Board Corner Debi Johnson, Board Director and Chair of the Board Perpetuation and Election Committee As a fully-paid member of the EEFC, over 18 years of age, you are eligible to run for a seat on the Board of Directors! The Co-op’s Board of Directors is a group of dedicated people elected directly by the membership and is made up of member-owners just like you. Board members work to ensure accountability to cooperative principles while also making sure the Co-op remains a sustainable business; we do this through a system of checks and balances called Policy Governance. Board elections are held annually, and the number of positions available depends on the number of terms expiring that year. As a Co-op board member, you will contribute to the strategic leadership and development that allows us to make the best decisions in service of our member-owners and community. • There are 10 Directors on the board, one of which is a designated staff-only seat • Directors may be appointed as officers or as committee chairs • Each Director is elected for a term of 3 years, except for the staff seat, which is a 1-year term • There is no limit to the number of terms that a Director may serve, but you must be re-elected • This year, up to 6 positions are open for election, one being staff-only The Board’s accountability to membership consists of convening an annual meeting — which provides an opportunity to discuss the findings in our annual report — and keeping an open line of communication with member-owners by hosting monthly board meetings with open sessions. Board members also work toward advancing the Co-op’s vision and ensuring continuity of the Board and the General Manager. To these ends, Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings and participate in committee work. Time commitments are typically around 10-15 hours a month. You will receive a stipend, paid out quarterly, and directors who are not staff will receive 10% off everyday purchases. 2
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
In addition to being dedicated to the Co-op and its principles, a good candidate for the Board possesses the following qualities and abilities: • Excellent communication skills • Ability to commit time and energy to their board work • Ability and desire to work closely with other Board members as part of a cohesive team • Vision for the future and an ability to see present-day decisions in the context of the long-term health of the Co-op • The ability to speak openly and independently in group discussions while also being able to abide by decisions arrived at collectively by the Board • Places value in the importance of local food systems, social equity, and community impact • Good judgment, honesty, and courage Interested candidates should pick up a candidate packet from Customer Service or find it online starting August 1 and submit their aplication before the end of day on September 25. Voting will be October 22 through end of day November 27. New board members will be seated on December 14. Be on the lookout for your current board members tabling in front of the store to help educate and excite member-owners about running for the board. Dates and times will be communicated as they become available. If serving as a director is more of a commitment than you’d like to make, you might consider serving on a board committee. Please visit our website for committee descriptions or contact the Board at boardofdirectors@eastendfood.coop for more information.
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
3
We're Listening! Maura Holliday, EEFC General Manager At the Co-op, we know that our relationship with member-owners and shoppers is key to our success. We take pride in the service we provide and continually look for ways to improve it. To that end, we’re excited to introduce a new, additional way to hear from you! In the past, our process was to send out a survey every two years to member-owners only through the Survey Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The information gathered over the years helped us focus our efforts on pricing, product mix, governance, customer service, and expansion. Although useful, it was not very timely and did not include non-member-owners’ feedback. I hope that by switching to a real-time survey process that includes both member-owners and non-member-owners, we can respond more quickly and assess barriers to membership. Beginning this August, we’ll randomly invite shoppers to complete a short survey using a link printed on their cash register receipts. Customers who complete the survey will receive an offer of $5.00 off a future purchase. If you are chosen, the link to the survey will automatically be printed on your receipt. Don’t worry, if you receive e-receipts or opt out of receipts, one will automatically print if you are chosen. The Member-Owner Participation Committee will continue to host governance surveys bi-annually to gather member-owner input. This new option is in addition to all the other ways you can share your ideas or questions. As always, you can contact us via: • Website - Send us a message via the “Contact Us” button. • Social media - Share your Co-op stories with us. • In-person - Chat with us about what you love and how we can do better. • Comment cards - Request a product, leave a comment, or ask a question. We value your feedback, and we look forward to hearing more of it! 4
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
Stars are Us! A Book Review
