What’s the Scoop with the Buzz? Hello and Happy Autumn to all! I’m sure you have been noticing some big and little changes all throughout your co-op; the re-launch of the Back to Basics program, new owner cards, a faster and more reliable point of sale system, a Citizen Times article about expansion, Honeybees showing up on all of our publications, and now the Scoop is the Buzz ?! What is going on at the French Broad Food Co-op?
while now. A logo is such a hard thing to determine for a growing company; it must represent food, but not be the same as all the other natural food stores; it should be reminiscent of something local, but how do you represent a blueberry or a ramp? We want our logo to bee (yep I did it again) the mascot for the Co-op and what the Coop represents.
It’s true, we are buzzing with excitement at the French Broad Food Co-op (please excuse all of the Bee references, it’s just too much fun)! There are so many fun and amazing things happening, we just want to shout it from our rooftop beehives! Yes, we have bees on the roof! So, first thing’s first, why the Honeybees? The French Broad Food Co-op has been in search of our perfect logo for a little
After much research and discussion coupled with the community nature of Honeybees and the local and global predicament that Honeybees are facing, we realized, it’s perfect! There would bee no food without the Honeybee. Their colonies are built on co-operation and community. Their social network is vast and complex, yet simple and bee-autiful. The byproducts they produce are some of the most healing, nour-
ishing sources of food on earth. We, at the French Broad Food Co-op, have a Global Ends Policy that guides our business decisions and processes through: Community, Education, Products, Staff Environment & Financial Health. We are committed to educating about food safety and security, which the Honeybee is a large part of. We are committed to serving as a model of a sustainable business alternative that nurtures social and economic well-being. We are committed to our community, our staff, and our owners. We, at the French Broad Food Co-op, look to the Honeybee as a model to help us actualize these global ends. Give Bees a Chance!
Clare Schwartz, Outreach Co+ordinator
The French Broad Food Co-op’s Stance on GMOs Bobby Sullivan, General Manager
There are 2 current approaches here – supporting efforts to get the FDA to require the labeling of products containing GMOs & addressing the products we carry that may contain GMOs 1. Supporting Efforts to Get the FDA to Require Labeling of Products Containing GMOs Here at the FBFC, we absolutely support any efforts to require the labeling of products that contain GMOs. For that reason, we are a partner in the JUST LABEL IT Campaign. In September 2011, they submitted a petition to the FDA calling for the mandatory labeling of genetically-engineered (GE) foods. Even though they got 1 million comments in 6 months, they received an “underwhelming response” from the FDA. They are currently working to help build awareness and support for this important issue. Show your support by adding your comment to the petition at: http://justlabelit.org/ takeaction.
2. Dealing with products that may contain GMOs. This is probably the most complex side of the issue at this point, because labeling laws are not in effect. For that reason, the FBFC is a participating retailer in the Non-GMO Verified Project (www.nongmoproject.org). This means we are highlighting products that have earned the seal by going through a 3rd party verification process. That way, you can make informed choices about products that don’t contain GMOs. The core requirements are traceability, segregation, and testing at critical control points with each product’s ingredients. Here’s their approach: “The following crops carry risk of being genetically modified because GMO varieties are commercially produced in North America and certain other parts of the world, or because there are known instances of contamination. These crops may not be used in Non-GMO Project approved products unless verified as compliant with the Non-GMO Project Standard: Alfalfa, Canola, Corn, Cotton, Flax, Papaya, Rice, Soy, Sugar Beets, Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash. “Ingredients derived from these risk crops include (but are not limited to): Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (‘natural’ and ‘artificial’), Hydrolized Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrines, Microbial growth media, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products. “Animal derivatives such as milk, meat, eggs, honey and other bee products are also considered high-risk by the Non-GMO Project Standard because of potential GMO contamination in feed and other inputs. “If a product contains any of the above items, your strongest assurance that the manufacturer has followed best practices for GMO avoidance is for the product to be ‘Non-GMO Project Verified.’ Other non-GMO claims are based on individual brands’ internal standards and self-evaluation. Non-GMO Project claims, on the other hand, are backed by independent, third-party audits to a transparent, consensus-based standard.”
The FBFC has provided Non-GMO Verified labeling at each shelf tag, so products that haven’t updated their packaging with the seal can be easily recognized. Also October is Non-GMO Month so we plan to have multiple displays featuring products with the seal and products from companies that are contributing to the state level labeling efforts. For more than 35 years, the FBFC has been a leader in Asheville, promoting organic food and safer food choices in general. We intend to continue our efforts both locally and nationally to raise awareness and request mandatory labeling, so consumers can make informed choices. Please don’t be fooled by the slick marketing techniques of our competitors. Shopping at the Co-op strengthens our collective voice in Asheville and now is a crucial time to stand up for national and local food integrity. Vote with your dollars and contact your local representatives to let them know how you feel. Together we are stronger and only through cooperation will we grow the future we want for the next generations.
