Ashland Food Co-op 2023 Sustainability Report

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Stronger Together

When you walk around Ashland Food Co-op, the investments made in Local Economic and Community Development, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, and Ecological Stewardship are everywhere. From local farmers tending their land, building soil, and bringing fresh organic produce to you, to the solar panels on our roofs, to the charitable donations AFC and our owners and shoppers make to local organizations, our community is why we do it.

All of this progress is thanks to a dedicated and supportive Staff, Management, Owners, and Board. Their vision and commitment is what has made this all possible and it gives me great pride to be a part of this Ashland institution and help to continue to move us forward to our 2030 Vision. In these pages you will find descriptions of some of these programs and initiatives, along with metrics to understand the magnitude of their impact.

Looking forward, we have high aspirations and inspiring projects planned, driven by a shared feeling of enthusiasm and urgency to accomplish them. This will only be possible because of the dedicated individuals that brought us this far, and YOU the AFC Community. There is so much good work still to be done, and we look forward to doing it, together!

Together on Earth,

Chris Byrne

Sustainability Coordinator

Ashland Food Co-op

Our Vision

We’re on a mission to change the world. By 2030, the Ashland Food Co-op will be a living model of cooperation with the laws of nature in all our a airs.

Zero Waste

As a zero-waste facility, we will minimize waste intake and maximize beneficial reuse and diversion from landfill.

Carbon Neutrality

We will be carbon neutral, conserve energy, and 100% powered by renewable energy.

Eliminate Toxic Chemicals

We will use no persistent chemicals.

Sustainable Relations

We will model sustainability, justice, and equity in all of our relationships with employees, vendors, community, and other co-ops.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

In 2023 the AFC Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee continued to hold strong. A rise in anti-EDI rhetoric across our country has been a concern. The AFC EDI Committee has been steadfast in refusing to mount under pressure and continues to put our energy towards community outreach. The Rogue Valley is becoming more diverse every day and we feel it’s important to consider this in many aspects of how AFC operates. This year, we utilized a few different approaches to reintroduce community/customer interaction with a particular attentiveness toward inclusivity. We’ve featured food and drink samples from a wide array of cultures at our instore demo kiosk. We’ve held screenings of historic civil rights moments and hosted lectures from BIPOC community leaders

in our Pioneer Classroom. We’ve also put more of an emphasis on community education, illuminating the rich cultures of historically minoritized groups through social media and in-store displays. All of this has been a great source of joy and enrichment, we hope to continue to expand these efforts to build a culture of belonging at AFC.

Sara Huque EDI Committee Tri-Chair AFC Floor Manager

Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op and deserves to have access to organic, healthy, and a ordable foods. The Ashland Food Co-op’s CAN program strives to support economically challenged Co-op owners by o ering a discount to eligible families and individuals in need. CAN participants receive an everyday 10% discount throughout the store. The CAN program and other needs based eligibility provided AFC shoppers over $172,482 in discounts in 2023!

Renewable Energy

In 2023 our three solar arrays produced 349,555 kWh, representing 50.7% of our electricity use! Our PV production began on our store roof with a 39 kW array, and was expanded to a 12 kW solar array on our historic barn shortly thereafter. After available roof space was maxed, we brought a massive 197kW system online in 2021 on the south side of Ashland, bringing our total solar generation to over 248 kW. That installation was made possible thanks to Ashland’s Virtual Net Metering (VNM) program.

We are looking for the next big rooftop or site to launch another array on our way to being a net positive producer of electricity!

What is Virtual Net Metering?

Virtual Net Metering is a City of Ashland policy which enables energy produced at one electric meter to be credited to another meter within the Ashland Municipal Utility District. The policy creates new options for construction of community solar systems and offsite solar generation.

The Virtual Net Metering policy increases access to solar for all.

50% of AFC’s 2023 Electricity was produced by our own solar arrays!

Did you know?

AFC is recognized as an EPA Green Power Partner and we purchase Renewable Energy Credits from Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Through our Greenhouse Gas Emissions calculations, we are offsetting 100% of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

In 2023 Ashland Food Co-op was recognized by EPA’s GreenChill program for the lowest corporate-wide refrigerant emissions rate out of all small or independent grocery partners, as well as a Superior Goal Achievement.

Now that’s cool!

Energy Trust of Oregon

2023 was AFC’s 5th year in Energy Trust of Oregon’s commercial Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program. This free program offers many benefits, including financial incentives and a part-time internship. The development of an annual Energy Policy has guided us in reducing our use of natural gas.

AFC allocated money from SEM incentive funding to begin converting our natural gas equipment to electrifying the kitchens with induction cooking! In 2022, the gas burners in the staff break room were replaced with an induction cooktop. In 2023 AFC converted the Pioneer Demonstration Classroom to a full induction range to serve as a showcase to the community. In addition, the Prepared Foods Department is in the process of replacing the outdated gas burning stoves, ovens, tilt-skillets, and other equipment with induction equipment.

