The Co-operator

The co-operator The co-operator

Seasonal Shifts and Herbal Wisdom

By Gina Paglialonga

Hi, it’s Gina — many of you know me as the bulk herb buyer at the East End Food Co-op. Fall is a season of transition for our bodies as the colder days approach, and it’s helpful to be aware of how we can use herbs to help us to ease into the cold days ahead. With well over 300 items in the bulk herbs aisle, we have you covered, whether you prefer teas, tinctures, infusions, or other preparations.

Herbs have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, many herbs and spices can support immune function, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion. A few of my favorite

natural remedies and supplements for the fall include:

Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a mild adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. It supports healthy cortisol levels, which in turn promotes a calmer mind and improved energy. Tulsi is also a natural antiviral, making it beneficial for bolstering the immune system against viral infections. When paired with oats, it offers a soothing combination for both the nervous system and digestion.

Hawthorne helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system as a whole.

Hawthorne leaves and berries improve heart function by dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow, and reducing blood pressure. Thanks to a wealth of flavonoids, hawthorn supports overall heart health and reduces oxidative stress.

Ginger is a natural circulatory stimulant that keeps blood flowing properly throughout the body. It’s also a popular remedy for nausea and digestive support.

Burdock is known for its detoxifying properties. Burdock root helps to stimulate the flow of digestive juices, improving digestion and nutrient absorption. It also supports liver function by helping the body eliminate toxins.

Milky oats help to nourish and stabilize the nervous system. Milky oats are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, which are essential for nervous system health.

Elderberry is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support the immune system. Elderberries are widely used for their antiviral properties, especially in combating colds and flu.

Oregano is a potent herb with natural antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Its active ingredient, carvacrol, works as a powerful antimicrobial agent, making oregano oil and extract useful for treating infections, respiratory issues, and digestive problems. Additionally, oregano can help fight off pathogens, making it a strong ally in promoting overall immune health.

Please feel free to ask me for advice and suggestions when you see me in the Co-op. I look forward to helping you with all of your weather transitioning needs.

Gina recommends pairing Tulsi with oats for a soothing combination.

level decisions that impact the co-op’s operations, financial health, and adherence to its mission.

Attend Board Meetings: Even if you’re not on the board, attending board meetings is a great way to stay informed about the Co-op’s activities and decisions. These meetings are open to all members, providing you with the opportunity to voice your opinions, ask questions, and better understand how the board is governing the co-op.

Vote in Elections: Voting in board elections is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a Co-op member. Your vote helps determine who will represent you and your fellow members on the board. By participating in the electoral process, you ensure that the board reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of the membership. A high voter turnout is also a signal that the membership is engaged and invested in the co-op’s future.

The Power of Collective Governance

In a co-operative business, policy governance is not just about rules and regulations; it’s about empowering the community to exercise ownership of the organization.

The East End Food Co-op is more than just a place to shop; it is a community that thrives on the collective efforts of its members.

Take Action

Now is the time to get involved. Your co-op needs your voice, your ideas, and your commitment. Above all, don’t forget to vote in the upcoming elections. Your involvement is crucial to the success of the East End Food Co-op and to the continued vitality of our co-operative community.

Co-operative businesses, such as the East End Food Co-op, are built on principles of democracy, community involvement, and shared ownership. Unlike traditional businesses, where decisions are often made by a few individuals at the top, cooperatives rely on the active participation of their members to guide the direction of the organization. This is where policy governance plays a crucial role.

What is Policy Governance?

Policy governance is a framework that enables a board of directors to lead an organization effectively. In a co-operative like the East End Food Co-op, the board is not just a governing body; it is the

voice of the membership, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the co-op, establishing policies, and overseeing the general manager.

Why Your Involvement Matters

As a member of the East End Food Coop, your involvement in policy governance is not just encouraged; it’s essential. The Co-op’s strength lies in the active participation of its members, and there are several key ways you can contribute: Run for the Board: Serving on the board is one of the most direct ways to influence the direction of the co-op. Board members are elected by the membership and are responsible for making high-

