Bamcompostoctobernov2016 by Just Food Coop

s t o P m o C The

October/Novem ber 20 16

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Welcome Jerry! Page 5

Board Candidate Bios Page 8

Monday Movie Night Page 14

Contents Board Names New General Manager ��4 Meet Jerry! ��5 Board of Directors 2016

Candidate Bio’s �� 8-11

Dirk Peterson - President Penny Hillemann - Vice President Clark Ohnesorge - Secretary Adam Hoffman - Treasurer Matt Berg-Wall Dan Forsythe Doug Hiza Jay Johnson Kathy Zeman

Member Drive Begins ��14

board@justfood.coop

Monday Movie Nights ��16 Patrongage FAQs.....................................18 Harvest Festival 2016 �� Back page

Management Team

Jerry Huddleston, General Manager Stephanie Aman, Marketing and Member Services Manager Robert Erpenbach, Finance Manager Sherri Meyers, Retail Manager Sara Payne, Human Resources Manager

Membership Benefits

• Supporting a locally-owned, sustainable and socially responsible business. • Email Subscription to The ComPost. • Profits returned to members as patronage rebates, at the discretion of the Board. • Member-only prices on Co-op classes. • Check writing for up to $20 over the amount of purchase. • Member-only specials on selected items throughout the store. • 10% case discounts, some exclusions apply. Membership application on page 19.

About The ComPost

Fertilizer For The Mind

Editor: Stephanie Aman

The ComPost is a bimonthly publication of Just Food Co-op and is published for the benefit of our membership and the community. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Just Food Co-op or its members. For information about submissions, contact Stephanie Aman at 507.650.0106 or outreach@justfood.coop. Letters to the editor are welcome and may be sent to the same email or 516 Water St. S., Northfield, MN 55057. Just Food Co-op is a proud member of the Twin Cities chapter of the National Cooperative Grocers (NCG).

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Important Dates Saturday, October 1 Coffee with the Board Patronage Redemption Begins Kickoff of the October Member Drive! Monday, October 3 Monday Movie Night - Food For Change (see pg. 16) Tuesday, October 4 Community Meal in Just Food’s Community Room Tuesday, October 18 Just Food’s Annual Meeting Member Appreciation Day - 5% off for members - all day! Thursday, October 20 Wellness Third Thursday - 5% off JFC’s Wellness Department. All day - for everyone! Saturday, November 5 Coffee with the Board Monday, November 7 Monday Movie Night - One Man, One Cow, One Planet (see pg. 16) Thursday, November 17 Wellness Third Thursday - 5% off JFC’s Wellness Department. All day - for everyone! Monday, November 21 Turkey Pick Up Day!

October/November 2016

From the Board of Directors

Board Names Next General Manager

Dirk Peterson Board President Co-op Member

The Just Food Co-op Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jerry Huddleston has been hired to be the next General Manager of Just Food Co-op. His first day of work at Just Food will be September 1. He replaces Pat Neily who moved back to New Hampshire last January for family reasons and now works for the Manchester Food Co-op. Jerry comes to Just Food after 15 years at Ozark Natural Foods Cooperative in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Jerry served as ONF’s Human Resources Manager for all 15 of those years while also serving as the Marketing Manager for more than four years and as the Front End Manager for nearly a year. As is often the case in co-ops, Jerry has also had the opportunity to wear many other hats, stepping in throughout the store as needed to assist with the work of the co-op. He worked closely with his longtime GM, providing advice, writing the business plans and policy monitoring reports, and getting an insider’s view of the work of the GM. Jerry is a passionate advocate both for everybody’s right to have access to healthy food and for supporting our local foodshed and working closely with local farmers. He is committed to supporting and empowering all staff in a healthy and joyful workplace. He has seen first-hand the effects of new competition on a formerly thriving co-op, which informs his understanding that co-ops need to increase their skill sets, improve their operations, and find new ways to remain relevant in the face of ever-increasing competition.

John Brown University; he also has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from JBU. Prior to his work at ONF, Jerry was Director of Production at Athletic World Advertising in Fayetteville for six years. Jerry and his wife, Kim, are excited to move to Northfield. Jerry says, “From day one we fell in love with your community, and I hope that what we can offer will help Just Food Co-op achieve the next stage of its incarnation.” The Board of Directors also recognizes Sherri Meyers, our Center Store Manager, who has served as the Interim General Manager during the past six months. She provided steady and exemplary leadership during this transition to a new GM. Just Food Co-op is very fortunate to have Sherri as part of our management team. Please join us in welcoming Jerry to Just Food Co-op. We believe that exciting opportunities are ahead for Just Food.

