Co-op News | December 2015

Co-op News North Coast Co-op 811 I Street Arcata, CA 95521

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Eureka, CA 95501 Permit No 327

CO-OP NEWS A Publication of the North Coast Co-op • Dec. 2015

The Co-op will match total donations up to $5,000!

CO-OP NEWS

We

Issue 84 | December 2015 www.northcoast.coop co-opnews@northcoast.coop EDITOR Melanie Bettenhausen Marketing & Membership Director (707) 502-3555 ext. 132 melanieb@northcoast.coop

our members giveaway!

GRAPHICS & COORDINATION Zev Smith-Danford Graphic Design Coordinator (707) 502-3555 ext. 120 zevsmithdanford@northcoast.coop

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in a basket full of goods for your kitchen! The winter season is gift giving season for most people. Many cultural traditions involve celebrating the winter months with giving each other handmade gifts, and homemade foods.

What could be better to warm your heart during the cold season than something tasty that a loved one has made? Our buyers definitely have cooks in mind this time of year, so we have focused this month’s giveaway on great items for the kitchen from our General Merchandise departments. You’ll find unique shaped cotton scrubbies, a bright red colander, fun placemats and much more, all packaged up in a fair trade and handmade (and handy!) basket from Bolga Baskets. Retail value of all items is over $180.00!

Alenya Felts Marketing & Graphics Assistant (707) 502-3555 ext. 129 alenyafelts@northcoast.coop ARCATA LOCATION 811 I St., Arcata • (707) 822-5947 Open daily: 6 am to 9 pm Kevin Waters, Store Manager kevinwaters@nor thcoast.coop EUREKA LOCATION 25 4th St., Eureka • (707) 443-6027 Open Daily: 6 am to 9 pm Toby Massey, Store Manager tobymassey@nor thcoast.coop COOPERATIVE OFFICES 811 I St., Arcata GENERAL MANAGER Kelli Reese (707) 502-3555 ext. 124 kellireese@nor thcoast.coop MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Bella Waters (707) 502-3555 ext. 135 bellawaters@nor thcoast.coop

Enter to win at either Co-op locations at Customer Service.

HUMAN RESOURCES Lisa Landry (707) 826-8670 ext. 127 lisalandr y@nor thcoast.coop

Deadline to enter: Dec. 20, 2015

ACCOUNTING Kelli Costa (707) 502-3555 ext. 138 kcosta@nor thcoast.coop BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeremy Cotton, Dave Feral, Colin Fiske, Leah Stamper, Cheri Strong, Steve Suttell, Jessica Unmack board@northcoast.coop THE COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES: Voluntary & Open Membership Democratic Member Control Member Economic Participation Autonomy & Independence Education, Training & Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community The Co-op does not officially endorse the services or products of any paid advertiser. All articles, columns and letters are the expressed opinion of the author and not the Co-op News.

INSIDE

2 Graham Cracker Houses

8 From the General Manager

3 Wellness Department Favorites

9 Board Meeting Recap

4 Sparkling Wine Guide

9 Member Survey

5 Financials

10 Letter to the Editor

6 Oven Roasted Beets & Potatoes 10 Share the Spirit

7 Employee Gift Picks

7 Boiron Giveaway LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must include your name, address, member #, and telephone #. Letters should be kept to a maximum of 250 words and may be edited.

We regret that we may not be able to publish all letters due to limited space. Email your letters to co-opnews@northcoast.coop or send them to: Co-op News, 811 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521.

Deadline for letters is the 10th of each month.

Holiday Hours

11 Community Partners 11 Reference Guide Dec. 24 closed at 7pm for Christmas Eve

Dec. 31 closed at 8pm for New Year’s Eve

Dec. 25 closed all day for Christmas

Jan. 1 open at 8am New Year’s Day

| COOK & SAVE |

By Brenda Harper, Consumer Education Coordinator & Jolie Harvey, Outreach Coordinator Photos by Alenya Felts

COOK & SAVE

Graham Cracker Houses For many families, the tradition of decorating a gingerbread house is an annual holiday event, but you don’t even have to use gingerbread. You can use graham crackers to make houses just like you would make using gingerbread, only tiny.