What are GMOs?
GMOs, or ‘genetically modified organisms,’ are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit. Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and a violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights. (from www.nongmoproject.org)
Happy October, everyone! It’s the best month of the year! Kelly Fain, FBFC Board Member
I always look forward to this crisp and colorful month, with its waning light and midnight blue twilights and the promise of winter in the wind. I ready my hearth and home, brush up on my soup recipes, bake breads and goodies …. And I know the best place for ideas, supplies and ingredients is at my Co-op. I’ve shopped my Co-op so long that it’s comforting to be there. I have confidence in the quality of the products, and look forward to swapping recipe stories with friends and strangers alike around the Bulk Room table. October is Co-op Month, and if you’ve ever considered becoming an owner, now is a great time to consider making it official. I want to share a few reasons it’s important to own your food provider. Below please find some points from our web site, along with my commentary as well: 1. To support a store committed to quality and ethics: The French Broad Food Co-op is a store owned by the people who shop here, so it just makes sense that we would try harder than anyone else around to satisfy your shopping needs in a courteous and conscientious way. Did you know that the Co-op is living-wage certified? I’m not sure any other grocery store can tout the same. It’s so important to support local. Seventy percent of each dollar you spend in a local store stays in your community. That’s money right here in Asheville, supporting lives, small businesses and local farmers. When this happens, we all benefit.
4. Democracy and Ownership: Enjoy a voice in Co-op governance; as an owner you have the right to vote, and run, for the Board of Directors. Have a say in how your store grows! Everyone makes a difference. Democracy in action. Join us at the owner comment period at the beginning of each board meeting (Third Thursday of each month, except for December) and let your voice be heard! You own it! You shape it! You make it grow! Thgis is going to become more and more important as we look toward expansion of our sweet store and community resource.
Also, isn’t it lovely here? Ever driven through farmland out in Leicester or participated in ASAP’s Farm Tour? If we want to keep farmland and preserve the beauty and food security of our region, the Co-op is the place to go! 5% on the 5th:
5. Worker Owner Program: This program offers owners the opportunity to get more involved in the life of our store, as well as to earn an additional 15% off of Co-op purchases.
2. Owners save 5% on their purchases on the 5th of each month! Easy to remember, easy to save!
I’ve had the extreme pleasure and good fortune to be able to work with some of FBFC’s Owner Workers throughout the years. They are a diverse, dedicated, and interesting bunch and we’d love to see you as one of them!
Oh, awesome! I’ve seen other grocery stores sending out 5% coupons every so often in the recent past as well. The Co-op offers this deal each month to its owners. 5% on the 5th days are known for some delicious sampling and events as well. Use this day to stock up on staples, supplements and body care. Score! 3. Owners-only Events and Deals: Our Owner Appreciation Days are held quarterly, with special discounts, entertainment, product demos, educational opportunities and more. Wait, another discount day each quarter? And this one is usually 10% off? Count me in! You’ll probably save the $25 ownership fee in just these discount days! (After $250 you are considered fully vested and a lifetime owner. Most folks choose to pay in annual increments of $25). Your equity payment is used to help keep the co-op viable (update equipment, make improvements, fix things, etc). If the Co-op makes a profit during the business year, that profit is shared by the owners through a patronage rebate payment determined by the Board of Directors. When’s the last time your grocery store cut you a check for your % of the profit? So inclusive and awesome.
6. The Buzz: Co-op owners are enthusiastically encouraged to write articles and letters for our monthly newsletter. We love to hear your ideas, stories, recipes and more. It’s an integral part of our community. I’ve learned so much from Co-op shoppers in the past, and have especially found Melissa’s articles to be inspiring to me as a kitchen witch! 7. Special Discounts: Co-op owners receive 10 – 50% discount on our top selling products through “Owner-Only Specials”. Owners can also receive a 20% discount on full case special orders. Owner specials are yet another great perk to being a card-carrying Co-op owner. Deeply-discounted products, produce and goodies each month! Being a Co-op owner means more than getting groceries. To me, it’s almost become party of my identity. I am so grateful to the FBFC community for its part in my history, and its history in the community. We’re stronger together! Go Co-op!