In August Jerry will complete his MBA in Leadership and Ethics from

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From the General Manager

Meet Jerry! Hi, everybody! I am Jerry Huddleston and I am the new General Manager of Just Food Co-op. I wanted to take a few moments to officially introduce myself to the membership of Just Food Co-op, and give a quick synopsis of my cooperative background. My wife, Kim, and I, along with our two dogs, two cats, and two frogs (yes, frogs), moved to Northfield on August 28th. So far, we absolutely love this town. When Kim and I traveled to Northfield in June for my interviews with the Board of Directors and the staff, we were immediately smitten. We bought a little house on Woodley Street, and I get to walk to work at the co-op every day! Northfield is a groovy place, and we feel fortunate to call it our new home. I am an Arkansas native, born in Little Rock, and raised in the hills of the Ozarks, officially making me a “hillbilly”. My wife and I had called Fayetteville, Arkansas our home for almost twenty-five years, and since 1993, Ozark Natural Foods Co-op (ONF) was our cooperative grocery store. In December 2000, I joined the staff of ONF as the Human Resources Manager, and served in that capacity until May 2016. During my fifteen plus years at ONF, I was the Human Resources Manager, the Front End Manager, the Marketing Manager, and the Owner Services Manager…often I filled more than one position simultaneously. I left ONF in May 2016 to complete my Master of Business Administration degree at John Brown University. I officially earned my MBA with an emphasis in Leadership and Ethics on August 20, 2016, and John Brown University has informed me that I should receive my official “framing” copy in October.

their relationship with organic, healthy, and local food. I believe in the cooperative business model, and believe that cooperatives offer our nation and our world a better and more ethical way to conduct business. I believe that when people eat better, they feel better…when they feel better, they think better…and when they think better, they live better…and it all starts with food. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected as the new General Manager of Just Food Co-op, and am excited by what the future holds.

Jerry Huddleston General Manager Co-op Member

Next time you are in the store, please feel free, as they say back in Arkansas, to “give me a holler!” I look forward to many years of friendship, growth, and cooperation with you all.

I know first-hand what eating healthy and nutritious food does for people. I used to be a very heavy individual. But shopping at a cooperative and eating healthy food transformed my life. It is now my passion to help others rediscover

October/November 2016

A Board Member’s Perspective

Supporting Board Compensation

Matthew Berg-Wall Board Member Co-op Member

Fellow Member-Owners,

deserve it.

This year, I am completing my two-year term as a Director of the Just Food Board. I am writing to share my impressions of the work of your current Board, remind you that they are not compensated at all, and convince you this is a mistake we need to correct.

And, here is the daunting truth: There is so much more work ahead of us. Expansion must happen if the co-op is to survive in an increasingly competitive market. The work of the Board will grow. Director compensation is a strategic decision – perhaps an experiment – to ensure that JF’s Boards of the future will continue to perform commensurately with the growing workload attendant to an expanding co-op.

JF benefits from a highly professional, incredibly hard working, volunteer Board of Directors. The current Board is a dedicated group. The past year has been challenging. In addition to the regular work of policy governance, this work included beginning an extensive review of our co-op’s current relationship with our Ends, justice, health, sustainability, and education. We started conversations with local producers about how the co-op can further support the local foodshed. We sought to recruit new volunteer Directors. We created thought provoking, educational opportunities, made ourselves available for feedback and direction, and networked locally and nationally, educating ourselves to better serve our community. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we hired a new General Manager. I cannot overstate my gratitude to the current Board’s GM Search Committee for their work. While none of them recorded the hours spent, I assure you, their efforts were impressive and extensive. Their work ensures a strong future for our beloved co-op as we head into expansion. Just Food’s Board of Directors is not compensated in any way, which is unusual (Zimbelman, 1989). It is more common for new co-ops to have uncompensated directors. However, we aren’t new anymore. If the co-op is to grow in the way we want, so must the work of the Board. This is why compensation is important. Compensation and effort are related. In other words, compensation is associated with greater time commitment to the work of the organization (Buchanan, Buteau, Di Troia, & Hayman, 2005). Also, we have a good idea as to how we should compensate to ensure that the benefits of compensation are realized at our particular co-op (Healy & Scholl, 2011). Finally, there’s the moral point of compensation that I kept returning to as the hours of work mounted in the GM search process: These people simply

I want to be clear that at this time, there is not unanimity on the Board as to the question of compensation. Therefore, I invite you to talk to us to share your thoughts and concerns and hear ours. Come to Coffee with the Board, hosted at JF every first Saturday of the month. Come to this year’s Annual Meeting and have dinner with us and talk about it. You will need to make a decision because you will be asked to vote on this question in the future. In order to compensate the Board of Directors, the bylaws need to change. To do that, we need to vote. Let’s start the conversation now so that when that vote comes, each of us knows how we want to define the relationship between Just Food’s owners, Directors, and the co-op itself.

Works Cited Buchanan, P., Buteau, E., Di Troia, S., & Hayman, R. (2005). Beyond Compliance: The Trustee Viewpoint on Effective Foundation Governance. Cambridge: The Center for Effective Philanthropy. Healy, M., & Scholl, M. (2011, November 1). CBLD Field Guide. Retrieved July 29, 2016, from CDS Consulting Co-op: http:// cdsconsulting.centraldesktop.com/cbld/ BoardCompensation Zimbelman, K. (1989, July 23). Director Compensation: A Review of Practices.

The ComPost

Just Food Board Announces Interim Appointment The Just Food board has appointed Jay Johnson to the board on an interim basis through December 2016. He will fill the place formerly held by Ann Iijima, whose term was due to expire at the end of the year. Ann recently resigned from the board to continue her education.

will allow him to step into this interim role with no need for extensive orientation. The board appreciates the expertise and perspectives he brings and his willingness to serve the co-op again.”

The board election that concludes at the Annual Meeting on October 18 will fill three open slots, one of which is the slot in question. The elected board members will take office in January.

Submitted by Dirk Peterson, Board President

Jay Johnson Interim Board Member Co-op Member

Jay is a longtime co-op memberowner who served on the Just Food board from 2009 through 2014 and was board president in 2013. Current president Dirk Peterson said, “Jay’s deep experience on the board

October/November 2016

Board Candidate Bios Alyson Center Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of Just Food Co-op? The Green Revolution of the mid 20th century catalyzed a drastic shift in food systems; it was the beginning of industrialized agriculture. The industrialization of food marked the loss of power from farmers and local communities to corporations. I believe that cooperatives offer an alternative to this corporate dominated model. I would like to serve on the Board of Directors because I believe that consistent with JFC’s Ends Policy, it takes an integrative approach to educate, engage, and support farmers and our local community in fostering food systems that are socially, economically, and environmentally just. We as members, must hold our Co-op accountable, to ensure that the focus on ‘affordability’ does not entail hidden costs to our communities and the environment. Food is not cheap, and if it is not costing you as much at the checkout counter, it is costing someone else somewhereworkers and/or tax payers, and most likely the environment. I would like to see JFC move beyond the “price tag” approach to food accessibility in the future and expand its role in community initiatives. Additionally, as an educator I would like to see JFC play a larger role in educating our community about the why and how of food systems. What experience or involvement have you had with Just Food Co-op or other cooperative enterprises? I have been an active member of a co-op for over 12 years and am currently a member of JFC. Over the past few months I have begun sitting in on Board meetings. Given that co-ops nationally are facing challenging times, I feel drawn to serve my local co-op and community as a member of the Board to ensure that we ask the right questions and make the best-informed decisions we can. What opportunities and challenges do you see in the future for Just Food Co-op?

JFC facing in the future is the same as its historical challenges: to create a successful and responsible food distribution system outside of the large corporate model. While challenging, this also creates opportunities to collaborate with local farmers and engage the community. I would like to see JFC continue and expand working with our community to develop integrative approaches to address issues of food accessibility and to promote an inclusive co-op that is competitive because it offers something unique and honest. With reference to the “Criteria” for serving as a Just Food Co-op Board Director, what skills, formal training or education would you bring that directly contribute to the mission of Just Food Co-op? Describe any professional or volunteer experience you have had that would provide insight or skills on the Just Food Board, including having served on a board or a governing committee of other organizations. As a biology professor, scientist and farmer I bring diverse skills to the mission of JFC and to the Board. I am proficient in statistical analysis, which would be useful for understanding and interpreting financial and sales reports. As a professor, beyond my core teaching duties, I have experience in creating accessible education from developing a free community education course, “Ecology in Your Backyard,” to coordinating a science outreach booth at the Minneapolis Midtown Farmers Market. With my collaborators, we acquired funding to engage youth in fun food related science activities and held discussions with patrons about the science behind food. Additionally, as a farmer and evolutionary ecologist I bring knowledge of the interconnectedness of food systems and ecological processes to JFC. I truly believe in the Co-op’s founding principles and Ends Policy, that “Just Food Co-op nourishes a Just, Healthy and Sustainable Community.” If you want a board member that keeps these core values in mind when thinking about the future of the Co-op and expansion, then vote for me.

One of the biggest challenges I see

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were zoning/permitting and politicalchallenges within the community we were serving.