Members Declare their Candidacy 9/1 – 10/6

Members Vote for the Board 10/20 – 12/1

Member-Owner Annual Meeting 11/14

New Board Members Seated 12/16 2024 Board Elections Timeline

General Manager’s update

By Tyler Kulp

Hellofellow Co-op members and shoppers! Fall has officially arrived to Pittsburgh and to our Co-op. You can’t (and shouldn’t!) miss the bin of gorgeous local organic butternut squash out front. Slightly more hidden (thankfully) is the large bite of delicious in-house made vegan pumpkin bread in my mouth while I type this. Oh yeah, and there is Steelers football! It’s a beautiful season in Western PA and we are so fortunate here. I would like to take a minute to recognize our fellow Co-operators struggling through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. French Broad Food Co-op in Asheville, NC is operating with no power, only able to sell limited dry goods, and donate water a few hours a day to their community. Our hearts are with all people across the southeastern USA affected by this devastating storm. In much happier news I am pleased to announce we have negotiated and signed an extension to our lease! We are firmly rooted here on Meade Street through 1/31/2029, with an option to renew for an additional 5 years, until 1/31/2034. Through many conversations with our landlords, and their demonstrated commitment to the long-term success of EEFC, we were able to reach an agreement to keep us here for a longer term than we had previously discussed. Our neighborhood has changed quite a bit since we first moved here in 1986, but our

members and shoppers’ commitment to the East End has not.

The arrival of new competition opening in 2025 will bring new challenges and new opportunities. We feel strongly we can weather any impact to our sales in the short-term and continue to focus on our high-quality products and customer service. We are also hopeful that increased traffic and attention to Rockwell Park will expose new shoppers to the co-operative business model. We will work hard to define ourselves as the standard bearers of independent grocery by highlighting our superb local farmers and food producers.

Shopping on our little slice of Meade Street is a way to feel connected to a community of happy, healthy people. Folks who want to keep more of their dollars in our local economy. Folks who aren’t impressed by big-box chain groceries and want a better consumer experience. But we have a lot of work to do: To fulfill our Ends AND be financially successful. To support our hardworking and dedicated staff throughout the store and administration. And most of all to continue to serve, and serve better our members and shoppers.

marketing update

After many years, we have updated the venerable East End Food Co-op website!

While much of the content remains the same, we’ve taken strides to improve the usability, especially on mobile devices, as well as the speed. The redesign process did prompt us to update important information such as the list of bulk department PLU numbers, as well as the contact information for our various departments.

Designed by Nathan Swartz, a former Pittsburgher who now enjoys the clean air of Colorado, the new website facilitates regular updates and offers more design flexibility than the previous iteration.

In other marketing news, the Co-op’s social media presence continues to grow. Our Instagram followers eclipsed 10,000 this summer, and our Facebook followers will soon surpass 12,500.

Outside of the Metaverse, the Co-op engaged with the community at numerous events over the summer. Highlights included distributing fresh fruit at OpenStreetsPGH, and seeing countless smiling faces at the 10th annual VegFest.

I am extremely grateful to the EEFC management team, our board of directors, our lawyers at Trellis Legal, and to ICON Properties for working closely together throughout the year on our lease extension. It truly was a team effort, thank you! We have a new website!

Bins of beautiful organic butternut squash will continue to be on Meade Street!

recommends

recipe: Butternut Apple Bisque

Thissavory soup is perfect for the cooler days that lie ahead. Pair this with a hearty bread for a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon curry powder (or more, to taste)

• 1 butternut squash, about 11⁄2 pounds, seeded, peeled and cubed

• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored, peeled and cubed

• 5 cups low-sodium vegetable stock

• Sea salt to taste

Directions

In a four-quart pot, heat the butter or

oil and saute the onion over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add curry powder and sauté 3 more minutes, being careful not to burn.

Add squash, apple and vegetable stock to the pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 20 to 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Puree the soup in a food processor or blender and salt to taste.

Serves six. Prep time: 45 minutes.

Tip: For some extra spice, add one tablespoon ginger, peeled and chopped, to the pan at the same time as the onions.

Chopped candied ginger can be used as a garnish, or serve with creme fraiche and pumpkin seeds as pictured above.

membership has its benefits

• 2% discount on all daily purchases

• 10% quarterly discount on one transaction

• Save up to 20% on cases via special order

• The opportunity to run for the board

• Voting priveleges in Co-op elections

• Access to the EEFC Federal Credit Union

• And more!

7516 Meade Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 412-242-3598

Andy

Late July Organic’s Mexican Street Corn chips.

Aaronde enjoys Gardein’s plant-based Chick’n Nuggets.

Cathy enjoys Feridies traditional salted Virginia peanuts.