GMO OMG Daav Wheeler, FBFC Board Member
You’ve seen the small labels on items on the Co-op grocery shelves: “NonGMO Verified.” Why is it so important to verify that food is non-GMO? Genetically Modified Organisms have been artificially mutated by scientists in a laboratory by splicing genes from one living being into another.
Sustainable Technologies Hosted By: Program Campus Sustainability Group: Student Life & Development
ASHEVILLE GREEN POWER
The GMOs that have been getting the most attention are food crops. Scientists have “modified” strawberries by adding fish genes to their DNA, and tomatoes by adding genes from a pig! GMOs are created by the largest agricultural corporations, food giants like Monsanto. GMOs are very pervasive in our food system: soy beans are 91% modified, corn is 85% modified, according to the Center for Food Safety. But are they safe? Are they killing off the honeybees?How about the laws of evolution?
Come learn more about the basics of GMOs! The FBFC is working with Green Power-Asheville, the student environmental group at A-B Tech, which is presenting the movie GMO-OMG, directed by Ashevillian Jeremy Seifert. This is the best opportunity for Co-op members and Co-op customers to learn about GMOs in the food supply and how they affect us. Discussion afterwards will answer questions and say more about themes in the film relevant to our local situation. GMO-OMG will be shown Thursday, October 30th at 6:00 pm in the Ferguson Auditorium on A-B Tech’s Asheville Campus.
FREE! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE! Thursday October 30th 2014 6 pm AB Tech's - Ferguson Auditorium FEATURED GUESTS
More To Be Announced Soon!!!
Co-ops Make a Difference Every Day Food co-ops bring people together to share good food and create healthy communities. In recognition of the many ways that co-ops build a better world and help make a difference in their communities, the United Nations declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives. All co-ops are part of an international movement that has strong impacts globally. Members of the world’s communities and cooperatives play an important role in this. When you support your local co-op with your shopping dollars, you are taking part in a business system that cares about people and contributes to a livable community. Our food co-ops contribute to many local economies in the U.S. with $1.5 billion dollars in annual sales and over 1.3 million members. That’s just one of many benefits food co-ops bring to the table. Food co-ops have spent the last decades being at the forefront of virtually every positive reform in the food industry. From product labeling laws and reduced packaging to organic food production, we have set the standard for food safety and quality. We strive to connect our farmers and shoppers so you know where your food comes from. Did you know that nearly 30 percent of all farmers’ products in the U.S. are marketed through producer-owned cooperatives? And
of course, you can find many of these popular coop food brands, such as Organic Valley Family of Farms, Frontier Natural Products, Equal Exchange, Florida’s Natural and Cabot Creamery, in retail food co-ops. Food co-ops continue to extend their influence beyond the doors of the store to make it possible for everyone to participate in the local food movement by also promoting community supported agriculture, community gardens and farm-to-school initiatives. In co-op classrooms nationwide, we love to share what we know about enhancing wellness and enjoying delicious food. We’re not just handing out information, but giving everyone a way to think about and explore a different relationship to food, one that reflects the values and agriculture of a certain place. Our co-ops are also a critical part of neighborhoods because we are building and sustaining local communities. The co-op is owned by thousands of people who care about where they live. Vermont’s governor, Peter Shumlin, is a member of the Putney Food Co-op in Putney, Vermont. He says, “The great thing about the co-op is that you see people from all walks of life coming together. It’s really a community center. It’s a community resource.” That’s why we put so much into what we do to make the world better. It all comes together at the co-op. Co-ops Make a Difference Every Day Retrieved Oct. 1, 2014 from http:// www.strongertogether.coop
The Fall of Fair Trade, but the Rise of Something Better Ryan, Grocery Manager
Fair Trade: It’s a term mostly mainstream in the world of natural foods these days. We require our coffee beans, chocolate and the like to be Fair Trade Certified. It was one of the first things I noticed that food cooperatives emphasized over other natural food stores. Not only do you want the products you are buying to be high quality (organic) and without containing deadly garbage (GMOs or other suspect ingredients) but also you want to be giving your money to those who actually grow the food. It’s why food co-ops will always have a real world leg up on the others, not to mention giving their customers real education on where their food is coming from. The issue with those foods that are Fair Trade Certified is, like with most issues that face our food systems, it’s ever changing, and not always in a good way.