Andrew Henley Dear Just Food Co-op Board and members, Thank you for this opportunity to serve the community through the Just Food Co-Op. I would like to offer my perspective and experience to assist this valuable community asset to flourish and grow into the optimal vehicle to deliver healthy food and sustainable products to our members and greater community. In my opinion,Food is one of the greatest investments we can make in the health and wellness of our community. I believe by offering the best products available and by educating the public through outreach initiatives,our Co-op can assist in helping the Northfield area set an example of wellness,environmental stewardship, and sustainability principles. Before moving to the Northfield area, I was a long-time member at the Wedge Co-op in Minneapolis. While I frequently volunteered at a nearby organic farm, I was pleased to visit downtown Northfield and shop at Just Food while in town. The presence of an inviting and admirable Co-op grocery was a fundamental aspect in choosing to make the move from the Metro to a Northfield residence. I served on the board of the non-profit community center, The Hive:A Center for Arts and Cultural Exchange which was an ever growing and interchanging group of artists, musicians,teachers, leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and inspired individuals. A future goal of the organization was to incorporate local food products, though there

October/November 2016

Personally, I find it very refreshing to see the open and supportive community example here. I envision that we can overcome any obstacle with the diverse skills of our board,staff,and public input. One opportunity that I can see is to evaluate the models of other successful Co-op organizations and improve our operations to optimize the growth model for future expansion while fully serving the â&#x20AC;&#x153;needs to valueâ&#x20AC;? equation of our members. While I do not have the extensive experience as some of our senior Directors, I can offer a fresh and modern perspective inspired by the next generation of leaders. I attended Century College for Communication,and have worked in diverse corporate settings. After climbing the ladder I saw the entrepreneurial opportunity to make a greater impact in both my own life and the community. I have built my professional audio services company to be a successful sustainable, and reputable small business. I also participate in a local organic farm to implement a regenerative agriculture model to serve as a alternative template for other farms to adopt. For a new challenge, I recently completed Yoga Teacher training to begin a new chapter in my life. Personal growth has always been a priority, and I see this balance and focus rippling into my involvement with community organizations. Allow me to listen and be a voice on your behalf. Thank you for considering my candidacy for a position on the Just Food Co-op Board of Directors. It a pleasure and honor to be of service to our wonderful community.

Board Candidate Bios - continued the importance of place in healthy food systems.

Penny Hillemann It has been my honor to represent you on the Just Food Co-op board for nearly five years, and I humbly ask for your support in returning to the board. This year I am vice president and have been an active member of the General Manager Search Committee. I am deeply engaged in the work of the board and hope very much to have the opportunity to serve for another term. As I write this, we are nearing the end of our search for a new General Manager. By the time you read this, that choice will likely have been made and announced, and perhaps the new GM will already be in place. I am excited to work with our new GM as our co-op enters its next stage of leadership. Here’s my quick bio: I’ve lived in Northfield for 26 years. I work at Neuger Communications Group, where I’m a communications strategist, writer, and project manager. I especially enjoy working with mission-driven organizations like co-ops and nonprofits. Earlier in my career I practiced law for five years. I have a psychology degree from Brown University and my law degree is from UW-Madison. I am married and have two adult daughters and a highschool-age son. I’ve served on several other boards in the region, including the boards of Northfield Healthy Community Initiative (2007–2015) and River Bend Nature Center (2013–present). As member #148, I was an owner of Just Food before the store opened. I’ve long believed in supporting healthy food options and sustainable farming practices. In 2007 (after reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle) my eyes were opened to the local food movement and I realized

Over the past year the Just Food board has (among many other things) been clarifying our understanding of our “Ends policy” – the co-op’s mission statement, which provides the ultimate vision that drives everything that the store does. It’s become clear that the current board is united in its interest in re-emphasizing the co-op’s commitment to “local,” and I strongly endorse that direction. Just Food buys a lot from local producers, but we have been hearing from local farmers that they feel noticeably less supported by the co-op now than in the past. I hope we can do more. It’s important for the strength of our foodshed, for the farmers, and for our environment – and it’s also a key point that distinguishes Just Food from other stores in the area that are selling more natural and organic products. For me, one exciting measure of success would be that as a result of the co-op’s support and growth, more and more land in our region will be supporting diverse, organic (or transitioning-to-organic) farms. This is good for our soil, for our environment and ecosystems (think bees and monarch butterflies!), for our local economy (small local producers circulate more money back into local businesses), for people trying to make a living growing good food on healthy land, and for those who will have access to an increasing supply of the freshest, tastiest, healthiest food. Making sure good food is affordable to more shoppers is also essential. Greater equity in food access is a focus for co-ops nationally, as it has become (and rightly so) at Just Food with our Co-op Basics and Fresh Deals programs, some new product lines, and some great new sale prices every week. It really bothers me when people dismiss organic food as “elitist” and out of touch with most people’s budgets, but there’s been some truth to that criticism in the past. I want all people to have access to good food (and natural wellness and personal care products) for the health of their families and of our environment. I want healthy product choices to be accessible to everyone at Just Food Co-op.

sustainably, ethically, and locally raised often costs more – and why it’s worth the price. But we also need to find more ways to make good food accessible to the many people who can’t afford to make most or all of their food choices at the very top of the local/organic quality scale. Our policies require us not only to be a source of good information about food choices but also to be responsive to customer demand and market trends. It’s essential that we offer a range of price points for food that still meets our Product Policy, including ethical practices and high quality standards. That’s one reason store expansion continues to be a top priority as soon as our new GM is in place – so we’ll have room not only for exciting new options like an expanded deli, but also for a range of products that meet the needs and wishes of shoppers with varied backgrounds and budgets. To me it’s a fundamental issue of justice for our owners. It’s also good business; we can’t act as if we are immune to market competition, because we are not. Conventional supermarkets now offer substantial selections of accessibly-priced natural and organic foods, and at least one new food retailer has Northfield in its sights, as we’ve heard in recent news reports. If we are perceived as being affordable only to a relatively well-off sector of our community, while many of the natural and organic products we sell are available from other stores at lower prices, we will wither. I’m proud of the co-op’s recent steps toward paying a living wage to our wonderful staff, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. I want to make sure our co-op remains vibrant, true to its principles, well-managed, forwardthinking, welcoming, financially viable, relevant to all of our 3,000+ owners, and leading the way on the compelling food health and food justice issues of our day. After all, we are named JUST Food for a reason. I hope I can count on your support.

It’s certainly the co-op’s role to help shoppers understand why food that’s

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employees are to the co-op and the financial and operational losses due to employee turnover. As a board director I would work toward minimizing preventable employee turnover through monitoring the fair treatment of employees to promote a great work team and work environment.

Wendy Russell I’m running for the Board of Directors for Just Food Co-op because I value and want to uphold the vision of the founding members for the co-op to develop and support the local foodshed and thus develop and support a resilient community. I have enjoyed living and working in Northfield as a private music teacher for over ten years. I joined Just Food Co-op in 2014 as an employee at the same time I received a life-threatening diagnoses. Since time, the co-op has provided food and products from knowledgeable employees and members that sustain my health. I learned to trust the co-op’s purchasing standards to not only ensure safe and healthy food, but also have products that are Fair Trade Certified, produced using sustainable practices. I believe that promoting and expanding upon these principles to meet the growing demands of a health and earth conscious community is a primary market differentiator for Just Food co-op in an increasingly competitive retail food industry. Current market trends threaten the continuation of co-op principles with food and beverage conglomerates absorbing smaller suppliers. As the grocery industry attempts to capitalize on health food trends, integrity of products and co-op objectives become compromised. If elected, as a co-op board director, I would work toward sustaining the integrity of the co-op and its founding principles that best serve the needs of its members. As a former employee, I continually received input from members and observed an increasing gap between member input and co-op leadership. As a co-op board director, I would work toward improving increased communication from members to the co-op leadership. As an employee, I observed how valuable the knowledgeable and friendly

October/November 2016

My professional background includes a B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management followed by an MBA education from the University of St. Thomas where my focus of study was on Marketing and Small Business Management. Prior to operating my self-employed business of 16 years, I was a Business Analyst working in data analysis and reporting where I developed reports that monitored and measured outcomes for decision-making and continuous improvement in the health care industry. I enjoy applying my unique strengths of observation, problem-solving and visioning to raise awareness and working in community with others to effect a meaningful difference to people. Beyond maintaining the co-ops sustainability, I view success as being more than just increasing sales. Please vote for me if we share ideals and principles of promoting healthy community, local farmers, product transparency and integrity, and a great workplace through open and honest communication. I believe it is more important for a co-op to BE good, rather than just ‘appear good’. George Bernard Shaw encapsules my enthusiastic hope in manifesting possibilities in his quote, “You see things; and you say “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and I say “Why not?

REGISTERING FOR CLASSES

Classes

Pre-registration is required for classes. You may register online or at our store at our customer service desk. Class fee(s) are due at time of registration. Registration closes 48 hours prior to the class. Visit justfood.coop for more information and to register.

InstantPot Cooking Party

In-Store Education

Healthy Fats for a Healthy Life

Check out some of the great in-store education we are offering. In an attempt to meet member requests for more education, we are trying something new with In-store Education opportunities. Covering a wide range of topics, we know there’s something for everyone! All are welcome and all in-store education opportunities are FREE!

Join us for dinner and dessert at Just Food Co-op! We will be demonstrating timesaving recipes using the InstantPot that you will be able to replicate at home with any pressure cooker. Thursday, October 27..........6:00-7:30 p.m. Cost: $7 Member; $10 Non-Member It’s all about the fat! For so long “fats” have been a feared word in the realm of health. In reality, healthy fats are imperative to good health and longevity, but not all fats are equal.

Come learn about healthy fats, why you want them, and how to incorporate them into your daily life. All ages welcome! Thursday, November 10......6:00-7:30 p.m. Cost: Free!

Gut Health: Getting to the Core

Improving your health starts in your gut. Join us for this FREE class to learn the key steps to a healthy gut and immune system. Discussion will include the role of friendly bacteria, gluten and glyphosate. Taught by Noel Aldrich, PhD, Certified Nutrition Specialist Practitioner and Licensed Nutritionist. www.nutritionproportion.net Thursday, November 17......6:00-7:30 p.m. Cost: Free!

