Planning for Summer... and Smoke
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager
If we are lucky, we’ll only have another seven week smoke intrusion this summer. If we are not, we could be the next Paradise. In less than 13 hours, last November’s Camp Fire wiped out nearly 19,000 structures and more than 80 lives. With community help, we were able to raise over $14,000 to support Chico Natural Foods Co-op’s efforts to feed some of the nearly 20,000 displaced Paradise residents.
If we are really lucky, we’ll have a relatively smoke free summer with no loss of lives or structures. But at some point, a summer 2018 redux seems inevitable. Based on our experience last summer, with smoke-induced curtailments in local and visitor traffic alike, we need to be more responsive in promoting relevant services. Maybe you caught our sales flyer caption last August proclaiming “Summer Grillin’ Savings”? While this is a longstanding summer promotion, it was way out of sync with anyone’s interest at the time!
This March we were much more responsive to community needs during a days-long natural gas outage. We doubled down on our Deli food service despite Herculean efforts required to prepare food and maintain sanitary standards without gas appliances. We saw a sharp rise in Deli patronage while serving many of our community who were unable to prepare hot foods at home.
In the event of future smoke events we’ll strive to provide a clean-air environment for our owners, staff, and community, while continuing to provide access to relevant products and services. We’ll do all that we can to educate and share resources to support our community during a smoke event. We are committed to developing and providing alternative means of access to our products and services for those at risk during a smoke event. As an integral community member, Ashland Food Co-op will continue to refine and enhance our community support during a smoke incident or any other natural or man-made disaster.
More Co-op News
December Change for Good: Jackson County Fuel Committee
If you’ve lived through even one Rogue Valley winter, you know the cold settles in quickly. The frosty mornings, the long dark evenings, the kind of chill that lingers no matter how many layers you put on - winter can be tough. And while many of us can manage with the help of heaters, woodstoves, and warm homes, thousands of families in our community struggle to access the heat they need to stay safe and comfortable. That’s where the Jackson County Fuel Committee (JCFC) comes in!
November Change for Good Recipient
Meet our November Change for Good Recipient: The Siletz Health Clinic
Celebrating Indigenous Food and Traditions
Each October, when so many across the country celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Ashland Food Co-op pauses to reflect on the land we call home, the people who've cared for it, and how food and connections to the land can help us return that inheritance in a positive way.
September Change for Good: Siskiyou Field Institute
This month, your Change for Good donations support Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI), an organization that helps people connect with one of the most biodiverse regions in North America: the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion.
Meet our August Change for Good Partner - Ashland Schools Foundation
August's Change for Good partner is a perfect fit for this month as our kids head back to school. Ashland Schools Foundation (ASF) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting quality education in Ashland's public schools. You may have run in the Monster Dash or noticed the "Perk Up for Students" sign at our local coffeeshops - these are just some of the (fun and delicious) ways you are already supporting ASF.
Welcome to the Board!
We are happy to welcome two new Directors, Evan Archerd and Elizabeth Walsh, to the Board! And we're thrilled to have Joanna Wnorowski Pecoraro continuing to serve!
July Change for Good Partner: White Oak Farm
This month, we’re proud to support White Oak Farm, an inspiring organization that blends sustainable farming, environmental education, and community nourishment—right here in Southern Oregon.
Bee the Change: Supporting Pollinators, Art, and Education with Bee Girl
Here at Ashland Food Co-op, we’re buzzing with excitement about our July Change for Good partner: Bee Girl / Bee Regenerative! This local nonprofit is doing some bee-autiful work to protect pollinators, restore habitats, and teach the next generation how to care for the tiny creatures that keep our food systems thriving.
Bee Girl + Bee Regenerative: More Than Just a Name
May Change for Good: Food & Friends
Each May, Ashland Food Co-op highlights a local nonprofit doing vital work in our community—and this month, we're proud to feature Food & Friends, the only Meals on Wheels program serving Jackson and Josephine Counties.
April Change for Good: ScienceWorks
ScienceWorks: Growing Sustainably, Connecting Community
March Change for Good: Parker House Project
Homelessness remains a serious issue in Southern Oregon, and women—especially single women and mothers with children—face unique challenges when seeking shelter and stability. That’s where Parker House Project comes in.
February Change for Good: BASE Southern Oregon
This February, Ashland Food Co-op is proud to support BASE Southern Oregon as our Change for Good partner! BASE (Black Alliance & Social Empowerment) is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black residents in Southern Oregon through events, resources, and advocacy.
Your donations at the register all month long will help BASE continue their impactful work, and there are plenty of ways to get involved! Here’s what’s coming up: