Coop Scoop Regenerative Living July 2022 by Honest Weight Food Co-op

Coop Scoop

Regenerative Living ∙ July 2022

https://www.ohmycodvegan.com/

Inviting Worms Into Your Family Regenerative Agriculture and Regenerative Organic Certification

Plenty of Produce:

Interview with Brendan Kelly

is and A committed to providing our with foods and products for healthy living. To promote more

of living. ways to who choose to participate in a community that embraces cooperative principles in an atmosphere of and

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By Angel By Rebecca Catherine Jura

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Inviting Worms Joy Intoduring Your Family COVID Discover the benefits of earthworms for healthy, odor-free Meet Stephanie, Caleb, compost at home.

and their new baby Nora!

By Ann Lapinski By Rebecca Angel

Regenerative Agriculture and Regenerative Can Regenerative Agriculture Organic Certification Heal Our Food System?

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By Ruth Ann Smalley Happenings at the Co-op

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Happenings at the Co-op Clothing

Swap HonestIncredible to Goodness By Deanna Beyer Edible Gardens

Producer Profile

What’s Fresh

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Bulk

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Garden Vegetable Broth

By Melanie Pores

Skin Deep By Melanie Pores

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Naturals

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ISSN 2473-6155 (print) • ISSN 2473-6163 (online) By Pat Sahr

By Deanna Beyer

The Coop Scoop is for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical or health advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. The views of our guest writers do not necessarily reflect those of Honest Weight, and we do not take responsibility for them.

Coop Scoop Scoop Coop

Favorite Date-Sweetened Fruit Smoothie

Recipe Corner

Co-op 101

What is By Lucia Hulsether

What’s Fresh?

By Deanna Beyer Melanie’s

By Pat Sahr

By Deanna Beyer Summer

Wellness By Deanna Beyer

Co-op 101 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Photo: consectetuer Cover Farmer’s Friend LLC

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Oliver’s Organic Eggs

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Double Up Food Bucks!

Fresh News!

Be Sure to CheckLorem Ouripsum Newdolor Coop Scoop Blog! sit Introducing the New Coop Scoop Blog!

Check Them Out Here!

JULY 2022

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The Brain: Feeding, Care, and Maintenance By Deanna Beyer

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Be the Change: Grand Zero Waste Capital Street Community Arts

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Honest Editors

ty and doctor visits and various new health we are I’ve constantly discovering more regimens had to adopt due to these aboutrevelations the plasticity livingintensified things—an sudden has of greatly to repair myamazing personalability yearlong ordeal.and adapt.

Rebecca Angel has been a part of Honest Weight for Coop Scooptwenty years and is Managing Editor of Editors the Coop Scoop. When not at the co-op, Rebecca is a teacher, musician, and writer, currently working on a memoir about her experience with Cushing’s Syndrome. www.RebeccaAngel.com

Deanna Beyer is the Education & Engagement Rebecca Angel Coordinator at Honest Weight. A long-time teacher and practitioner of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, she focuses on helping to make these practices accessible to people in all kinds of situations. You can reach her at deannab@honestweight.coop

Carol Reid, our

Carol ReidAssistant Editor,

is a retired cataloger at the New York State Library, where she worked for over 35 years. She wrote a 10-year blog called “Typo of the Day for Librarians” and has been a Co-op member since the 1980s.

Ruth Ann Smalley PhD, is our Content Ruth Ann Smalley Editor. An educator and writer, with a 4-digit Co-op member number from the early 90s, Ruth Ann offers wellness, writing, and creativity coaching through her practice at www.vibrant-energies.com or www.ruthannsmalley.com.

Mathew Bradley

Deanna Beyer is our Layout Editor.

Letter Letter from from an an Editor Editor By Ruth Ann Smalley By Carol Reid

hisshas beenI awas rather fraught by yearthe a kid, fascinated that lizards could forfact me and notsome just for the obvious grow another tail ifI’ve theyalso lost Covid-related reasons. theirsthat while escaping a predator. What I learned I have two different physical didn’t know thencommon was that new disorders, one fairly for the people model is pretty much a makeshift affair my age and the other one far less common. made of cartilage, lacking spine and I made the first discovery right at the nerves. Sadly, some kinds of damage can beginning of the pandemic and the other only be repaired to an extent. one just after getting my second vaccinewe When we talk about regeneration, dose. On top of the anxiety and isolation are imagining the ability to restore and fears of leaving the house in general something damaged. Whether we can (just like everybody attemptingoftoits return it to any else), approximation “original” state a question. But simultaneously dealremains with all the uncertain-

He has been the Lead Designer at Honest Weight since the new store. Outside the co-op, he enjoys writing music with his band, tending to his garden, and training his English Cocker Spaniel, Cricket, for field work.

Fresh News!