timetable in the world of food, right? But do not let the sorrow sink in too deeply, there is some great news. Those who fight for authentic fair trade are regrouping. Years of organization and hard work from these groups as well as those who share their vision are ready to make trade fair once again. There is a new fair trade farmer-owned certification, the Small Producer Symbol (or SPP for its Spanish acronym). This certification (which, by the way, farms must qualify for by having dozens of high integrity standards) will ensure that not only what you are buying is fairly traded, but it’s also coming directly from small farmers and those who are in the business of helping small farmers and not from corporation-owned plantation. And who might these folks be that are in the business of helping small farmers make their own way? Ready for the big reveal? It’s Equal Exchange, those cooperatively-run, organic coffee bean slinging, fair trade chocolate bar making champions that we in the co-op world love so much. Starting this fall, Equal Exchange will be certifying a number of their bulk coffee roasts as SPP certified, and they don’t want to stop there. Their goal is to get as high of a percentage of that which they sell under the same certification as they possibly can. Not bad, right? Knowing that both farmers and cooperatively-run companies are fighting for the longevity of sustainable and just practices in the world of fair trade sure does put a smile on my face, and the French Broad Food Co-op will continue to work alongside those look to seek authentic food justice, where ever we can.
“The fair trade movement would allow small farmers to grow and sell their goods and make a fair wage while doing it. Simple, fair, and just.”
The beginnings of fair trade come from a place of injustice. Farmers were forced to live under various colonial trading systems, work for slave wages and were not able to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and really make a future for their families. The fair trade movement would allow small farmers to grow and sell their goods and make a fair wage while doing it. Simple, fair, and just.
The problem is, just like most things in our industry, there are those who seek profit over all else. In the case of fair-trade coffee beans, for example, this profit seeker came in the shape of plantations and (no surprise) those corporations that owned them. Just like a big company looks to acquire smaller companies for higher profits, plantations looked to gather that which small farmers wanted to sell and use their far reach to export those goods. And as you might imagine, plantations were owned by one person/entity (not very cooperative) and over time, the percent of those “fair trade” goods running through plantations would grow and grow. The end result? Those who had originally fought so hard for justice for small farmers were forced from the conversation in the world of fair trade and the power of this phrase would be shifted further and further into the favor of plantations and large corporations. Sounds like a familiar
I highly encourage you to visit the Equal Exchange website (www. equalexchange.coop) for more great things that they are striving towards (not to mention a recipe for Dark Chocolate Caramel Crunch covered apples, the photograph itself will send you into a Fall season and chocolate induced fever). Happy Co-op and Fair Trade Month!
Happy October! By Melissa, Health & Body Care Manager
One of my most favorite months of the year the mountains are a patchwork of color, the mornings and evenings are cool, the smell of woodsmoke always makes me smile and the food gets heartier. The pumpkins and squash are ready from the garden and I’m ready for hot teas and soup! I have several great recipes to inspire your fall traditions: Ginger Orange Carrot Cake Smoothie
7 Herb Long Life Soup
1 orange, peeled and broken into segments 1 frozen banana 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/2 cup sliced carrots 1/2 cup ice cubes 3 dates, chopped 1 teaspoon stevia powder (or replace with honey) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon tumeric 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 1 pinch ground cardamom 1 pinch nutmeg
Extra virgin olive oil 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped 3 quarts water or chicken broth 8 large shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried) chopped 4 oz. fresh burdock root, sliced 4 oz. dandelion root, sliced 1 oz. astragalus root slices 1 oz. fo-ti 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root 1 oz. ginseng root miso paste
Directions: Add carrots to blender and blend until grated. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Serve topped with grated orange peel and a dash of nutmeg. (from frontier herbs) This is a delicious smoothie that is full of nutrients and a great way to get your daily tumeric!
In a large bowl add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan and saute onions and garlic until tender. Add the water or broth and bring to a boil. Add the mushrooms and herbs, turn down the heat, and simmer for several hours. When the roots are tender, turn off the heat and strain out herbs if desired. Add miso paste to taste. (From Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health) I love this medicinal soup! It is soothing and nourishing and can be adapted to what you have on hand. No fresh dandelion or burdock root? Use dried. Tons of Jerusalem artichokes in your garden? Use them! Make it more antibacterial by adding tons of oregano leaf, thyme, and extra garlic. I like to make a large batch and freeze part of it so when you are coming down with the funk, just defrost, heat, and serve. A note about miso: my favorite is the South River brand, glass jars, amazing flavors like garlic, red pepper, and dandelion leek, and honestly the best miso I have ever locked lips on. And let’s not forget teas! As the weather turns cooler, I immediately gravitate towards hot teas both during the day and in the evenings. Here at the Co-op we have so many delicious choices! Here are a few of my favorites:
Boxed teas I love Organic India’s Sweet Rose Tulsi tea. It is stress soothing and so heartening. I love to drink this throughout the day. Yogi Tea’s Green Tea with Kombucha is a longtime favorite! It has a lovely sweet and green taste and green tea is a wonderful antioxidant rich plant that most of us could use more of! Rishi Tea has a Blueberry Rooibos that is delicious either hot or cold. It contains schizandra berries, which are
one of my favorite adaptogens! In bulk, my favorites are even longer! I’m a tea junky and love to try new and varied flavors. Our Lapsang Souchong and the Russian Caravan teas are both smoky and rich and perfect for cooler weather. Create decadence by pairing either of these teas with a bit of Organic Valley’s French Vanilla Half and Half. Mmmmm!