Karen Bernard, EEFC Book & Magazine Buyer For most of human history, we’ve looked to the stars, and in countless ways, our innate connection with the heavens made us who we are. Stars evoked our creativity, awakened our sense of time, and oriented us on land and water. For millennia, celestial cycles drove every aspect of our daily lives. And through art, stories, religious beliefs, and scientific discoveries, we understood ourselves in relationship with the wider cosmos. Unfortunately, over the last few centuries, we’ve become disconnected from this vast realm of wonder and inspiration. We now tend to explore the sky by way of data on our screens rather than directly with the naked eye. In many places, light pollution obscures much of what we used to see. In The Human Cosmos: Civilization and the Stars, Jo Marchant tells of many ways different cultures have celebrated the mystery and majesty of the night sky. And she shares some of what we’ve learned from starlight: Einstein, for example, realized that space and time are one and the same. This critically acclaimed book can help us to rekindle the sense of awe that brings us alive and reclaim our sense of self as creatures of the universe. You can look around the Co-op for other books that connect us to the heavens, including: • Exploring the Night Sky (Great for kids) • Constellation Finder • A Little Bit of Astrology • How to Be a Moonflower (+ the Moonflower portable puzzle) The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
5
Loving Local From My Head To-ma-toes Tyler Kulp, EEFC Produce Manager
Greetings, my fellow eaters! Autumn may be just around the corner — shorter days; football games; those lush green leaves transitioning to dynamic reds, oranges, and yellows — but before anyone gets those back-to-school blues, we still have time to enjoy the heat and superb local produce. In fact, late summer is my favorite time of year for healthy, delicious goodies from our western PA farmers. Though a lot of our summer classics will still be around: zucchini, cabbage, greens, and lettuces (and more!), the real stars of the show — the Captain and Tennille of August — are undoubtedly Corn and Tomatoes. A slice of tomato with fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and basil (your classic Caprese Salad) is what summer tastes like. Cherry tomatoes, grape, slicers, Beefsteak, heirloom, Sungold, Roma, vine, cocktail, or tomatillo. You name it, I want it. Is there anything finer than a fresh, ripe, juicy tomato? Perhaps. But that is for another publication.
6
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
Not to be outshined by “Toni” Tomato, “Captain” Corn scores a 10/10 on any summer menu. Whether you are feeding a hungry little league baseball team, a family reunion, or a quick summer meal for one, PA sweet corn on the cob never disappoints. Charred on the grill or a quick boil; butter and salt or fresh-squeezed lime. No matter how you like to prepare or chow down, I am here for it. Before I leave you, my pitch for seasonality: eating seasonally is grounding in the way that it connects you physically and spiritually to the specific time and place you call home. Some of the best eating we can do here in western PA can be fleeting. Asparagus in the spring is over before you know it, and it’s a long winter of radishes, roots, and tubers. Savor that first local tomato of this year and every year. Nothing stalls the pendulum like sharing great local produce on a beautiful summer day. Come find us in the Produce department at your Co-op, and we will help fill a picnic basket of fresh, local, seasonal fruits and veggies for a party of one or many.
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
7
DIY Watermelon Lime Spritzer Alexandra Long, EEFC Cashier When I was younger, I was lucky to have a mother with a green thumb, particularly when it came to watermelons. Unlike her, I have not yet perfected growing our oblong green-striped friend. Whether you, too, grow less-than-ideal watermelons, this recipe will surely put any watermelon to use. You can enjoy this recipe all summer long — preferably on a porch swing with good company — and as always, drink responsibly.
Ingredients:
1 lime 4-6 mint leaves 3 tbsp granulated sugar 4 cups chopped watermelon Seltzer water (watermelon or lime is best!) 1 tbsp honey (more if you have a sweet tooth) Optional: 1 ounce of a spirit of your choice
Lime-Sugar Rim:
Combine the zest of one lime and sugar on a small plate. I recommend rubbing the zest into the sugar with your fingertips to release all the tasty oils in the zest. Run a lime wedge around the top of a drinking glass. Immediately dip the glass rim-side down into the sugar mixture, ensuring the entire rim is coated.
Instructions:
1. Add 3 cups of watermelon and 2-3 mint leaves to a blender and blend until fully liquid. 2. Add your desired amount of honey and blend again. 3. Optionally, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. 4. Add a few cubes of watermelon and ice to your drinking glass. 5. Pour the mixture into the glass, leaving ½ inch at the top. 6. Add a splash or two of seltzer water and gently stir. 7. Garnish with a slice of lime and mint leaves. 8
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
Fresh Peach Salad Salad:
¼ cup sliced almonds 6 to 8 cups mixed greens 3 small (or 2 large) ripe peaches 1 handful red onion slices ½ cup corn (fresh, grilled, or canned [drained]) 2 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese; omit for vegan)
Dressing:
1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Fresh ground black pepper 1 tablespoon maple syrup ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Toast the almonds: Place the nuts in a dry skillet (no oil) over medium heat. Heat, shaking the pan and stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the nuts are fragrant and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove immediately from the heat and transfer to a plate to stop the cooking. 2. Prep the fresh ingredients: Slice the peaches. Thinly slice the onion. 3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, kosher salt, and several grinds of fresh ground black pepper until thick and emulsified. 4. To serve, top the greens with the peaches, almonds, red onion, goat cheese, and corn, then drizzle with the dressing.
