Sowing Seedlings of Change
East End Food Co-op is proud to sell seedlings from Grow Pittsburgh. Founded in 2005, their mission is to teach people how to grow food and promote the benefits that gardens bring to our neighborhoods. Their work includes building and supporting healthy and equitable communities by promoting social justice, fostering awareness of a growing climate crisis, and supporting food sovereignty.
Food sovereignty supports everyone’s right to access, produce, and distribute healthy and culturally appropriate food. To this end, Grow Pittsburgh has worked for over 15 years to promote and encourage backyard, school and community gardens and
urban farms. Not only does Grow Pittsburgh offer countless educational resources, but its Garden Resource Center reduces barriers for aspiring urban agriculturalists by providing affordable access to tools and supplies.
Most of the seedlings we sell at East End Food Co-op come from Grow Pittsburgh’s urban farm just a few blocks away. Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery is a USDAcertified organic farm and greenhouse in Wilkinsburg. Initially founded as a private business, Garden Dreams was donated to the Allegheny Land Trust in 2019, and Grow Pittsburgh partnered to run the urban farm and greenhouse operations.
The seedlings provided by Grow Pittsburgh are not only local and organic — they are of the utmost quality and include varietals not found at most commercial garden centers. Some of our member favorites include Green Zebra and Pork Chop heirloom tomatoes, and Habanada, Trinidad Perfume, and Jigsaw peppers.
“I look forward to working with Grow Pittsburgh every year!” says produce manager Frank Salati, “Along with providing the Co-op with an amazing variety of organic seedlings that our community love, we also get to know and work with their passionate, hard-working crew.”
When you purchase Grow Pittsburgh seedlings you help to benefit the organization, the environment, and the community at large. Visit growpittsburgh.org to learn more about
Photo courtesy of Grow Pittsburgh
Pork Chop heirloom tomatoes
Board Corner Updates
By Nick Leise
The Board of Directors is committed to keeping members informed about recent activities and initiatives. By the end of this update, we hope you will not only have a clearer picture of our ongoing efforts but also feel inspired to engage more actively in Co-op activities and even consider Board involvement.
About the Author
My name is Nick Leise , and I currently serve as the Vice President of the Board of Directors (BOD). I recently completed my first year as a director and, following the most recent Board election, have begun a threeyear term. As a member of EEFC for nearly four years, I am relatively new compared to many, but I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this exceptional organization. It is a privilege to collaborate with our dedicated management and staff to ensure the continued success and growth of the Co-op.
Board Updates
First and foremost, I would like to recognize our General Manager, Tyler Kulp . One of the primary responsibilities of the Board is to hire and oversee the General Manager, and we are fortunate to have Tyler in this role. His leadership and dedication have been invaluable to EEFC, and we place our full confidence in him as we navigate the path ahead. We look forward to working with Tyler as he leads the Co-op toward continued prosperity.
In recent months, the Board and General Manager have been working diligently to develop a new Strategic Plan. This plan serves as a guiding framework for the organization, outlining key goals over a designated timeline and establishing milestones to track progress. Some of the primary goals include improving margins and net income, expanding the Café, exploring growth opportunities, enhancing customer service, and investing in the Meade Street location. Members will have the opportunity to review and provide input on the Strategic Plan at an upcoming All Members Meeting (date to be announced). Additionally, a detailed Implementation Plan, developed with the support of a local consultant, will assist the General Manager in tracking progress and providing regular updates to the Board. We anticipate completing the Strategic Plan by early May.
Expansion Efforts
Expansion remains a key topic of interest for our members. With the recent lease extension, we are committed to maintaining our presence on Meade Street. However, the Board remains focused on long-term growth and is actively reassessing what expansion means for EEFC. Given the competitive grocery landscape in Pittsburgh, we are working to refine our approach to real estate decisions while gaining a clearer understanding of financial considerations. Potential expansion strategies include opening
a satellite, or second location, or relocating to a larger space. All options remain under consideration. In the meantime, as outlined in the Strategic Plan, management is dedicated to making ongoing improvements to the Meade Street location to enhance the customer experience.
Opportunities for Member Involvement
For members looking to contribute to the Co-op, we encourage participation in the Member-Owner Participation (MOP) Committee. Chaired by Board members Mark Bowers and Desmond Zheng, this is the most active member-focused committee, providing a platform for members to share ideas and support the Co-op. With the collaboration of the Marketing & Member Services Department, the MOP Committee meets monthly to discuss member-participation initiatives. Mark and Desmond have done outstanding work in this area and are eager to welcome new participants. Now is the perfect time to come together, share experiences, and strengthen our community. Food has a unique ability to bring people together, and EEFC is more than just a place to shop for organic products— it is a welcoming environment where connections can be made and conversations can flourish. If you are passionate about the Co-op’s mission, we invite you to consider joining the Board. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you in the store and at the next Board meeting.
GM Update
By Tyler Kulp
Greetings from the International Year of the Cooperative! As I mentioned in our previous issue the United Nations’ 2025 “Cooperatives Build A Better World” theme is in full swing and our role in the food system feels more important than ever.