Month. Please do support all of the great GMO-free products we carry (such as Megafood, New Chapter, Lily of Colorado, and many, many others). I’m amazed that organic products are so widely available these days, all because we have demanded them!
There are so many delicious green and herbal tea blends as well. If you have not tried the local Dobra Teas, now is the time. Their pu’erh is a beautiful treat. We also carry a large variety of green teas (including jasmine and several matcha blends) as well as some no caffeine options such as honeybush, rooibos, and Frontier’s Lemon Ginger Tea Blend. If you are the adventurous sort, we have many many herbs to create your own lovely tea blend. Here is one of my favorite fall and winter root blends:
For Halloween, we have some fun witchy items available. Check out our new candles, Motor City HooDoo has a lovely spiritual cleansing candle and my favorite is Amber Moon Witches Brew candle to enhance dreams and vision. The smell is decadent! We also have some wonderful Kate’s Magic Oil Blends to use on the body or during ceremony. They have massage oils and anointing oils available from scents that include (my favorite) Blue Morpho to intent oils such as Letting Go and Moon Goddess. We have in some wonderful Herbal Magic books for your pleasure as well! Here is a recipe from the Complete Formulary of Magical Oils:
Mountain Roots Tea
Bliss Oil
2 parts sassafras root bark 1 part dandelion root 1 part roasted dandelion root 1 part birch bark 1 part burdock root 1 part yellowdock root 1 part cinnamon bark 1 part orange peel 1/2 part ginger root
1/4 part lavender 1/4 part geranium 1/4 part neroli 1/4 part clary sage
Prepare as a decoction -- place herbs and water in pot and simmer gently covered for about 20 minutes. I also love to put this blend in a pot on the wood stove and keep it going all day long. It’s warming and nourishing and great for supporting the liver. Also with the cooler weather come our Winter socks, hats and scarves. This year we have Rock’n Socks knee highs and thigh highs with some fun and funky styles and colors. These are American-made from recycled yarns. We also have Maggie’s socks and scarves which are fair trade, organic, and some even locally produced in Morganton. I am really working to provide you with better alternatives in all products here in HBC. To me that means an emphasis on products that are: local domestic fair trade gmo free absent of chemicals and preservatives free of synthetics not made in China excellent quality This list grows as I learn more. If you have suggestions, please let me know! I’d also like to note that often these purity goals are not attainable. In bulk herbs, for instance, we do not have the resources in place yet to carry herbs that grow or can be grown locally. Many great people are working hard to make this happen and we will make these plants available as soon as possible. Do know that the more you demand these items, vote for them with your dollar, the more available they become. We are creating the store we want! Filled with the products we want to support. All of the suggestions and concerns you have shared help make it better so THANK YOU! More fun this month include a Balancing Hormones Naturally Lecture by Roslyn Rogers on Wednesday October 8th in the Movement and Learning Center upstairs from 3-5 pm. This is a free lecture and her talks are always informative and well received. You can sign up at the HBC desk anytime in the next week. October is so busy! Coop Month, Bulk Food Week, Gmo Free Month, and Womens Health
A calming, relaxing and euphoric oil. I add the essential oils to a base oil such as jojoba or almond oil and apply to pressure points as needed. Who doesn’t want a bit more bliss? Well, Happy Fall! I hope my meanderings contain some nourishing inspiration for your season. Thank you for supporting us! We so appreciate you.
STAFF PICKS Ellie: Sunburst fresh trout fillets -- good for you and yummy! Ronnie: For a cool Summer salad choice Alpha Omega Salad in our Deli coller. Clay: All the local apples from Fork Mountain Farm! Greg: Seckel pears! John C.: Treeline Nutcheese. Karen: Dark Chocolate Almond & Sea Salt Chocolate. Lola: New Honey Chocolate Mints near the registers. Delicious sugar-free treat! I consider both honey and chocolate to be healthy and am excited to have something for Halloween! Andrew Goodheart: Shredded Jarlsberg cheese on eggs! Ryan: Energy Gems -- Sprouted nuts and local apples -- stupid good! Sage: Pomegranates! Bobby: Field Day Gluten-Free Spirals.