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
9
Choosing the Right Chew for Your Dog Brad Scheidmantel, Owner of Local Pet “Is this chew safe for my dog?” That is one of the questions I hear most frequently, and after 29 years of working in pet shops, it’s still one of the most challenging to answer. Dogs need to chew. It really ticks the right boxes for self-soothing and satisfaction but picking a safe chew requires thinking along many different spectrums, including cost, durability, digestibility, and interest. The most important factor is knowing and understanding your dog’s chewing habits. I have three dogs, and they all vary in their chewing style. My little dog is older. Almost any chew is pretty safe for her because she doesn’t really have the neck or jaw strength (or remaining teeth) to rip chunks from her chews that are large enough to swallow. Mostly, she just licks bones. I have a Border Collie mix who is only moderately strongjawed but has razor-sharp teeth. He does well with most bones but wreaks havoc on any plush stuff. Lastly, I have some mixed-up Lab/ Dachshund/Pitty mix. Sometimes I call him King Crunch because his jaws are so strong. I try to respond to all my customers’ questions sincerely and thoughtfully, but I often answer this common query by emphasizing how much it depends on your individual dog. With this in mind, here are some good choices: The use of bully sticks is embraced whole-heartedly on the American Kennel Club (AKC) website. They are pure beef muscle from [only] a bull. Most dogs digest them well, but they have given Hercules (my mixed-up guy) a bellyache once in the past. It may have been an anomaly; I’d be willing to try again but haven’t yet. The manufacturers twist them into various shapes and braids to increase interest and durability. Depending on the dog, they’re moderately long-lasting, but they’re not super-inexpensive. Dogs just love them, and they’re one of the most popular chews.
10
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
Nonedible nylon chews can be an excellent alternative. I recommend Benebones. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes that seem really targeted to hold a dog’s interest. They’re made in the US of super-strong nylon. I have some frequently-gnawed ones underfoot currently. Some of my dogs’ Benebones are over one year old and are still fought over. I can’t promise this will be the same experience as yours, but I suspect it won’t vary much. In the last decade, antlers have become popular as chews. They’re totally renewable since they can be harvested without killing any animals. Elk antlers are a little less dense than deer antlers. Dogs that are not strong chewers can get bored with antlers because it’s challenging to make any progress. They’re hard, dense, and a better choice for heavy-duty chewers. Like any chew, there are risks, including chipped teeth. One common facet of all dog chews is the importance of supervision. It’s the best tool in our box to determine which chews to keep purchasing. Watch for large chunks being ripped free and gulped, and check for healthy stools after some hearty gnawing. Be alert to changes in your dog’s routine and appetite. Blood on a chew isn’t always a deal-breaker but is worth some deeper inspection. Noting these factors can help you, and your pet-product provider (Try Local Pet!) pick a satisfying, affordable, and safe chew to try with your pup. Local Pet is an EEFC Community Partner and offers members 10% off all purchases (excluding dog and cat food).