Plasticity offers hope that we can learn how to act in regenerative ways, But obviously, I’m not the only one who’s restoring health and limiting future been d a struggling m a g e . T hwith e d osuch m i nissues—whethant culture is er playing for oneself or one’s familylessons, members, catch-up on these while friends, or colleagues; whether Covid-remany indigenous people have a deep lated or not; whether serious natural or routine. history of living in greater equiIt’slibrium. enough to make you downright sick, Our situation is especially and often when quite desperate andthe depressed urgent it comes to health of andhave the been people whototend to our boot.soils People afraid makethem. or Thetheir damage by the extractive keep medicaldone appointments, to go in is becomforindustrial/agricultural testing, or to even bemodel around other ing all too clear. Regenerative practices afflicted people. Mental and emotional need tohave become norm. illnesses beenthe exacerbated and are Taking care of the land, the sadly on the rise. But there are also a lot of m o r e - t h a n - h u m a n c o m m u n i t y, resources available right now, rather and and ourselves in online ways that create there’s hope that we can finally beat the of than destroy life—that’s the work Virus and deal with whatever elsethat might be regenerative living. Maybe means currently ailingfarmers us. supporting and companies who are practicing the methods described in In our thisregenerative issue of the agriculture Coop Scoop,feature; entitledor making use ofAngel all thewrites goodness your “Heal, ” Rebecca aboutofher garden as Melanie’s recipe suggests; own experience with healing heartburn;or even by establishing a worm Melanie Pores makes what’s good family for you in your home, as described by Ann Lapinsalso taste good with her delicious ki. We also share tips for taking care of Date-Sweetened Smoothie recipe; Ruth your brain health, and for making your Ann Smalley to the root things withon body caregets products lessofdependent ansingle-use article onplastics Regenerative Agriculture; by shopping in Welland [etc.]. We’re hoping that all of the ness Bulk. articles andare information herein There so many contained ways we can each will contribute to helping all of on ourthe live more regeneratively. Weushope ideas injourneys this issue helprenewed inspire you, and personal toward health wehealing. would love to hear about what you and are doing to restore and repair!

WSIS an “edible garden?” “What exactly NE Whenever I try to explainI’m explain this to someone, I inevitably hear Gene Wilder in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory saying, “EveryNatalie Criscione remembers thing inside is eatable, I mean edible, I shopping at the mean you can eat everything.” Quail St. Honest Weight location. Basically, it’s a garden that everyShe wears many Thursday, Augustfrom. 6th, If hats: educator, one is invited to harvest writer, artist, 10am-2pm musician, property you’re hungry and you want to try manager, advocate, volunteer. She something, go ahead and pick it! loves being part of the Coop Scoop team! n Saturday, May 18, Honest Weight held a Inspiredgently-used by various urbanswap. gardens successful clothing The response was overwhelmingly positive with that are popping up around the world Lucia Hulsether lots of people showing shop, browse, and share in an effort up to to address food insecurity, is a teacher and restyling tips. Local author Ruth Ann Smalley was on By Human Soandso writer currently Honest Weight is working on cultivatbased in Saratoga hand to demonstrate ways to Mend and Extend tired or Springs, an edible landscape With the help ofNY.aHernew team of worn-outing clothes and create natural that dyes. anyone We’ve first book, Capitalist received multiple requestsshare, for an encore event, so can harvest, and enjoy forwe’re free. member-owners, we’ve officially Humanitarianism, is forthcoming going to do it AGAIN! It’s part of our ongoing mission to launched ourfrom first ever Edible Duke Our Clothing Swap 2.0 will be held on Saturday, Universitybe Press. make good, fresh food accessible to all. Gardens! You might wondering, www.dukeupress.edu/capitalist-humanitarianism August 6 from 10am to 2pm in the Community Rooms and

Clothing Swap . !

We’ve started with a ten modest plan clean patio (weather permitting). Up to gently used, that some of on theThursday, “easier” items per includes person will be accepted August 4 between 8:30am 12pm andlettuces, Friday, August 5 plants to growand (including: between 2 and 6pm. No items will be accepted on the tomatoes, zucchini squash, pole day of the event. All clothing remaining at the end of the and to various herbs) daybeans, will oncepeppers, again be donated Grassroots Givers. and hopeis to expand our planting EVERYONE welcome to shop at the event. You do NOT need on to bring come and this find some based whatanything…just works (or doesn’t) fabulous, new-to-you clothes!

Incredible O Edible Gardens!

PHOTOGRAPH BY LIZA MOLLOY REGENERATIVE LIVING

year. Any surplus harvest will be used to supplement our on-going fills at Free Food Fridge’s Albany locations. NOTE: you have stained or damaged Look forIfthe Edible Gardens in the items, including clothing, sheets, towels, beautiful wooden beds purses, raised bags, ties, scarves, hats,created coats, and atallADK footwear by jackets, our friends Rustica(including and the sandals) that you’d like to keep out of the stainless trough tubs on the exterior landfill, you can drop them off at the wall of theImpact patio.bins And Apparel at if theyou’re CliftoninterPark Transfer Station, 217 Vischer Road. ested in being a part of thisFerry project in do not need to be a Clifton Park theYou future, please reach out to me at resident to access the bins. deannab@honestweight.coop.