Try making your own tiny graham cracker houses using an assortment of decorations from the Co-op’s Bulk department (left over Halloween candy works well too). From a sweet, simple house or a rustic getaway house to an adorable schoolhouse or a scenic barn, your creative options are limitless.

Adults and children alike can participate in the building--making memories has no age limit!

Supplies:

Royal Icing

2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar 2 egg whites 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

• • • •

Graham Crackers – 5 per house Royal Icing (see recipe below) Plate or cardboard, for the base Bread knife or serrated knife

Whip the egg whites until frothy, add the other ingredients, and whip for 7-9 minutes until the volume has increased and the icing holds stiff peaks. Put the icing in the quart-size storage bag. When ready to use snip off about 1/8 inch of one of the corners of the bag in order to use as a piping bag.

• Quart sized plastic storage bag for piping frosting • Assorted candy, pretzels, dried fruit, etc. for decorating

Tip: To make sure the egg whites froth up properly for the icing, rinse the bowl with either white vinegar or lemon juice before making the icing. Use about 2 teaspoons and swirl the bowl around, covering the bottom and sides.

Discard and do not rinse the bowl.

Directions:

Cut four graham crackers into shape A by using a bread knife to remove ¼ of the cracker.

Cut the corners off of two of the crackers (using the center lines as your guides) to create shape B. You should end up with two shape A crackers and two shape B crackers.

Cut another graham cracker in half to form two shape C pieces.

Pipe a line of icing along the bottom of shape C and adhere it to a plate or cardboard base.

Pipe three lines of icing on shape B – along the bottom and just inside both edges. Carefully join shape B to shape C while also attaching shape B to the plate at the base at the same time. Repeat the process for the other two walls.

Line everything up properly and give the edges a gentle squeeze to ensure that everything will hold together. Allow the icing to set up for a few minutes before applying the roof.

Run a length of icing up and down the peak of

the tall shape B walls and add two of the shape A pieces to create the roof. Add another line of icing along the peak of the roof for added strength and stability.

Let the icing set up for at least 30 minutes before decorating.

Use the icing to decorate and also as glue for the decorations.

Sale Ingredients

TruJoy Sweets Organic Candy Canes

C

A

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$3.99

B

5 oz Dec 15- Dec 28

C

Natural Decadence Graham Crackers

A

$5.19 7 oz

C

B C

B B

Dec 1- Dec 28

www.northcoast.coop

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| EMPLOYEE FAVORITES |

From Our Wellness Department Heads

By Nicole Tipple, Arcata Wellness Department Head and Nerrissa Holt, Eureka Wellness Department Head

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1 Evolution Himalayan Salt Therapy SOLE drinking solution: Re-mineralizes the body with 84 essential minerals, Alkalizes the body and balances the PH, gently detoxes, hydrates and energizes to name a few.

2 Ojio Organic Coconut Syrup: Derived from the nectar of the coconut blossom, this syrup has a low glycemic index, is 100% organic , non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. A great alternative to processed sugar for those who are seeking to manage their blood sugar levels.

3 Mazel Zum Bar Soap: This Hanukkah inspired soap is full of orange and almond oils in a goat’s milk base, with a matching bow on top.

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4 Terry Naturally Curamin:

6 Sovereign Silver BIO-ACV-

9 Paradise Amla, Ultimate

11 OHA Cleansing Milk:

BCM-95 has been proven in published studies to provide consistent and long lasting pain relief. This formula includes four powerful ingredients known for working together to help with supporting blood flow and inflammation.

TIVE Silver Hydrosol: Number one selling silver in the US. Contains 98% positively charged silver in pharmaceutical-grade purified water. The particle size is smaller therefore easier absorbed by the body thus ensuring more surface area and higher efficiency. Now in a 32 fl. oz.

Ayurvedic Extract: Contains 20 times more vitamin C than an orange and unlike isolated vitamin C it is a whole food vitamin easily assimilated by the body. Lasts in the system up to four days, unlike absorbic acid which is gone in 2 hours.

