fight hunger in the Rogue Valley. We’ve teamed up once again with Smart Chicken® for the Smart Giving Holiday Challenge.

Here’s how it works.

  • For every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken® you purchase from the Meat Department or the Deli, Smart Chicken® will donate one pound of chicken to a local non profit

We're All Turtles

By Dean Williamson, Board of Director

My grandmother loved to talk. Oh, could she talk! And she had one expression that I’ve always really liked. “If you come across a turtle on top of a fence post, you can be pretty sure it didn’t get there by itself.”

The Power of Principle Seven

By Emile Amarotico, General Manager

As we approach the holidays, I’d like to invoke the spirit of the Seventh Cooperative Principle: Concern for Community. The International Cooperative Alliance defines Principle Seven as when “cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.”

So how does that work? How does Ashland Food Co-op demonstrate concern for community?

Love Local with the Local Guy

Throughout September, we will be celebrating all things local. And no one loves local or is more local than our Temporary Demo Coordinator, Brighton Litjens. He was basically raised at the Co-op, has a strong passion for local farmers and producers and loves delighting shoppers with delicious samples and great deals. Who better to tell us about loving local than the "Local Guy" himself?

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Meet Board of Director Trine Ostergaard

Trine Ostergaard is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. She brings a world, literally, of experience to the table and has a sincere passion and love for the Co-op. We are thrilled to have her aboard and asked her to answer a few questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Meet Board of Director Dean Williamson

Dean Williamson is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. He brings to the table a plethora of co-op experience and a love of chocolate chip cookies. We are thrilled to have him aboard and asked him to answer a few questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Staff Picks: Favorite Local Products

September is Love Local Month!  All month long we’re celebrating our local farmers and vendors with demos, events and more. Here are some of our staff's favorite local products.

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