Monday, October 10 from 11a-2p Peace Coffee will be here to talk with customers about Fair Trade practices and sample some of their delicious coffee! Saturday, October 15 from 11a-2p Learn about the many benefits and diverse flavors of Just Food Co-op’s honey selection! We will be sampling our Ames singlesource honeys and exploring creative recipes, like a home-made Honey and Spice Throat Coat Elixir. We will also discuss the benefits of raw honey and Manuka honey, a powerful health food from New Zealand. Monday, October 17 from 11a-2p Equal Exchange will be here to provide education on cooperatives and fair trade and sample their delectable chocolates and coffee. Monday, November 7 from 11a-2p Learn how to incorporate some new herbs and spices into your everyday cooking as well as holiday meals. A fun and spicefilled journey! Saturday, November 12 from 10a-1p Holiday Demo Day! Check out some of our new products, try some delicious holiday treats and learn how to incorporate them into your traditional holiday gatherings.

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MEMBER

Celebrati n & Annual Meeting Tuesday, October 18 St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 3rd Street W, Northfield Come and Go as you please! That evening, here is what you can expect: 5:00: Doors open! Vote, mingle, talk to your Board, and enjoy music by Mark Kreitzer 5:30: Dinner Enjoy food grown locally, prepared by Just Food with excellent bread and desserts by Brick Oven Bakery (including gluten-free options). 6:30: Program Just Food Board of Directors’ President’s remarks and the General Manager’s report 7:00 Panel Engage with and enjoy a panel discussion of Just Food and the Local Foodshed. MC: Leslie Watson, CDS Consulting Co-op Panel Members: Aaron Wills, Little Hill Berry Farm; John Peterson, Ferndale Market; Jodi Ohlsen Read, Shepherd’s Way; Jason Harstad, Valley Natural Meat 8:00: Results of Vote Announced 8:15: Meeting Ends

October/November 2016

Member Drive Month

Everyone Can Shop, Anyone Can Join! People often ask me, “Why should I join? I can still shop there, so what’s the point?” Being an owner of stock in Just Food is an investment. It’s an investment in many different things.

Stephanie Aman Marketing & Member Services Manager Co-op Member

It’s an investment in paying staff a living wage. It’s an investment in our local foodshed and their ability to sell their products through Just Food. It’s an investment in community partners including Project Friendship that matches kids and mentors. It’s an investment in the Key, where your dollars helped put in a kitchen that allows us to provide good food to nourish the friendships and bellies of youth. It’s an investment in Growing Up Healthy’s community meal that takes place on the second Monday of most months. It’s an investment into donations to various non-profits that are fundraising and ask for a raffle item. There are many more reasons to become a member, and I’d be glad to share stories or have the conversation with anyone that wants to do so. The impact that Just Food has had on our community is great and I am the proud staffer that gets to tell those stories and talk to those folks. And I can say for sure, we make a difference here. So why should you join? In short, you’re making an investment into your COMMUNITY. That’s what we do! We sell good food to you and those funds that you invest in us, whether it be in your membership and stock purchase or beyond, when you purchase your groceries - those dollars allow us to do great work in the community and have an impact in a variety of ways.

store that are just for the folks that have invested in this vision. Members also receive special member rates on classes. A big bonus has been free use of the Just Food Community room for personal events. It’s been a great space for birthday parties and baby showers! Being a member means you believe in us and the greater work we are doing in this community for our farmers, sustainable living, our youth and our non-profits. This one time investment of $125 really does so much. If you haven’t joined yet, and are considering - now is the time! Anyone who purchases their membership in October will receive a cool new “I love my Co-op” shopping bag, a high value coupon to the Coop and a delicious Equal Exchange Chocolate Bar. The Co-op is open to EVERYONE you do not have to be a member to shop with us, we love all of our customers and our community. While we are a grocery store, Just Food is so much more than ‘just’ a grocery store. We provide a welcoming community to everyone and provide good and affordable for everyone. We give back to the community that has built us - we appreciate your trust in this business model and we continue to sell more good food, create more jobs and do more good in our community!