Made locally in the Pacific Northwest with locally-sourced ingredients. Highly concentrated with no fillers, gluten-free, free of toxins and vegetarian. This cleansing milk is one of the most organic cleansers on the market.

10 Good Medicine Lomi 7 Zum and Be Merry Frank- Lomi Luscious Massage Oil:

incense, Fir Soap, Lotion: These Christmas inspired products are all natural, handmade and full of essential oils, natural mineral pigments and goat’s milk.

Handcrafted in small batches and with minimal ingredients like Magnolia essential oil, coconut and kukui nut oils, this is a very sensuous oil with a soft scent of somewhere warm and tropical. Perfect for after bath moisturizing.

12 Badger Beard Grooming Kit: Complete with organic beard oil, organic beard balm and a handy cherry wood beard comb all wrapped up in a little box.

5 Garden of Life Lovely Legs: Visibly reduces the signs of varicose and spider veins. Original 95% diosmin formula supported by extensive human clinical research, which promotes lymphatic flow and drainage, supporting the body’s natural detoxification system. Helps reduce the occasional swelling, water retention and heaviness in the legs.

8 Pacifica Glow Baby Face Scrub: Gently exfoliates and eliminates impurities with its dual action formula, 100% vegan and free from petroleum, parabens, or phthalates. One of four new scrubs and masks by Pacifica.

13 Weleda Skin Food: A trusted product since 1921, this hand, body, and face cream is a must-have for dry winter skin.

Fair traded ingredients are free from parabens and petroleum.

Available in two sizes.

The first Wednesday of every month, save 10% off our entire Wellness Department.

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CO-OP NEWS • DECEMBER 2015

| EMPLOYEE FAVORITES |

by Bob Stockwell, Wine Buyer 1 Montmartre Brut Sparkler $9.99 From the southwest of France, made up entirely of Ugni Blanc, this sparkler is crisp with spritely white fruit. A great buy!

4 Tiamo Prosecco NV $12.99 Tiamo, meaning ‘I love you’ in Italian, is an ideal sparkler for blending in that morning Mimosa or as an afternoon apperitivo. Prosecco is a grape varietal as well as the name of the sparkling wine. In this case the grapes are grown organically.

This is a slightly sweeter ‘extra dry’ style as well as lightly sparkling ‘frizzante’ style (not quite the fizz of a Champagne), this bubbly is quite popular in the Veneto area where it is produced.

2 Santa Julia Blanc de Blancs Sparkler $10.99 This sparkler hails from Argentina. This 100% organically grown Chardonnay features lovely flavors of apple and peach with lip smacking acidity…quite a pleasing sparkler.

3 Cantine Elvio Tintero Moscato d’Asti $11.99 Sustainably farmed in the Piemonte region of Northwest Italy, this ‘frizzante’ (lightly sparkling) style wine is slightly sweet, low alcohol and just lovely before dinner with cheese and fresh fruit or after dinner with your favorite dessert.

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6 Roederer Estate Brut Rose NV $30.99 Owned and run by Champagne House Louis Roederer, this is yet another world class venture in the Anderson Valley. The Roederer Brut Rose is probably my favorite sparkler made in California…especially in the $30 and under range. Although one of the most serious sparklers of the group, it is still affordable.

5 Scharffenberger Brut NV $19.99 This Anderson Valley sparkler is a French-owned house. Very traditional in style and quite elegant at half the cost of a Champagne. Started by John Scharffenberger (of chocolate fame) in 1981 it is now run by Maisons Marques & Domaines who continue to make marvelous, elegant yet affordable wines.

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7 Briceland Vineyards Brut $38.99 Made in the ‘traditional methode’ ala Champagne, Humboldt’s own is a well done and consistently lovely sparkling wine. Over the years many gold medals and ‘Best of Show’ awards have gone to Briceland.

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8 J. de Telmont Champagne Grande Reserve $44.99 Champagne…always the party wine, before during or after dinner.

This Brut is off dry and with fine bubbles. Perfect with cheesecake or chocolate torte.

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9 Taittinger Champagne, Brut La Francaise $53.99 Always a winner! Lovely minerality, hints of lemon and apple. This is the go-to sparkler for that very special occasion. Try with oysters, goat cheese stuffed dates or, just by itself…just because.

www.northcoast.coop

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| FINANCIALS |

North Coast Cooperative, Inc. Unaudited Financial Statements

North Coast Cooperative North Coast Cooperative Income Statement Income Statement FY 16 FY 16 Quarter Ending Quarter September Ending 26, September 2015 26, 2015 Qtr 2 Qtr 2

Financial Report Qtr 2 FY 16

North North Coast Coast Co-op Co-op Balance Balance Sheet Sheet Income Statement Balance Sheet Fiscal Fiscal Year Year 2016 2016 FY 2016 FY 2016 Quarter Ending September 26, 2015 Quarter Ending September 26, 2015 September 26, 2015 September 26, 2015 Quarter Quarter Ending Ending September September 26, 2015 26, 2015 Quarter 2, Fiscal Year 2016 Quarter 2, Fiscal Year 2016 Qtr 2 Qtr 2 Qtr 2Qtr 2

NET SALES REVENUE NET SALES REVENUE

8,576,650

8,576,650 Assets: Assets:

Cost of goods sold Cost of goods sold

5,469,982

5,469,982 Current Assets Current Assets Property Property & Equipment & Equipment 3,106,669 36.22% 36.22% OtherOther Assets Assets

SS MARGIN GROSS MARGIN

3,106,669

Payroll ExpensePayroll Expense Payroll Taxes Payroll Taxes Personnel Expenses Personnel & Benefits Expenses & Benefits General & Admin General Expense & Admin Expense Occupancy Expense Occupancy Expense

1,606,338 129,755 370,872 466,757 449,917

operatingTotal expenses operating expenses

3,023,639

Other income (expense) Other income (expense)

33,758

NCOME (LOSS) NET INCOME (LOSS)

116,788

Provision for Taxes Provision for Taxes

27,919

1,606,338 TotalTotal Assets Assets 129,755 370,872 Liabilities: Liabilities: 466,757 449,917

Current Current Liabilities Liabilities LongLong TermTerm Liabilities Liabilities 3,023,639 TotalTotal Liabilities Liabilities

6,172,844 6,172,844

116,788

Current Current Owner Owner Shares Shares Retained Retained earnings earnings 27,919

88,869

TotalTotal Liabilities Liabilities & Equity & Equity

1,849,761 1,849,761 21,000 21,000 1,870,761 1,870,761

3,208,433 3,208,433 1,093,650 1,093,650 4,302,083 4,302,083

6,172,844 6,172,844

Food Summit 2016 February 27

Kate Buchanan Room, Humboldt State University A Humboldt Food Policy Council regional event

The Humboldt Food Policy Council is planning a Food Summit for February 27, 2016. Save the date...you're going to want to be there!

We hope you will attend this engaging, thought provoking event that will bring people together to explore questions and ideas related to a healthy food system.

• What is the current state of the food system here in the Redwood Coast Region?

• What would a healthy and equitable food system for all look like?

• Where can we go, and what can we do together to create a healthy and equitable food system?

We're looking forward to seeing you in February!

Humboldt Food Policy Council

Sponsored in part by North Coast Co-op 5

CO-OP NEWS • DECEMBER 2015

By Kelli Costa

Chief Financial Officer

33,758 Member Member Equity: Equity:

88,869

INCOME NET (LOSS) INCOME (LOSS)

3,237,437 3,237,437 2,541,717 2,541,717 393,690 393,690

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e’ve finished closing the second quarter of our fiscal year. Combined sales were $8,576,650 for the second quarter bringing the year to date sales to $17,083,861. The sales are 6.3% above last year at this time and 3.59% better than budget for the year to date. In the second quarter we had $106,994 higher in expenses than budgeted. One of the larger variances was replacing the pin pads used for credit/debit & EBT card transactions.

This was almost a $20,000 expense that was necessary due to new compliance and regulations for security. They definitely look nicer and function so much better.

This equipment change also took place with the change in our merchant service provider. We have great pricing with our new provider thanks to our membership with the National Co+op Grocers (NCG).