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chore marathon, or you’re in search of lavender bubble bath and essential oil based lotions for a personal spa day, we’ve got you covered. Are you out of shampoo? Don’t throw away that empty bottle; refill it with Griffin Remedy hair care products or all-purpose Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, a perennial favorite . Ne e d to re ple n ish you r b a th roo m s o a p dish? Choose any aroma and color combination, then cut a custom-sized block of Zum Bar goat’s milk soap, or choose from the lush variety of Skin Deep Naturals custom-cut soaps by local Bar, maker, Octavia Maxwell. (Pro Salad, Hot tip: these also make great are gifts!) and Cafe We even have basic bulk supplies for making your own Back, with wellness products at home. There are natural clays for a New DIY facials, salts andOption! minerals for custom bath bombs, and empty pill capsules for After what has seemed like forever, the Honest homemade supplements. WeightisKitchen is excited have re-opened both the Bulk wellness a triple-win: caretofor SSalad Bar and& HHot Bar, including daily soup your budget, care for the planet, and offerings. AndAlso in other big news: they have also care for your body. Sothe treat yourself!Build-Your-Own Burger & launched brand-new

By Deanna Beyer

What is a Co-op?

If you’re new to Honest Weight, you might be wondering what makes us different from any other grocery store. There are lots of things, but By Lucia probably the biggest is that we’re a community-owned co-op!

Hulsether

Wellness Bulk

Lucia Hulsether is a teacher and writer currently based in Fries Bar, available from from 11am to -7pm dailyeach Saratoga Springs,day. NY. HerTake first book, Humanitarianit Capitalist from those of us who’ve been lucky ism, is forthcoming from Duke University Press.

alking into Honest Weight, it’s hard to miss the Bulk food aisles. That’s where you can get everything from spices to beans to freshly ground peanut butter to avocado oil—all at bargain prices, in the exact quantity you need. But did you know you can do the same with wellness products? Tucked between the gifts and natural cosmetics areas is one of the Co-op’s best-kept secrets: the Wellness Bulk aisle. Head there to find beloved brands of cleaning and body care products, now in their most ecologically sustainable and budget-friendly form yet. If you are participating in Plastic Free July, this aisle is for you! Whether you’re stocking up on laundry detergent and biodegradable all-purpose cleaner in anticipation of a

enough to sample them, (including meat, vegetarian, and vegan options), this is a MUST TRY for all! After grabbing your food, you are welcome to enjoy your meal in our newly reopenedre-opened Café space, or out on our beautiful, sunny patio with lots of comfortable seating.

Glass Recycling Piolt Project Z e r o Wa s t e C a p i t a l District has launched an ambitious Glass Recycling Pilot Project here at the Co-op, to ensure that the glass is truly being recycled rather than heading to the landfill. To make it successful, we need your help! Instead of throwing clear glass in your single stream bin at home, bring it to the Co-op.

Just follow these simple steps: • Locate the collection bins near our bike lockers • Only place clear, clean glass in the bins • Make sure to remove both the lids and little plastic rings (labels are ok)

Seasonal Local Produce

Coop Scoop

JULY 2022

What could be fresher than all of your favorite produce arriving daily from local farms? (could we include a couple of relevant farm names here?It’s growing season and we’ve got farm-fresh fruits and veggies from all over the area. So, whether you’re looking for nNon-GMO sweet corn, crisp cucumbers, or super juicy, tiny strawberries, we’ve got you covered! Be sure to check out all the beautiful new arrivals next time you’re here.

Plenty of Produce:

Interview with Brendan Kelly, Produce Manager By Catherine Jura

Brendan Kelly, Co-op Produce Manager, is confident there will continue to be an abundance of produce for our store’s shoppers. Climate change, rising fertilizer prices, and trucking concerns may leave shoppers worried about food shortages, but Brendan credits the decades of relationship building with suppliers for the Co-op’s diverse, flexible, and stable produce department.

C: What brought you to your current position and what do you enjoy about it? B: When a position opened up in the Produce Department, it was an opportunity to bring together my personal philosophies (e.g., veganism) with my professional life—a great “synergy.” I enjoy being involved with shoppers, staff, farmers, and distributors, so I rotate throughout the week as the buyer, the receiver, and working on the floor. Administrative duties fill out the rest of my time. I love produce; I love my job. C: Our Co-op mission is to buy local products as often as possible. Shoppers also see produce from across the country and the world. Why is that? B: The Hudson Valley is among the most amazing growing regions in the world: incredibly rich soil and clean water. However, our limited growing season—and the region’s inability to grow the variety of produce shoppers want—fuels our need to source beyond the region. Shoppers often have four choices: local and non-local conventional as well as local and non-local organic. C: Why is it important to have these choices? B: How farmers address the issues of growing fruits and vegetables (e.g., pests, weeds, soil needs) differentiates conventional and organic practices. We need both because they offer options for shoppers and our buyers. For shoppers, conventionally grown produce is usually less expensive than organic. Some shoppers would like to see us carry only organically grown produce, but that would greatly limit choice. The good news is our local conventional farmers pride themselves on growing produce with the fewest “inputs” (e.g., pesticides) as needed to bring their crop to market. These farmers care about the land/soil, the food, their families, and farm workers; they are invested in their communities and treat inputs respectfully and knowledgeably.

For those of us buying for the Produce Department, being able to choose among local/non-local conventional and local/non-local organic, creates a diverse and dynamic situation allowing us to be “nimble” whenever challenges arise. We work with our farmers to help them overcome the challenges they face because our long-term relationships are built upon “mutual need and mutual respect.” C: What else would you like our shoppers to know? B: Several things: When you buy local and in season you get the freshest produce, the best price, and your carbon footprint is less. The more you buy, the faster the turnover and the fresher the produce. The commitment to the “cleanest” produce may mean an item has a blemish or two and may not be perfectly shiny. Tradeoffs. I understand how higher produce prices can be a burden for our shoppers. We employ a variety of strategies (e.g., mixed margins) to offer the best prices possible. Produce Department staff welcomes your questions. Be kind to the Produce staff: they work so hard for you! C: Brendan, it is astounding what you are managing. B: All people are doing astounding things. Growers are amazing. Catherine Jura has had a 40 year love affair with food and the people who bring it to us. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, people, and laughing. She has been a member-owner for eight years.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZA MOLLOY

Producer

Profile

Oliver’s Organic Eggs Frankfort, NY

Charlie Burgess manages OSI lands from the Catskills to the Adirondacks. With an MA in Archaeology and American Indian Studies from Cornell University, he studied Mohican history, culture, and land management practices. He was born and raised in the Mohican homeland.

magine coming upon a pasture swarming with chickens—2800 chickens to be exact. This is what you might see if you visit Can-Am Farms, home of Oliver’s Organic Eggs. These contented hens each enjoy roughly 70 square feet of outdoor space where they can feast on plants and insects to their hearts’ content. Their indoor space is also sizable. There they can move around freely and eat only organic grain, most of which is grown right there on the farm. The hens are red and white Isas which are the result of crossing a Rhode Island Red male with a White Leghorn female. The Isas are calm and friendly and are great egg producers. In fact, they produce thousands of eggs a day! Handling that volume of eggs sounds daunting, but using an aquatic egg cleaner, the Aeschlimanns are able to wash, grade, and package 150 dozen eggs per hour. Can-Am Farms is owned and operated by Oliver and Shauna Aeschlimann of Frankfort, New York. Can-Am, short for Canadian-American, was chosen as the farm's name because Oliver was born in Canada and Shauna is American. Oliver grew up on a farm where there were always chickens running around. He found them fascinating and determined that they would play a major role in his future. After he and Shauna moved to Frankfort, more than ten years ago, he knew he could realize his

dream of having an all-natural operation where his girls can forage free range and also eat organic food grown on the farm. Laboratory tests recently conducted on the eggs showed that pasture living and soy-free, organic grain make an impressive difference in the nutritional value of the eggs. Oliver’s Organic Eggs are distributed to over 40 retailers throughout Central NY, the NYC area, the Capital District/Hudson Valley region, Western NY, and New Jersey. You can find them at the Co-op near the Cheese and Specialty Foods Department. Learn more about the Aeschlimanns and their business at:

OliversOrganicEggs.net Pat Sahr has been a member of the Co-op since 2005. She contributes to the Coop Scoop as the writer of the Producer Profiles. Sahr says, "It’s a pleasure being part of the Honest Weight family, and I've especially enjoyed communicating with the various producers whose products are sold at the Co-op!"

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651 Delaware Ave. Albany, NY 12209

Coop Scoop

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Fax: 518.427.7346

JULY 2022

REGENERATIVE LIVING

Regenerative Agriculture and Regenerative Organic Certification By Ruth Ann Smalley

”

Regenerative farming provides a spark of hope in a world troubled by poverty and food insecurity, climate change, and environmental devastation.

Coop Scoop

Corinne Hansch, Lovin’ Mama Farm (Coop Scoop Jan/Feb 2019)

n our July/August 2021 issue, we considered various claims and contentions around regenerative agriculture, as well as the development of a separate certification process for Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC). Regenerative Organic Certification is based on strict standards for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness, and is layered on top of regular organic certification. Bronze, silver, and gold tiers of certification are awarded, depending on the extent of a farm’s achievement in these areas. We carry a number of products made by companies who have been early to the table in this process, so we’d like to update you on their status. We’d also like to share some late-breaking, highly promising research into certain nutrient benefits of regenerative agriculture.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FARMER’S FRIEND LLC

Specials. We also accept SNAP benefits. How is Honest Weight part of the local food system? If buying local is important to you, we’re one of the best places around to shop. Co-ops form strong relationships with local, small-scale producers, which means you can find products that aren’t typically available at traditional supermarkets. At Honest Weight, we work with over 285 local farms and 319 local producers; that list is always growing. And because we get daily deliveries, it means fresher, lower-impact food that hasn’t travelled across the country for days.