We have all seen the news stories recently about the rise in Avian Flu cases in PA, and it’s impact on several products such as eggs and milk being the most affected. Prices have increased steadily and supplies have dwindled. I can hear my high school economics teacher’s “Supply and Demand” lecture just like it was yesterday… (plus almost 30 years, yikes!) Relying almost exclusively on local farmers, dairies, and distributors, we have been somewhat insulated from the national supply chain’s egg-pocalypse. That is not to say our prices have not increased, and that our supplies are not fewer, unfortunately we are not immune. Our shelves have remained as well-stocked as possible and our prices are directly in line with other grocers. Our unwavering commitment to quality standards and local farms can be seen and felt during this time of uncertainty. Longtime members and other customers know this, and rely on us. We have seen almost double growth in egg sales over prior year. I feel very fortunate our Co-op has the foundation of over 40
years in service to our community, and a reputation along with it as a “port in a storm” for safe, reliable food in troubled waters.
As an egg-lover myself, I am extremely grateful to our grocery/ perishable department buyers and staff for their hard work serving the needs of our members and shoppers.
With new tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada arriving, we are bracing for further impact on the supply of fresh produce and other items. Certain produce staples like avocados, tomatoes, and strawberries will be impacted. Potentially more in advance of the local and domestic growing season beginning. We are working closely with our local distributors and other vendors to learn about and prepare for any potential shortages, or dramatic cost increases. We have strong partnerships around the state/ region, and I am confident in our ability to maintain quality, and availability, like we have with eggs.
Your Co-op is doing it’s best to navigate all of these challenges, and to not despair or disappear into the hedges a la Homer Simpson. We can do it with the help of our dedicated membership, and community. Thank you for your continued support of the East End Food Co-op, your purchases help ensure we can continue to serve all of us. We built this together.
Central PA Produce Co-op
Tyrone, PA
The Central PA Produce Cooperative is a group of multigenerational farmers who all live within eight miles of each other in Blair County. They employ all-natural, organic farming practices to bring the highest quality products to market.
Nature’s Yoke Eggs
New Holland, PA
Nature’s Yoke Organic Free-Range Eggs are USDA Certified Organic. Raised on small family farms with lots of latitude to roam, their organic free-range hens are fed an all-organic, non-GMO diet that makes their eggs as healthy as can be.
Swiss Villa
Washington Boro, PA
Swiss Villa exists to connect healthconscious consumers with products they can feel good about eating. Unlike companies with binding, distant contracts with their suppliers, Swiss Villa strives to know suppliers by name, encouraging healthy handshake agreements.
The Co-op has partnered with local farmers for farm-fresh, organic, non-GMO eggs for over 40 years.
Coffee Changes are Brewing
The type of coffee you drink every day might be changing soon. Worldwide, people drink an estimated 2.2 billion cups on average per day.
“Coffee is an interesting thing. Part solid, part liquid, part luxury item, part economic necessity. People are very emotionally attached to how they make and order their coffee, and I’m no exception,” says Breezy Mueller, the Co-op’s resident coffee buyer.
Among many other items in the grocery store, such as chocolate, you may have noticed a recent price increase for coffee.
“Since Covid, per pound coffee prices have nearly doubled for most varieties that we purchase from importers,” says Doug Pinto of Steel Cup Coffee, “Much can be linked to climate change affecting some of the bigger growing regions like Brazil and Vietnam,” he explains, “Other factors are the increased cost of shipping and higher interest rates affecting smaller importers’ ability to finance operations. As much as we hate to make price increases, unfortunately, we’ve had no other choice.”
In addition to price, the type of coffee you drink may change as well.
“Coffee has two types of beans: Arabica and Robusta,” explains Mueller, “If you drink Folgers, you’re drinking Robusta coffee beans. If you frequent your local specialty coffee shop with fancy espresso drinks, you’re probably drinking Arabica.”
Arabica coffee accounts for 60% or more of coffee sold commercially around the world, and the specialty coffee industry relies heavily on it. Arabica,
Em suggests adding Tait Farm Foods Shrub to your favorite cocktails and mocktails for a natural flavor boost.
which requires delicate cultivation at higher elevations, is more expensive and more susceptible to pests. Robusta, however, thrives at lower elevations, is more resilient, has a higher yield, and provides a stronger caffeine kick – nearly three times the caffeine as Arabica. Caffeine also acts as a natural pesticide, making it a much more cost-effective crop, which is why many specialty coffee roasters are increasingly adding Robusta to their lineup.
Despite rising prices, consumers are likely to maintain their purchasing habits, especially those fond of premium coffee such as the beans offered at the Co-op. Even with alternatives like mushroom coffee gaining in popularity, for coffee lovers, there’s no substitute for the real thing.
“Much like chocolate, coffee has had a long history of being a luxury item, yet our culture has commodified it,” says Mueller, “Some of us cannot function without it.”
Thanks to the Co-op’s own Breezy Mueller and Jim McCool for contributing to this article.
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 privileges in Co-op elections
Access to the EEFC Federal Credit Union And more!
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Allen says if you’re going apple picking, you can’t go wrong with Cosmic Crisp. Juicy and sweet, they’re great in any snacking situation.
Matthew starts their day with Once Again Crunchy Peanut Butter! It packs 8 grams of protein into each serving and adds a satisfying peanutty crunch to any meal.