Just Food offers some cool perks for being a member too - there are great member sales throughout the

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Cooperative Story

NCG’s “Co+op Forest” Carbon Offset Program Surpasses One Million Trees Thanks to an enduring partnership between National Co+op Grocers (NCG) and Peruvian farmer cooperatives, an estimated 1.4 million native trees have been planted or protected in an at-risk region of the Amazonian rainforest as part of a carbon offset program. Known as “Co+op Forest,” this unique program allows NCG to help slow climate change by offsetting greenhouse gas emissions associated with its business travel and utilities in a way that respects and benefits the surrounding Peruvian community. Co+op Forest is made possible by a partnership with PUR Projet, an offshoot of fair trade food company Alter Eco. By working with farmer cooperatives producing fair trade organic products, some of which are sold in retail food co-ops, NCG works within its supply chain to bring its sustainability efforts full circle. “We’re honored that NCG has partnered with PUR Projet again this year to continue their contribution to Co+op Forest,” said Mathieu Senard, Alter Eco co-founder and CEO. “By planting over 5,200 trees, protecting 5,065 acres in San Martin BioCorridor and mitigating 2,750 tons of CO2 since 2012, they are making a big impact in the lives of the farmers and on the environment.” Sustainable Agroforestry Reducing greenhouse gases is a concern for all, and those involved in the food industry can have a positive impact by influencing the way food is grown. One way to do this is by promoting sustainable agroforestry techniques, like the planting of more carbon-absorbing trees among major crops like coffee and cacao, and the protection of old-growth forests adjacent to cropland. “We are grateful to have this opportunity to work with cooperatives in Peru to help us do our part to slow climate change through Co+op Forest,” said NCG CEO Robynn Shrader. “The farmer co-ops with whom we partner are doing amazing work by establishing a model for sustainable agroforestry, which not only enhances crop quality but also creates habitat for native species and improves water quality by reducing erosion, all while absorbing excess carbon

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from the atmosphere.” The ACOPAGRO and Oro Verde farmer cooperatives plant native trees among their crops in the Alto Huayabamba and Alto Shamboyacu communities as part of Co+op Forest. Some farmers participate in what they’ve enthusiastically dubbed “secure retirement,” the planting of valuable trees on their land that can be sustainably harvested when they reach maturity to provide retirement income. The program is Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) certified. Conserving a World Treasure Most of Co+op Forest’s 2016 expansion will support the San Martin BioCorridor, registered earlier this year as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This old growth rainforest – which is at risk for petroleum exploration – is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. “For the local farmers, it is a great pride to see that their efforts and their project are acknowledged at an international level.” said Pierric James, co-founder and managing director of PUR Projet. Every acre conserved in the San Martin BioCorridor protects an estimated 200600 trees. “We are honored to participate in a program that is providing inspiration for sustainable communities around the world,” said Shrader. “To celebrate the region’s recent international recognition, we expanded Co+op Forest to more than double the acreage of old-growth forest protected by NCG in the San Martin BioCorridor.”

About NCG National Co+op Grocers (NCG), founded in 1999, is a business services cooperative for retail food co-ops located throughout the United States. NCG helps unify food co-ops in order to optimize operational and marketing resources, strengthen purchasing power, and ultimately offer more value to natural food co-op owners and shoppers everywhere. Our 150 member and associate co-ops operate more than 200 storefronts in 38 states with combined annual sales of nearly $2 billion. NCG is a winner of the dotCoop Global Awards for Cooperative Excellence and a Certified B Corporation. Find a map of NCG member and associate co-ops. To learn more about co-ops, visit www.strongertogether.coop. Media inquiries may be directed to Eric Davis (eric@harvest-pr.com; 612-424-7545).

Monday Movie Nights A new and relaxing way to get involved at the Co-op! Come to Monday Movie Nights on the first Monday of the month! We’ll have these movie nights this winter and evaluate the interest level to see if we continue. We’ve got a great line up for the next few months - no registration required - just come!

Monday, October 3 6:30 pm in Just Food’s Community Room Food For Change is an 82-minute documentary film focusing on food co-ops as a force for dynamic social and economic change in American culture. This is the first film to examine the important historical role played by food co-ops, their pioneering quest for organic foods, and their current efforts to create regional food systems. Additionally, the film shows how cooperatives today strengthen local economies and build food security. The goal is to educate a wide audience about the principles of cooperation with a focus on healthy food and a healthy economy.

Monday, November 7 6:30 pm in Just Food’s Community Room Food For Change is an 82-minute documentary film focusing on food co-ops as a force for dynamic social and economic change in American culture. This is the first film to examine the important historical role played by food co-ops, their pioneering quest for organic foods, and their current efforts to create regional food systems. Additionally, the film shows how cooperatives today strengthen local economies and build food security. The goal is to educate a wide audience about the principles of cooperation with a focus on healthy food and a healthy economy.

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Fall Recipes

Squash, Bacon and Apple Hash www.strongertogether.coop

Ingredients: 4 cups diced butternut squash (about a 3-pound squash) 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/2 pound bacon 1 cup diced yellow onion 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced into 1-inch cubes 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage Salt Ground black pepper Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400Â°F.Peel, seed and dice the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the squash with the vegetable oil and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Place the squash on a baking tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender. Remove from the oven and set aside. While the squash bakes, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, turning occasionally. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on paper towels. Carefully drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the pan. Add the onion to the pan and sautĂŠ over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, then add the apple and cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked butternut squash, bacon and sage back into the pan and let the hash cook, without stirring, for several minutes to build up a nice brown crust on the bottom. Sprinkle in a pinch each of salt and black pepper and continue to cook another few minutes until the hash is adequately brown and crisp.