Induction Cooking will have multiple benefits to the business, staff, and environment as it will reduce ambient

temperatures (requiring less cooling energy to counterbalance it,) virtually eliminate indoor air emissions and pollution, and replace fossil fuel use with the sustainable energy we purchase and generate, continuing our journey to net zero emissions!

It’s an easy way to reduce waste and show that there is a better way to do take out! Single use containers and utensils create unnecessary waste and environmental impact through their manufacture, use, and disposal.

of a Rogue To Go container for $10. This reusable to-go container can be used at participating eateries in Southern Oregon. Customers return clean containers to participating locations, which are then exchanged for one washed in a commercial dishwasher before being reused.

The containers are manufactured in Albany, Oregon and are returned to the manufacturer for recycling into new products at the end of their useful life.

Since 2020, through 2023 these reusable containers have been exchanged over 14,00 times at AFC alone! Combined with

us increase this number! Rogue

4,602

26,779

22,177 single use containers in total avoided going to the Landfill in 2023!

Dine-in durable plates and bowls served

AFC participates in the nationwide Bicycle Benefits program. Customers purchase a sticker for a one-time $5 fee and can present it for discounts around the valley and across the country when they ride their bike.

Buy a sticker from the Info Desk, put it on your helmet, bike to the Co-op, and save 5% on each shop, which can be combined with any other discount.

In 2023, 445 Co-op Owners participated in the program to reward them for reducing their carbon footprint. Bicycle Benefits was used 10,057 times for $21,368.92 worth of discounts!

What is Green Way to Work?

GWTW is an AFC Staff program that encourages alternatives to single occupancy vehicle trips to work. Staff who ride their bike, take public transportation, carpool, walk, or any

BENEFITS

3,306

Sta chose the GREEN WAY to Work times in 2023!

other qualifying journey are entered into a weekly raffle for a $10 AFC Gift Card. Just one more perk working at the Co-op and another way we encourage our staff to lower their carbon footprint!

Firebird Farms

FOOD RECOVERY PROGRAM

At AFC we have a series of programs to both avoid food waste and divert it from the solid waste stream towards better uses. These programs follow the Food Waste Recovery Hierarchy

Source Reduction is inherent in any food service business. The less food that is wasted, the less money wasted as well. The same is true for your food budget at home! (To learn tips you can use to avoid wasting food in your home, take the ReThink Food Waste Challenge.)

Next, AFC offers gleaners to Staff, and partners with Ashland Food Angels to help Feed Hungry People. The Ashland Food Angels collect approximately 28,000 pounds of food annually from AFC that would otherwise go to waste.

Produce and Prepared Foods Departments’ trimmings and Juice Bar pulp are collected by local farms to Feed Animals. This accounts for over 100,000 gallons of feed that is diverted from landfill annually. Eggshells, used coffee grounds and brewed Yerba Maté are collected for Composting.

Ashland Food Angels

>28,000 lbs of healthy, edible food diverted from landfill and given to those in need annually

Reducing food waste is the #1 personal action you can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while safeguarding critical natural resources. When food is wasted, it goes into a landfill, where it breaks down and emits greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). In terms of its climate effects, methane is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide

100,000 gallons

pre-consumer food scraps diverted to farm animals annually

Home Tip:

If you would like to divert your own kitchen scraps to compost, check out Rogue Produce’s Community Composting Program.

The Ashland Food Co-op Team is proud to contribute to conserving resources, reducing emissions, and feeding the hungry in our community.

Supporting Our Local Economy

Shopping at the Co-op helps community businesses and keeps more resources in our local economy.

We offer a wide variety of local products from sprouts and peaches to soap and herbal tinctures. You can find local croissants, donuts, breads, and more in our Bakery department. Over 24% of all Bakery items are made locally.

In 2023, we sold products from 130 local vendors. Look for the blue shelf tags to easily find Local products on every aisle!

Total Sales from local products

$3,615,636.99

11% of total sales

137 Local Vendors

Community Leadership and Education

A healthy Co-op is one that is truly a steward to its community. At the Ashland Food Co-op, we believe in bringing care, concern and education to our staff, shoppers and vendors. We accomplish community leadership and education through supportive programs like AFC Gives, Change for Good, and CAN.

In 2023, we sponsored and or donated $29,820 to local organizations that offered community driven events or workshops.

Our Co-op classroom is a lively education and event space that is available to our community. Last year, we offered 11 free sustainability and wellness classes as well as 12 fee based culinary classes taught by local instructors in our classroom.

Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our tasting kiosk is buzzing with demos infused with culinary expertise and rich knowledge that supports our product standards and meal planning tips with the Co-op Basics product line.

Last year, we launched Co-op Carrots, a program that educates our local kids on how to grow, prepare, and enjoy nutritional rich food in their everyday life. A free piece of organic fruit per visit to the Co-op, stickers and a fun back-pack are part of the program at no cost to young community members.

Food is medicine. Experience and enjoy feeding your body and soul through nutrition, wellness, and educational opportunities offered at your local Co-op.

Tracy Fischer

Marketing and Education Manager

Ask your cashier to round up your total to the nearest dollar! Round up donations will support the AFC Community Fund for local non-profit grants.