Member-owner Selena cuts garlic scapes, from our How does Honest Weight Edible Garden, support the local community? Edible Most co-ops devote significant timeUprising’s to be made and resources to educational regenerative small programming, community develop- into pesto for ment, and outreach farm initiatives. We in Troy,the NYFree donate 5% of our net profits to local not-for-profit organizations, run free Food Fridges and low-cost educational programs

Shopping for special dietary needs? We get it. It’s easy to find tasty food alternatives in every department at the co-op. Our friendly staff can also make suggestions if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices, as many of them are on special diets, too!

”

What is a community-owned co-op? It’s a grocery store owned by its members, usually the people who shop here. These are the people who cooperatively manage and control the business. The membership makes all kinds of decisions, including what foods and products are on the shelf, and what standards those products and their to meet (think growing ROC arose toproducers address ahave need—felt practices, clean ingredients, etc.). At among both farmers and compaHonest Weight, we’ve got about 14,000 nies—to go beyond narrow regulatomembers. ry standards for organic certifica-

Setting Standards

Composting, cover looking for ways to collaborate with cropping, partners in the community. We offer no-till, and crop rotation act many opportunities for member-owners to help with this commuto restore soil health, reduce nity engagement. erosion, conserve water, and tion, and to establish ground rules for What other co-ops are carbon. in the sequester Who agriculture can shop that here? Everyone is a truly regenerative area? You can find co-ops everythat are open to all, and are always

”

avoids conventional chemical welcome: anyoneinputs. can shop at the co-op. If This was all the more urgent, as thea member, you’ll where! In addition to Honest Weight, you decide to become Writing term “regenerative” also seemed purchase a “share” of in the co-op,organic become standards, foodseveral grown others in there are you can in our January/February 2019 Scoop, prior to the formalizadanger of beingeligible co-opted by many of for lots of additional discounts water on withoutcheck soil, is alsoNiskayuna at odds Consumers out: tion of the ROC, local farmer the same forcesproducts, acting to and water down with the of organic agriculture. ” have voting rights onspirit Co-op, Chatham Real FoodCorrinne Market Hansch advised that in the organic standards. Soil health is basically in emergendecisions that affect the store. Honest Co-op, Mohawk Harvest Cooperative absence of formal certification, shopAs the folks Weight at Lotus Foods point cy status: member-owners can choose to “the U.S. is losing soil ten pers need to “know your farmer” in out, “Many farming operations can Market, and Cambridge Co-op. faster—and China and India Food investorganic their time at the store, times serve on order to support such practices. Even meet the national certificaare losing soil 30 to 40 times one of our committees, with a now that the ROC process is open to tion requirements without their or work While everyreplenishco-op has all, its it own the natural program, being in order to receive faster—than a bigger is still a great idea to know your production practices either ment rate.” We’ve come to a terrible distinctive vibe, we are all founded discount (up to Expand24%) on their groceries. farmer.onThat way you can support sustainable or regenerative.” crossroads after past 40 principles: years of thethe same basic local small farmers who have already ing definitions of what is allowed of the world's been meeting these regenerative and What is on offer? Weabelieve erosion, everyone as “30% under the organic umbrella is also · voluntary and arable open membership has become unproductive.” problem. They in note “the recent our that community should have land access to democratic member controlorganic standards outside of the (LotusFoods.com) formal process. decision to allow in the national natural affordable, high-quality, foods · member economic participation and products for healthy living. So we · autonomy and independence offer things like Co+op Basics (a line of 9 PHOTOGRAPHY BY FARMER’S FRIEND · education, training,LLC and informaover 450 high-quality foods and housetion

Good for Farmers + Good for Soil = Good for Us In her article, Hansch focused on the importance of no-till farming, not solely for the health of the environment, but also for the livelihood of the farmer. No-till methods avoid plowing up and turning over the soil before planting. She notes that “small-scale, no-till farming brings hope to beginning farmers seeking to make a real livelihood and has the potential to spark revitalization for rural communities. Small-scale/ no-till is also a great solution for urban farming, since farmers can realize huge yields on small spaces.” This is, indeed, good news. Add to it the growing evidence supporting claims that conservation agriculture practices such as composting, cover cropping, no-till, and crop rotation act to restore soil health, reduce erosion, conserve water, and sequester carbon.

But there is also fascinating new research that healthy, un-tilled soil has another magic ingredient: the amino acid ergothioneine. Linked with brain and cardiovascular health, ergothioneine is an antioxidant we need but can’t produce ourselves. It is attracting interest, because it seems to suggest that soil fungus—the mycelial network—is a crucial factor in the amount of ergothioneine present in our crops, and that tilling disrupts that network. Writing in the May 2022 issue of Civil Eats, Katherine Kornei provides a fascinating look at the detective work being done by researchers, who are attempting to understand the relationships between tillage practices, mycelia in farm soils, and this “longevity vitamin.” One study found that “oats grown on plots that were not tilled contained roughly one third more ergothioneine, on average, than oats grown on conventionally tilled land.” This is exciting research, and we will keep you updated on new discoveries!

is and

committed to providing our with

foods and products for healthy Have you To promote dreamed

Inside Lovin’ Mama Farms greenhouse

of having or attending a clothing swap, but can never quite pull it together?

ways to

Well, your wish has been granted!