Brie with Orange Preserves and Almonds www.strongertogether.coop

Ingredients: 1 (3-inch) round of Brie cheese 2 tablespoons orange marmalade (with peels) 1/4 cup toasted, sliced almonds Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350Â°F. Spread the sliced almonds onto a sheet tray and lightly toast. Remove from heat and set aside. Carefully trim and discard the top rind of the Brie. Place Brie onto a small baking pan or oven-proof plate. Spread the marmalade onto the exposed cheese. Bake 10 minutes, or until slightly warmed through.Remove from oven and place warmed Brie onto a small plate. Garnish with almonds and serve with crackers or baguette slices.

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Patronage FAQ’s How will I know if I have a patronage refund to use? Just Food will be mailing members letters at the end of September. Starting October 1, your refund will be available for use at the register! To redeem your patronage you will provide your member number along with a valid ID upon checkout. The name on the ID must be the same as the name on the member account. You may also receive your refund as cash by letting the cashier know that you’d prefer to redeem for cash.

Robert Erpenbach Finance Manager Co-op Member

What purchases will not count toward my calculated patronage refund? Purchases of gift cards, equity payments, sales tax, bottle deposits, class fees and round up donations to charity are not a part of sales or of the patronage calculation. Do sale items count toward my patronage refund? Yes, sale items are credited at the price you paid, not the full price of the item. How will I know that my purchases are being recorded? When a cashier asks for your member number, we are recording your purchases so that we can calculate patronage. This is why it’s so important that we ask each time! What can I do to make sure I receive my refund in years when it’s distributed? Keeping your contact information up to date with us is important for many reasons, including patronage. Additionally, adding your email to your account is very helpful so that you can be informed of current events, weekly sales or important annoucements. You can update your information at the Customer Service Desk! Why didn’t I receive a refund? To qualify for the minimum distribution, members need to have spent more than $335 from June 29, 2015 through July 3, 2016, Do we get a refund every year? A patronage refund is not guaranteed. The Board of Directors makes a decision, yearly, on whether or not patronage can be declared. Can I donate my refund? If you would like to donate dollars to the community through the Co-op, you may use the Just Change box located at the registers or you may Just Round Up your purchases. The round up amount will be given to the community partner for that month. It’s not taxable**… In a consumer co-op like Just Food Co-op, patronage refunds are not taxable income**. There is a special provision of the U.S. tax code that specifies the tax consequences for a co-op that distributes profits to members proportionate to use. When co-ops distribute their profit to members, that profit is not taxable income to the co-op or to the member, as long as co-ops follow the rules of this special tax provision. For consumers, patronage refunds are considered by the IRS to be the same as any other sort of rebate. As long as the member is purchasing goods at the co-op for personal use, a patronage refund is not taxable. This is because the IRS assumes that the consumer already paid taxes through our system of income taxes on the dollars they used for purchasing food. To consumer co-op members, patronage refunds are simply a refund on purchases and have no tax effect. **If your purchases were for business purposes, please consult your tax advisor.

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Everyone Can Shop, Anyone Can Join! Member Name 1: �� (Other members of the household are welcome to use the member number)

Street address: �� City: �� State: ____ Zip:__________ Phone: �� Email: �� Would you like to receive the weekly email updates? __Yes __No I agree to buy 1 Class A (voting) share for $25.00 and 20 Class B (non-voting) shares at $5.00 each in the Just Food: Northfield Community Co-op (the Co-op) for a total of $125.00. I understand that this application is subject to acceptance by the Board of Directors of the Co-op and that my membership is subject to the Co-op Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and membership provisions. I have received a copy of the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws and acknowledge the statement of membership provisions. I am paying for these shares as follows: ____ $125 payment in full with this application. ____ $ 25 down payment + $10 processing fee ($35 total initial payment), with a $25 payment quarterly for a total of $135 (1 year payment option). ____Other terms arranged on request. �� Please tell us how you learned about the Co-op: �� Referred by: �� Member #1 Signature: �� Member #2 Signature: �� Date: �� Please give this application to a cashier or send it along with your payment to:

516 Water Street S Northfield, MN 55057 507-650-0106 justfood.coop

October/November 2016

Membership

Member Name 2: ��

516 Water Street S Northfield, MN 55057 507-650-0106 justfood.coop

Harvest Festival 2016 at Seeds Farm Saturday, October 29 from 4-7pm

Come and Celebrate our Local Farmers! Member or not, everyone is welcome at this FREE community event! A good old-fashioned country hog roast ho-down!

Come and celebrate our local farmers and the bounty of the season. We will be roasting a locally raised at Seeds Farm hog and we ask the community to bring side dishes, potluck style! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate the farmers that have provided sustainable and organic foods to our community!