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
11
Summer Adventures In the Burgh Sarah Carr, 3ROC Events & Marketing Manager It’s summer in the Burgh, and with hot temps, kids out of school, travel plans, and the longest days of the year, it’s easy to get caught up in making this summer memorable. Summer is a great time to focus locally, with gas prices high and travel destinations at peak capacity; there is so much to discover in the Pittsburgh region, from wild and scenic outdoor escapes, new activities to try, and events aplenty (many of them FREE!) – you’ll never run out of things to do. The first step on this summer’s to-do list is to check out what’s new at 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. (3ROC) in Regent Square. Co-op members receive a discount at 3ROC as part of their Community Partners Program, and it’s a great resource for summer fun — right here in the East End! If you haven’t been to 3ROC, we are a locally-owned outdoor shop ready to help you gear up whether you’re planning a trip to a National Park or an afternoon in Frick Park. 3ROC carries everything from backpacks to bug spray, sunscreen to sundresses, running shoes to reels for fishing, Tarantulace (climbing shoes) to twinkly lights, and their adventurous crew is always up for sharing advice on gear or trip planning ideas. Become a local explorer this summer! Assemble an “adventure-ready” pack, complete with sunscreen, reusable water bottles or a water bladder, insect repellant, a sun hat, and a long-sleeved sun shirt or sun hoodie. Keep this in your car or by the door so you’ll always be ready for spur-of-the-moment summer adventures! Need some ideas? Expand your knowledge of the region’s landscape by discovering a new trail to hike, bike, or even a new disc golf course to play. Make it a summer goal to visit all nine of the Allegheny County Parks or try an overnight (or thru-hike) backpacking trip on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail! 12
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
Summer in Pittsburgh will never be dull, but if you get bored, just hop over to 3ROC, where there’s always something to do. You might even make a new friend or pick up a new hobby or two! The community force is strong at 3ROC, with drop-in events nearly every night of the week. Music Mondays on the Patio; Trail Run Tuesdays; Nature+Connect Yoga in the Park on Wednesdays; Kayak, Mountain Bike, and Climbing Meet-ups on Thursdays; and Community Yoga on Saturday mornings. The woman-owned shop also offers larger events like monthly Singer-Songwriter Showcases, skill-building excursions like bikepacking and outdoor climbing through the 3ROC Adventure Club, monthly full moon hikes, and more. If you’re ready to splash into something new this summer, head to the 3ROC Outpost Wednesdays through Sundays for kayak, paddleboard, and hammock rentals in Aspinwall at Allegheny RiverTrail Park. Relax and float on the calm waters of the Allegheny River, or journey upriver to explore Sycamore Island — an uninhabited island managed by Allegheny Land Trust with a hiking loop and even a campsite to reserve if you’d like to spend the night! After paddling, return to the park to relax. If you forgot to pack a picnic, Farmer x Baker’s cafe in the park provides tasty local farm-to-table bites, best-enjoyed riverside. Learn more about 3 Rivers Outdoor Co., the 3ROC Outpost paddlesports hub in Allegheny RiverTrail Park, and find a complete list of upcoming events at 3riversoutdoor.com 3ROC is an EEFC Community Partner and offers members 10% off once per month.
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
13
Employees
of the month
Maggie Front End
Erin N. - Grocery Erin’s favorite things about working at the Co-op are their coworkers and getting involved with the union. Outside of work, you can find them making art, caring for their houseplants, or watching horror movies with their partner, along with their cat, Griffin.
register
Round
“Find me at your local Co-op; I’m a staple! Thanks to all the peeps who voted for me!”
register
Round
September recipient is:
august recipient is:
www.thefoodtrust.org
www.pittsburgh.dressforsuccess.org
The mission of Dress for Success Pittsburgh is to empower women who are entering and returning to the workforce across Southwestern PA. In addition to equipping women with apparel and accessories, the goal of their services is to provide each woman with everything theycneed to feel strong and confident as they take the next step in their career journey. 14
Since 1992, The Food Trust has been working with neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers, and policymakers on a comprehensive approach to improved food access that combines nutrition education and greater availability of affordable, healthy food. They’re tackling food insecurity on the front lines, providing resources to communities in need, and ensuring that no one should have to choose between eating healthy and eating enough.
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
Co-op Save the Dates Saturday, August 6 Terrarium Workshop with Candace Davis, EEFC Floral Buyer
Saturday, August 13 Penn Forest Natural Burial Park Gathering (rain date 8/20)
Saturday, August 27 VegFest and Run Around the Square (come check us out tabling!)
Saturday, September 10 Seed to Table Workshop with Aquene of Royally Fit
Saturday, September 17 Pittsburgh Urban Farm Tour
Saturday, October 8 Forest Bathing with Moshe Sherman of Cloud Gate
Saturday, October 15 Hometown Homegrown (come check us out tabling!)
October 24 - 30 Co-op Month Member Drive
management team: Maura Holliday
General Manager
Amber Pertz Cafè Manager
Shawn McCullough Finance Manager
Ian Ryan
Elly Helgen
Grocery Manager
The Co-operator is published by: East End Food Co-op 7516 Meade Street, Pittsburgh PA,15208 phone: 412-242-3598 web: www.eastendfood.coop
eric cressley
Front End Manager
Marketing & Member Services Manager
Erin Myers IT Manager
Opinions expressed are writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect Co-op policy. Elly Helgen, Editor Debi Johnson, Design & Layout
Tyler Kulp
Produce Manager
Jen Girty
HR Manager
Printed locally by Kreider Xpress Pinting © East End Food Cooperative 2022
The Co-operator | The Newsletter of East End Food Co-op | August 2022
15