The remainder of the variance was mostly due to expenses happening during the quarter, but budgeted in another quarter along with additional unexpected legal expenses and outside labor help to cover employees out on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Year to date we have a net income of 39.57% better than budget. Sales are strong in Arcata and we are starting to see some sales improvements in Eureka. Year to date everything is looking good.

Our current member-owner A shares grew by 162 new members adding $4,065 to our common stock value since last quarter, but our preferred shares (B & C) have decreased in total value by $77,465.

Investing in your Co-op is not only important for the growth and maintenance of the business but does provide you as member-owners the opportunity to earn dividends on your investment. We currently pay 2.00% APR on C shares.

If you’re a Fair Share member-owner or are interested in finding out how to be more invested in your Co-op, please give Bella Waters a call at (707) 502-3555 ext.135.

| LOCAL PRODUCE RECIPE |

By Brenda Harper, Consumer Education Coordinator & Jolie Harvey, Outreach Coordinator

Oven Roasted Beets and Potatoes Featuring beets from Flora Organica and Wild Rose Farm and Yukon Gold potatoes from Warren Creek Farm

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n the days before widespread refrigeration, households prepared for the winter by filling a root cellar with long-keeping vegetables. Many plants prepare for winter in much the same way, packing their swollen roots with starches and sugars for underground storage. Sugars act as a natural antifreeze, helping the root - and indirectly, the plant – survive the winter intact. Those starches and sugars, intended to feed the plant in springtime, are also appealing to humans. They are why beets and other root vegetables are such favorites, and why roasting makes them taste so good.

Beets are colorful root vegetables that contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers. They are an excellent source of folate and a very good source of manganese, potassium and copper. Beets are also a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin C, iron and vitamin B6. Yukon Gold potatoes contain nearly twice the amount of vitamin C than a regular baking potato and have a smooth and buttery texture when roasted. Try this perfect combination for a tasty side dish for a warm winter meal.

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons butter or olive oil (makes 6 to 8 side-dish servings) 2 Tablespoons chopped 4 medium golden or Chioggia thyme leaves beets, peeled 2 Tablespoons chopped 4 medium red beets, peeled rosemary leaves 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, salt and pepper, to taste peeled

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Photos by Alenya Felts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Have ready a 9-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect).

2. Using a mandolin, slice the vegetables into rounds about 1/8-inch thick. (Alternatively, you can use the largest side of a box cheese grater, but the slices may not be as rounded. You can also use a knife and cut slightly thicker slices—just be aware that they may take longer to cook in the oven.) Set aside.

3. In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the thyme and rosemary.

4. Brush half the herbed butter into the base of the skillet and up the sides. Stack 8 to 10 golden beet slices, and then lay the stack on its side along the edge of the skillet. Next, stack 8 to 10 red beet slices and lay it next to the golden beet stack, followed by a stack of 10 to 12 potato slices. Continue this pattern until you’ve formed a ring around the skillet. Repeat the process to fill in the center.

5. Brush the remaining herbed butter on top of the vegetables, then season with salt and pepper.

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6. Roast until the surface of the vegetables is golden and crisp and the interior is tender, 30 to 45 minutes.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. www.northcoast.coop

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| EMPLOYEE FAVORITES |

from General Merchandise Buyers Wendy Davis & Alicia Sexauer 1 Lifefactory bottles - New! Hot Bev glass with foam sleeve for hot or cold beverages, and our regular yet colorful silicone sleeve Lifefactory bottles.

2 Annette Makino cards - Local artisan haiku cards. 10% off on select holiday designs through 12/28.

3 Bolga Baskets - Fair Trade, handwoven baskets from Bolgatanga in Northern Ghana.

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4 Matr Boomie Gift wrap - Fair trade and tree free gift bags and wrapping paper are made from handmade recycled cotton fiber papers, and sari gift wrap is from recycled saris.

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5 Andes Gifts - Fair Trade, Handmade! Alpaca blend hats, scarves and gloves.

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Boiron Basket Giveaway Boiron has generously donated two baskets filled with a variety of natural remedies that can help provide relief from flu-like symptoms, sneezing, runny nose or congestion. Oftentimes these symptoms are related to stress. Our immune systems can become compromised when we are under a lot of stress, whether it is finals in school, changes at work or home, traveling, or a combination of all of these. A basket full of these remedies can give your immune system a helping hand. Enter to win at either store.