DID YOU KNOW?

Saturday, May 21st, 10am-2pm, Honest Weight will host a sweet swap of gently loved clothing, open to everyone. Join us for some wardrobe renewal and positive social exchange: prune your apparel overgrowth, while finding fresh new additions, for free! Check out the Fresh News in this issue for details, and learn how to get a store coupon for participating.

When we source who choose to from partici a community Fourthat em cooperative principles Seasons in an atmosphere of Produce and we know they are

Dental Wellness of Albany

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Coop Scoop

651Dental.Com

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651 Delaware Ave. Albany, NY 12209

TRADITIONAL, BIOLOGIC WA TE RV & HOLISTIC DENTISTRY LIE T

and made major cuts to their water and energy use.

Laser Dentistry

ROC Certified Companies

Additional participants

in the pilot program who have now achieved regenerative organic certification are: Alter Eco

Herb Pharm

Guayaki Yerba Mate

Stay tuned for more developments!

Dr. Bronner’s Mint Oil and Coconut Oil: Known for establishing long-term fair trade relationships with their farmer partners, Dr. Bronner’s was in the founding group of brands to join the Regenerative Organic Alliance. They source their mint oil from the Pavitramenthe company, in India, which works with over a thousand small holdings farmers. In an area where land has been degraded by industrial agriculture, Pavitramenthe has diversified according to regenerative guidelines, growing legumes and cover crops in their rotation. Mulching, worm composting, and seeding equipment that avoids deep tilling have all helped rebuild the soil. Since 2007, Dr. Bronner’s has been working with Serendipol, a sister company in Sri Lanka, incorporating these practices, as well as agroforestry methods such as intercropping, in which shade-loving plants grow in the rows among the coconut trees. Starting this past spring, the company is directing 10% of every purchase toward regenerative organic farmers and nonprofits working to aid food chain workers in the U.S.

Nature’s Path

was founded in 1985 as a f a m i ly-owned business. Having established their o r g a n i c credentials early on with their organic oats, they have witnessed the marketplace steadily erode the original, more holistic understanding of what is organic.

REGENERATIVE LIVING

They have grown concerned as investors have begun to buy and rent out land, rendering it vulnerable to a lack of “active stewardship.” Nature’s Path’s Legend Organic Farm was part of the 2019 pilot program for Regenerative Organic certification, receiving silver certification; now the company is offering grants to aid small farmers in shifting to these standards.

Pat agon i a

wants to bring regenerative standards to both food and fiber, and is working with 800 cotton farmers to produce ROC cotton. They were an early adopter, having started their exclusively organic cotton clothing line in 1996. They are also working with agroforestry partners to promote the regenerative farming of breadfruit, cacao, and mangoes.

Lotus Foods: Like Dr. Bronner’s, Lotus Foods partners with numerous small farmers, especially subsistence rice farmers in India. Since 2008 they have been offering training to promote a “system of rice intensification” called More Crop Per Drop, which a v o i d s continuous flooding of rice fields. This has been shown to improve soil q u a l i t y, reduce methane, improve farmworker conditions, and produce rice with a higher m i n e r a l c o n t e n t . T h e c o m p a ny wanted to make sure the additional requirements would be affordable for farmers, and their participation in the pilot program has resulted in ROC silver certification of both their brown and white basmati rice. Let’s hope that in the next few years, more shoppers will choose regenerative and organically grown foods, more brands will sport the ROC label, and small farms outside the formal process will receive the support they need to keep doing the good work.

Inviting Worms into Your Family

committed to prov with

foods and products

By Ann Lapinski

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Ann Lapinski has been a member of HWFC for a very long time. She is currently studying to be a meditation teacher after a career in the law. She is thrilled to be writing again for the coop scoop after a long hiatus.

Coop Scoop

and things that are already small. The worms really like it. Second, I think it’s best not to overfeed the worms, so twice a week is plenty. Third, make sure you tell the worms you love them! The best part is that I am, many times over, a worm grandma. I have shared my worms with others who want to start their own bins. If you want more details about worm

who choo a commu cooperative inCooperative an atmosp composting, the local Extension offices have great information. If you need a supply of worms, getand in touch!