The Ashland Food Co-op’s “Change for Good” program, introduced in 2020, has proven to be a remarkable success in fostering community support and philanthropy. Over the course of three years, this initiative has demonstrated the power of collective giving. By inviting customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at the register, this program has raised over $250,000 with every cent going to our partner organizations.

2023 total - $87,048.99! Way to go AFC shoppers

Change for Good 2023

Ashland Food Angels $6,070.90

Opportunities for Housing, Resources and Assistance (OHRA) $6,341.90

Klamath Bird Observatory $7,336.69

Pollinator Project Rogue Valley $8,081.24

Talent Maker City $6,835.95

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy $7,100.28

Maslow Project $9,129.31

ACCESS $7,697.67

AFC Gives Community Fund $6,117.04

Center for Nonprofit Legal Services $6,370.09

Rogue Food Unites supporting the Klamath Tribes $7,152.96

Rogue Valley Farm to School $8,438.81

We also raised $5147.37 for Maui Strong.

In addition to the generous participation of our patrons, AFC Gives to a host of local organizations in 2023! GIVINGBACK FOR

OVER25YEARS

Golden Rule Re-entry

Phoenix Counseling Center

Walker Elementary School PTO

Peace HouseParker House Project

Rogue Valley Food System Network

Southern Oregon University Foundation

Ashland Community Food Bank

Siskiyou Field Institute

Armadillo Technical Institute

Cave Junction Farmers’ Market

Applegate Siskiyou Alliance

Cascade Pacific Resource Conservation & Development

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Oregon Center for Creative Learning

A Greater Applegate

Ashland Flute Circle

Armadillo Technical Institute

Parker House Project

Oregon Center for Creative Learning

Our Homegrown Values

With passion, purpose, and a whole lot of love, we’re more than just a grocery store.

From our humble beginnings in 1971 as a food-buying club to our current status as Southern Oregon’s first and only Certified Organic Retailer, over 13,132 members strong, the Ashland Food Co-op has been connecting our community to healthy, local and organic food for over 50 years and counting!

Our cooperative business model is at the core of all we do. Quite simply, we place people, principles, and the planet before profit—always.

Our exceptionally high standards give customers confidence, knowing that we prioritize our relationships with local farmers and food producers first and fill our store with healthy products you can trust.

2023 Active Members

8,122

2023 MEMBERS

472 Members Joined in 2023

13,132 Total Members

We would like to extend a thank you to more than 8,122 owners who shopped with us last year.

Did you know?

of sales come from owners 78%

AFC STAFF

AFC is a Great Place to Shop and Work!

We support our staff with competitive wages, excellent benefits, steady raises, a generous employee discount, and many other perks.

Staff Benefits

• 15% Employee Discount

• Competitive Pay with Scheduled Step Raises

• Healthcare Coverage including Dental & Vision

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Life Insurance

• Long & Short Term Disability Insurance

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Parental Leave, Jury Duty, Bereavement, and other leave of absence opportunities

• Matching 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Productivity Bonus Opportunities

• Annual Profit Sharing Bonus Opportunity

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Wellness Programs (discounted classes and gym membership)

• Free Food Gleaners

• $10 Monthly RVTD Bus Pass

93%

87%

INVESTING IN THE CO-OP ECONOMY

For the last decade, Ashland Food Co-op has steadily maintained a healthy sales trend. Our dedicated Owners account for a substantial amount of our financial stability. We are proud

to be a part of a strong cooperative movement in the Rogue Valley and beyond, and we are grateful for all of our Co-op Owners and shoppers.

50.4% of total store sales come from organic products

Including more than: of USDA Organic Products

$7.8M

2023 IMPACT AT A GLANCE

$172,482 in needs based discounts (C.A.N.)

248 kW of Solar PV

349,555 kWh produced by AFC’s 3 Solar PV arrays

50.7 % of AFC’s electricity from our three arrays

100 % Renewable Electricity used

340 Renewable Energy Credits purchased

108 Carbon Offsets for Natural Gas use purchased

4,602 Rogue To Go meals served

22,177 Dine-in durable plates and bowls served

26,779 Single use containers in total avoided going to the Landfill

$21,368.92 Bicycle Benefits discounts

3,306 # of Green Way to Work Trips logged

28,000 Lbs of Food reclaimed by Food Angles (est)

100,000 Gallons of fodder to local farms (est)

$3,615,636.99 Total sales from local products: 11% of total sales

137 Local vendors

$87,048.99 Change for Good Donations from Shoppers

$29,820 AFC Gives Charitable Contributions

472 New Member Owners

13,132 Total Member Owners

8,122 Total Active Members (who made purchases in 2023)

$25.9M Sales to Member Owners

$692,000 Total Patronage Dividend

$85.20 Average Patronage Dividend by Owner

159 # of Staff

93 % of Staff working Full Time (27+ hours/week)

67 % of staff participation in employee retirement plan

87 % of staff are eligible for healthcare benefits

33.2M Total annual sales

50.4 % of sales from Organic products

$7.8M USDA Organic products