Enter to win at Customer Service in either Co-op location.

Deadline is December 31, 2015

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CO-OP NEWS • DECEMBER 2015

| FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER |

From the General Manager sure you’re saving money every time you shop.

Kelli Reese General Manager

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t’s hard to believe Thanksgiving has passed and we are heading into the last few weeks of the calendar year. The last two months of the year are some of my favorite times, especially working in the grocery industry. There are many food centric celebrations that occur and I love helping shoppers with their purchases, chatting about recipes and enjoying meals with friends and family.

Co+op Basics Just in time for the holidays, North Coast Co-op lowered prices and increased our offerings of organic products from the Field Day brand. These are great deals on staple items like pasta, pasta sauce, canned beans, canned peaches and more. The Field Day products are included in our Co+op Basics program which now has more than 75 products on deal every day. Our basics program recently received a makeover when the National Co+op Grocers (NCG) leveraged the buying power of our virtual chain of food co-ops around the country to secure better prices.

Look for the purple “Co+op Basics” signs on the shelf to be

New Wines We have more incredible savings to offer with new La Riojana wines.

La Riojana winery is a co-op producing a wide range of high quality wines from a number of different grape varieties. Their wines are grown in sunny, high altitude vineyards in La Riojana province, in northwest Argentina.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives is the 6th Cooperative Principle and La Riojana has partnered with select food cooperatives across the country to bring our shoppers tasty wine at a great value. Founded in the 1940’s by Italian Immigrants, La Riojana has 500+ member growers. This is an exciting addition to our wine department. The wines are Fair Trade certified and the price includes a Fair Trade Premium*, which will return to the La Riojana community for projects that benefit the workers and growers of the cooperative.

La Riojana’s long-term goal is for all growers to be certified organic and they are working toward that goal with the funds being raised through our “Co-op to Co-op Wine Program”. Be sure to look for Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and a Bonarda/Malbec blend. If you’d like more information on La Riojana and all the incredible work they are doing in their communities, please visit www.lariojanawines.com.

Security Security is not a new subject for our stores. In recent months, we’ve seen an increase in theft,

loitering and concerning incidents happening at the Arcata location.

We’ve had incredible success with the unarmed, uniformed security in the Eureka store and we are looking at a similar approach for the Arcata store. Just as we had at the Eureka store, our primary focus is for the safety of our employees and shoppers. In the last few months we’ve seen a number of concerning incidents that have required us to begin discussing approaches at the Arcata store with an eye toward being proactive. We’re looking at staffing the Arcata store with unarmed, uniformed security personnel on a limited trial basis.

If you have questions, thoughts or input on this approach, we are always happy to hear from you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Kevin Waters, Arcata Store Manager or me at any time. Be sure to enter to win a $25 Co-op gift card by answering our security related Member Survey question on p. 9.

This month marks my sixth anniversary here at North Coast Co-op. It’s incredible to me how fast the time has gone. My job duties have changed a great deal since I started as the store manager in the Arcata store and I don’t get to see as many of you as I used to, but I feel fortunate to be able to work with an incredible group of people and passionate membership. Thank you for choosing our stores and for your support of the Co-op. So far I have learned a great deal in my time at the Co-op and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I hope your holidays are filled with good times and joy! 

Dec

Jan

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6

SAVE

10% OFF

*The Fair Trade premium is a sum of money paid on top of the Fair Trade price for investment in social, environmental or economic development projects.

Read the Annual Report 2014-2015

See what we accomplished together this past year • available online www.northcoast.coop

Next Wellness Wednesdays

The first Wednesday of every month, save 10% off our entire wellness department.

www.northcoast.coop

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| BOARD NEWS |

Recap of November Board of Directors Meeting

Colin Fiske Board Secretary

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ovember’s Board of Directors meeting covered a lot of topics that may be of interest to Co-op members. Here are just a few of the highlights.

New officers elected.