n September of 2014, I became a mom again, in a very new way: this time to a family of compost worms. I had recently moved from a larger house with a large yard to a smaller house with a small yard that did not have adequate space for my compost heap. I talked to some of my friends at DEC and they recommended vermiculture. All I had to do was set up a worm bin and they would provide my initial supply of worms from another vermiculturalist. I decided to buy a bin online to make the setup easier. A bin similar to mine is available for less than $100 online, but you can also research cheaper ways to create your own setup. Worms have a bad reputation. We think of them as slimy and dirty and, well, yucky. I have learned otherwise. These red wigglers are part of the family. I greet them when I feed them and tell them what a wonderful job they are doing. I can see the mamas and papas and children of all ages. They, in turn, produce the most amazing compost, which I harvest twice a year. There is magic in placing smelly scraps in the bin and having the worms transform them into rich compost with no odor. There is a little work involved. First, you have to save scraps and feed the worms every few days. They eat most vegetable and fruit scraps except for citrus. My worms do fine on a twice-weekly feeding. The worm bin comes in layers. When the top layer is full, I prepare a new layer above and the worms gradually migrate up to the new layer, leaving the previous one behind with the compost. As I mentioned above, twice a year I harvest compost and clean up the bin some. I keep my worms in my basement, but they can be moved outdoors out of the sun as long as the temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees. Here are my tips for a healthy bin. First, cut scraps into smaller pieces or use peels

ILLUSTRATION BY JEFFREY WRIGHT-SEDAM • PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE SPRADLEY

Corner Corner Summer Garden Melanie’s Favorite Vegetable Broth Date-Sweetened Fruit Smoothie By Melanie Pores

ooking for a great wayBy to Melanie Pores enjoy some of the vegetables Honest Rebecca: When was Nora born? Were there unexpected and herbs from your garden? motherHere’schallenges and/or gifts? a simple healthy recipe for you n Ayurveda, the 5000grand-to prepare that can be adapted, using year-Nora “science Steph: was bornspices, onof November 27th. During labor we ofold herbs and to in 2015.combinations life,”, the emerging create an Indian, Italian, Latin American,called shoulder dystocia had a slight birth complication nt and is heat which and humidity of the early etc., flavored vegetable broth. was quickly remedied. We had so many people offernny forFrench, summer can be challenging, The possibilities are endless! ing to help us after we brought her home. From watching long as especially individuals with afew hours to dropping off home Pores iswe a retired bilingual educator, her soto could sleep for aan ing andMelanie HWFC member since 1978, and the facilitator of HWFC’s “Pitta” constitution like myself, cooked meals. Spanish Conversation Group since 2015, currently on whoFridays tend10am to overheat and dehyto noon. nd metZoom, drate easily. Caleb: All three of us caught coronavirus when Nora was a a joy to month old. [They all came through fine.] As the temperature and COVID, ncy andhumidity rise in the surroundRebecca: What is your the body focus is now? What are you looking y peopleing environment, forward to in the future? er somealso experiencesing a surge in such atemperature and beginsning to Steph: Our focus now is working towards a balance of work accumulate moisture internaland home life, and soaking ly. People of all constitutions inin every second with our daughter as we watch her grow. gnancy?this season need to be mindful impact-of fluid intake and electrolyte Rebecca: Any advice for expecting parents? balance. To Caleb: this end, I thought you My advice is to be reasonably careful, but not allow 2020. Imight enjoy here isfrom a healthy fear to stop you doing what’s best for your family. Enjoy umed I’d blended fruit recipe, that you every moment that you can. be there can either enjoy as a yummy drinkSteph: or easily pour itwould into be anto try not to compare your child My advice ice pop tray and place in your to anyone else’s. Being a parent humbles you and gives you a because freezer to help keep you hydratstrong desire to be the best version of yourself that you can ces until be. Practice patience. This is easier when you make time for ed. It’s a healthy, and delicious nds. We yourself. Remember when they’re fussy that they aren’t way to attend to your body's ology at giving you as a hard time, and they are having a hard time. You’ll thirst, as soon it arises, make mistakes alongelectrothe way. Forgive yourself as well. to restore your body’s ith yourlyte balance. Thankyou you,will Calebenjoy and Stephanie for sharing your story. I hope my Hugs and best wishes to baby Nora from the Honest simple recipe for a date sweetWeight family! e preg-ened fruit smoothie. d Sarah

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEB PERELMAN

2 cups fresh greens ½ onion, finely chopped (e.g, kale, spinach, or a mixture 1 garlic clove, minced of greens) 8 cups of a mixture of from your garden 1 1/2vegetables cups coconut water or 1 cube low-sodium coconut milk vegetable broth

1 cupEnough almond milk water to cover vegetables 1 cup pitted, chopped dates, soaked overnight Herb and spice combinations. Choose one:

1 cup1.fresh frozen cooling 1-inchor fresh ginger, grated summer fruit & 1 tsp turmeric (e.g, blueberries, blackberries, 2. ¼ofcup fresh basil, grated chunks mango) & 1 tsp ground fennel

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

3. ¼ cup fresh cilantro,

1-2 scoops protein powder 1 tsp ground cumin, & (pea 1protein powder for vegans) tsp ground coriander 1/4 tsp ground cardamom 4. ¼ tsp fresh dill weed 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp&cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 -2 Tbsp healthy fat (e.g, coconut butter, coconut oil, avocado or almond butter or other nut or seed butter) 1. Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetables, and cube of low-sodium vegetable broth and water in a soup pot. 1. Pour coconut water/ herb or 2. Add your preferred and spice combination from coconut milk, and unsweetthe suggestions above or enedcreate almond yourmilk, own. filling a high-speed to the 2 3. Simmerblender all the ingredients together forfor 30 2minutes. 1/2 cup mark quarts of 4. For a creamy broth, purée it. smoothie. Add the greens. 5. For a lighter version, strain the broth. Enjoy!on low and, 2. Start blending

as greens start to break down, increase to medium speed until completely broken down and smooth, approximately 45-60 seconds. 3. Add in soaked dates and cooling summer fruit. 4. Add ground flaxseed, protein powder, and cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. 5. Add 1 to 2 Tbsp healthy fat. Blend until smooth. 6. Serve immediately or pour in an ice pop tray and freeze. Enjoy!