Nominating Committee Chair Cheri Strong proposed a slate of officers for the Board’s consideration. Director Jeremy Cotton, who was nominated as Treasurer, proposed that Director Steve Suttell take that position instead. The Board then unanimously approved the following officers to serve the Co-op for the coming year: President: Dave Feral Vice-President: Cheri Strong Secretary: Colin Fiske Treasurer: Steve Suttell

How did that bag of chips get on the Co-op shelf… and why is it on sale this month?

You may not know that most of the products on the Co-op’s shelves are supplied by a single distributer, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), through a national contract between UNFI and the National Co-op Grocers (NCG).

NCG is a co-op of food co-ops, and our North Coast Co-op has been a duespaying member for a number of years.

NCG is asking its members to sign a new membership agreement, and several Co-op employees showed up at the Board meeting to talk about the importance of NCG membership. They emphasized how much money we and our customers save by participating in the national UNFI contract. There seemed to be a general consensus on the Board that we can’t let that membership lapse, especially without a backup plan. However, most Board members felt they didn’t have enough information to sign the new membership agreement at this meeting.

Among other things, the agreement requires our Co-op to follow NCG’s bylaws and other rules, and to pay dues, fees, and possibly even fines to NCG. This Board member also raised concerns about transparency, given a broad confidentiality clause and certain other provisions in the agreement. In the end, the Board voted to delay a vote on the new NCG membership agreement until our next meeting, and in the meantime to request more information from the General

Manager to help inform our decision.

Zero Waste packaging audit completed – what comes next?

The Co-op recently contracted with Zero Waste Humboldt to audit some of the single-use packaging products used in our Deli and Bakery. The Sustainability Committee then considered the audit’s results and recommendations, which include: (1) Develop an “Environmentally Preferred” purchasing program for packaging; (2) Work with suppliers to develop “Extended Producer Responsibility” (packaging take-back) programs; (3) Look for opportunities to re-use packaging.

At the meeting, the Board voted to authorize and encourage the Sustainability Committee to continue exploring various options for reducing singleuse packaging and introducing reusable packaging to the stores. The Board also voted for the Sustainability Committee to move forward with gathering input on its draft “Statement of Sustainability”—stay tuned for more on that! …and so much more!

As usual, a lot more went on at this Board meeting than could fit into this article! If you’re interested in the details, the full minutes of the meeting will be included in the Board’s December 3 meeting packet, which will be available to members at the Customer Service desk (or by email if you request it) about a week before that meeting.

Email membership@northcoast.coop.

Learn more about the board at www. northcoast.coop.

Member Survey 25 gift card!

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Member Name: Member #:

Phone #:

Detach this entry form and return it to the Member Survey box located near Customer Service at either store location. Be sure to include your name, contact information, and member number so that we can contact you if your entry is drawn. You can also send your ideas to co-opnews@ northcoast.coop with “Member Survey” in the subject line. Must be a member to enter. Co-op employees and their families are not eligible to win.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: DEC. 31

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CO-OP NEWS • DECEMBER 2015

About Investing in the Co-op The North Coast Co-op offers its Fair Share members the opportunity to purchase preferred non-voting shares of stock, also known as class C shares. Ownership of these preferred shares entitles members to dividends declared by the Board of Directors. Class C shares are limited to members of the Co-op, who are Fair Share members (owning $300 in B shares).

C shares are sold in $10 increments and are currently earning a 2.00% APR on whole C shares ($10 increments) with no fixed terms.

If you’re interested in investing in your Co-op, please contact our Membership Coordinator for more information: (707) 502-3555 ext. 135 bellawaters@northcoast.coop

Win a $

Q: How do you feel about unarmed, uniformed security guards at the Co-op? Please explain. (see article p.8)

The Co-op Has Investment Shares Available!

For more detailed information about C Shares, pick up a “Investing in Your Co-op FAQ” brochure at Customer Service.

| CO-OP COMMUNITY |

Letter to the Editor Reduce Waste Good articles in the newsletter about reducing waste. Shopping at Co-op has helped us to do this, one change at a time. Over a number of years, as we have had to throw out (or find some use for) food packaging, we have asked ourselves “Is there some way I could get this item without the packaging?” (or with less, or even can we just live without this.) Olive oil, dish soap, rice, pasta, flour, sugar, spices, tea: Co-op has helped me significantly lower the trash discarded from our household.

Here are two “pet peeves” for which you might be able to find a solution.

1. Cheese - We often buy the bulk cheeses re-wrapped in

small amounts, for example: the domestic parmesan. Such items are wrapped in thin plastic wrap and closed with scotch tape.

Once you remove the tape, the wrap is ruined and cannot even be re-used to wrap the cheese while you are still using it! No, I have to get out a baggie (or bread bag or something else I’ve saved) to keep the cheese in so it won’t dry out. I mainly bring this up because at Wildberries they wrap cheese in similar wrap but WITHOUT THE TAPE. Somehow this works (probably a little more wrap per block of cheese.) Perhaps you could talk to them and compare methods?

You CAN keep using that piece of plastic wrap from the Wildberries cheese - not forever, but

NORTH COAST CO-OP

at least until the cheese is gone.

2. Meat and Fish - We like the meat department. However, butcher paper today is not what it used to be. There seems to be a plastic coating on the inside which means I cannot shred it and add it to my compost.

Neither can I add it to the pile of paper for starting fires. It’s straight to garbage for every piece of butcher paper. Can’t we get some other kind? Or, as a different suggestion, could we bring containers to the meat counter and skip any wrapping?

I am so glad to have a market that even cares about this issue!

Keep up the good work.

Community Kitchens

— Karen Shepherd, Member #19491

Class and Workshop Schedule

WINTER 2016

Submit a Letter to the Editor We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must include your name, address, member #, and telephone #. Space is limited; please be concise (preferably 250 words or less). We regret that we may not be able to publish all letters due to limited space. Email your letters to co-opnews@northcoast. coop or send them to: Co-op News, 811 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Letters must be received by the 10th of the month.

Co-op Members receive a 20% discount on Cooking Classes and Workshops.

Pick up your copy of the winter cooking class schedule in stores or see it online www.northcoast.coop

Now thru Jan. 1 Make a donation at the register to support our local food bank.

The Co-op will match total donations up to $5,000!

www.northcoast.coop

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Co-op News Reference Guide Board of Directors Activities

amount at the register through January 1, 2016 and the Co-op will match your donation (up to $5,000 total). Proceeds go to Food for People, our local food bank.

Board of Directors Meetings Dec 3 • 6pm Co-op Community Kitchen, Arcata Jan 14 • 6-8pm Location to be determind Feb 4 • 6-8pm Co-op Community Kitchen, Arcata

Co-op Sponsored Events

Co-op members are invited to attend board and committee meetings. Find meeting agendas and minutes at www.northcoast.coop/about.htm.

Policies & Procedures Committee Meeting Dec 9 • 3-5pm Ten Pin Conference Room, 793 K St, Arcata Member Action Committee Meeting Dec 14 • 6-8pm Co-op Community Kitchen, Arcata Finance Committee Meeting Feb 18 • 5:30-7pm Ten Pin Conference Room, 793 K St, Arcata

Co-op Events Now-Jan 1 • Share the Spirit. Donate any

Now-Dec 31 • Food for People Holiday Spirit Food and Fund Drive, 23rd annual. Drop off your non-perishable food items at the Co-op’s Arcata and Eureka store locations. More information at www.foodforpeople.org/content/2015-holidayspirit-food-fund-drive Dec 1 8pm • Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O, presented by the Redwood Jazz Alliance. 8pm at the Kate Buchanan Room, HSU. More info at http://redwoodjazzalliance.org/2015-16.html

Deadlines Dec 20 Members Giveaway entries due (see p. 1) Dec 31 Member Surveys due (see p. 9) Dec 31 Boiron Basket Giveaway entries due (see p. 7) Jan 1 Last day to donate to Share the Spirit (see p. 10)

Holiday Hours Dec. 24 closed at 7pm for Christmas Eve Dec. 25 closed all day for Christmas Dec. 31 closed at 8pm for New Year’s Eve Jan. 1 open at 8am New Year’s Day