Fresh News!

Sfoglini Cascatelli by Sporkful

Double Up Food Bucks!

Italian for “waterfalls,” this innovative new pasta shape was three years in the making! It features a By longer cut than most Deanna Beyer short shapes which improves forkability, while Bucatini half-tube Hunger Freea America estimates plus ruffles create sauce trough for maximum sauceability, both of a 67% that this past year has seen which makeinit foodincredibly satisfying increase insecure New Yorkto sink your teeth into! Try this ers. And here at Honest Weight we’re brand-new locally made pasta in on track to summer have the highest your favorite salad. Find itredempin Aisle 2.

Coop Scoop Scoop Coop

o r e

Double Up Food Bucks is a nation-

Are you looking a dairy-free dessertincentive dip for all of wide for fruit and vegetable the amazing in-season fresh summer fruit? Look no program, of SNAP further than HOPE’sservicing Cashewmillions & Almond dips in users, active in 20+ at over 800 Chocolate or Vanilla Bean. Thestates makers of delicious farmers farm hummus have shownmarkets, that theyCSAs, can roll on stands, the sweeter side of mobile the street, too!and A grocery must-trystores. for any markets, plant-basedThe fruitprogram tray. Findgives themshoppers in the refrigerator $1 for section across from the milk case.

every $1 spent with SNAP, so you can purchase even more produce. A match of up to $20 a day could mean $40 for healthy foods. Why is this important? Because too many people don’t have access, even with government aid, to the amount of healthy food needed to support families. Sign upgot is two free new and sips the to dollars We’ve keep you neverrefreshed expire. in the heat… Celestial Seasonings In New York State, Doublehas Up released has Citrus Sunrise Cold Brew Icedof Tea, contributed to 1.1 million pounds which brews in cold water (making it healthy sales to over easyfood to bring to picnics or on24,000 hikes) and tion of SNAP (Supplemental 130of sites packsNutrition 100% of yourcustomers, daily VitaminatC.more Find itthan with all the other Celestial Seasonings teas across Bulk herbs. Assistance Program) benefits that spanning 23from counties. Granny Squibb’s organic iced a sweet we’ve seen in a single year. Which is Porter’s VisitPeach our Service Deskteatois sign uptreat that gives back. A portion of all proceeds from sales of this Rhode why we’re so excited to participate in and go to honestweight.coop for more Island brewed tea goes to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Double Up Food Bucks! Institute. The brew information on the program. Porter, who was inspired by 10-year-old started a business to raise money for cancer research after the passing of a close friend and family member.

Summer = Iced Tea

Heal JULY 2022

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References and Resources With great information comes great resources. Please check out these links to find out more from our Coop Scoop articles.

Regenerative Agriculture and Regenerative Organic Certification By Ruth Ann Smalley

Lotus Foods Leads The Way With Regenerative Organic Certified™ Rice https://www.lotusfoods.com/blog/lotus-foods-leads-the-way-with-regenerative-organic-certified-rice/ These Oats Help Save the Planet - Nature's Path https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/blog/oats-help-save-planet/ Regenerative Organic Certified https://regenorganic.org/ Regenerative organic agriculture – Dr. Bronner's https://www.drbronner.com/blogs/our-earth/ This Antioxidant May Provide a Key Link Between Regenerative Agriculture and Human Health https://civileats.com/2022/05/10/ergothioneine-regenerative-agriculturelongetive-soil-health-bionutrients-crops-producing-farming-human-health/ The Road to Regenerative Organic Certified™ https://www.patagoniaprovisions.com/blogs/stories/the-road-to-regenerative-organic-certified

The Brain: Feeding, Care and Maintenance by Ben Goldberg

For more information about brain nurturance, check out: Global Council on Brain Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Scientific American – How Our Brain Preserves Our Sense of Selfy:

Be the Change: Grand Street Community Arts By Natalie Criscione

Grand Street Community Arts https://downtownalbany.org/visit/grand-street-community-arts Grand Street arts working it on a shoestring by Joseph Dalton https://www.timesunion.com/preview/article/GrandStreet-arts-working-it-on-a-shoestring-15658591.php Volunteer Match https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/org685327.jsp Vacant Lot Project https://www.facebook.com/VacantLotProject

REGENERATIVE LIVING

Coop Scoop

JULY 2022