THE
INSIDER CREATED BY THE SWARTHMORE FOOD COOPERATIVE
! e m e tak ! E E R F m I’
February 2015 ISSUE 016
What’s Inside
you said it page 3
upcoming events page 4 february specials page 14
features
follow
us
@swacoop
NUTMEG SHORTAGE
PG 5
COOPERATIVES HELPING COOPERATIVES PG 6
STAYING POSITIVE IN WINTER PG 7
MATERNITY LEAVE: WE’VE COME SO FAR, BUT STILL HAVE SO FAR TO GO designed by ROSE MCMANUS published & printed by SWARTHMORE FOOD COOPERATIVE
PG 9
THE PERFECT VALENTINES DAY TREAT PG 11
photography by ANDY SHELTER (cover and pg 8) JIM MCMANUS (pg 1 and 2)
2
you said it Do you have a question, comment, or concern? Talk to us! Email operations@swarthmore.coop, or fill out a comment card in store.
The many great innovations are a wonderful surprise! Thanks! -Betey Fry Thank you Betey! We are very excited about our new innovations as well! We are working to make the Co-op a more open atmosphere, and we are happy you, and others have noticed and enjoy the changes! Sincerely, The Swarthmore Co-op
Very nice shop you have here. Indeed, it makes shopping easy and fun! Thank you! -Unknown Thank you very much! We are always trying to have a variety of products for our customers, as well as vendors to help you experience their business! Sincerely, The Swarthmore Co-op
Kitty helped me build an amazing gift basket. My biggest suggestion for the store is that you need to give Kitty a promotion. She’s an invaluable resource. -Unknown Kitty is an amazing asset to the Co-op! She has worked here since 2011 and has been essential to multiple departments. She started off as a deli associate then became a cashier. Currently she is helping the grocery department while Megan, the Assistant Grocery Manager, is out on maternity leave. Kitty also does a lot of the amazing artwork around the store. She is one of the employee’s favorite coworkers and the same can be said for the members! Sincerely, The Swarthmore Co-op
swa rt hmore
since 1937
make a fresh iscovery d
looking to advertise?
contact ROSE MCMANUS for a rate schedule insider@swarthmore.coop
3
UPCOMING EVENTS FEB. 20- BEER AND CHEESE EVENT @8 PM feb. 20- store closes @ 7 Feb. 26- Cooking class Mar. 1- Neil's Knife Sharpening in store 11a-4p Mar. 6- Quizzo @ 8:30 Mar. 20- Pop up restaurant apr. 24- Food truckathon @ 5 pm
Nutmeg Shortage
by Megan Lieberman
Nutmeg is the fruit of the Nutmeg tree. Nutmeg needs a warm, humid climate with abundant rainfall. The spice originated in Indonesia which still holds 75% of the market. It also grows on the Grenada Island of the Caribbean. The nutmeg grown in the Caribbean is known for its great quality. However, the amount of adult trees was drastically reduced during the 2002 hurricane season. In 2002 we saw Hurricanes Gustav, Isidore, Lili, and Kyle. Hurricane Gustav was the most substantial. These led to a 90% decrease in trees. Harvesting of the Nutmeg fruit happens seven to nine years after planting. Between these two factors exportation fell from 2,297 tons to 200 tons. Since 2002 production has increased to 10,000 and 12,000 tons. That seems great until you compare it the 9,000 ton demand. Things are on the upswing but in the meantime you may have noticed Nutmeg missing from our shelf. Now you know why.
Cooperatives Helping Cooperatives
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! ----Do you think food co-ops are terrific and should be more widespread? ----Are you interested in helping existing food co-ops learn from eachother? ----Would you like to help new food co-ops get started and succeed? Swarthmore Co-op is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Food Cooperative Alliance (MAFCA), which works to strengthen the cooperative movement by sharing best practices with other food cooperatives and mentoring start-ups. We host three regional gatherings each year and communicate with each other via listserv, Facebook & Twitter. We’re looking for a few volunteers to help out; skills such as research, outreach, and organizing meetings would be appreciated. If you’re interested, or for more details, email Sue at wasserkrug@gmail.com.
6
written by Rose McManus
Staying Positive in Winter We’ve made it through 2014 without any crazy snowstorms, but there is still plenty of winter yet to come. In these cold months it is easy to feel down and not know what to do to keep yourself moving and happy, but there are easy ways to stay positive and healthy this winter.
GET YOUR BLOOD FLOWING
Sometimes it seems that curling up under blankets is the solution to all winter troubles. However, studies show staying inside, alone and cut off from your normal social life can lead to darker feelings than just avoiding the cold. Even if it’s too cold to go outside, working out in the house, or joining a gym is a good way to get yourself moving and stay active. Work outs are also a good way to keep your social calendar full. Find friends to take fitness classes and activities with. Motivate one another to get out of the house and go to the gym. If the weather ever gives you a break, take a walk. Don’t just stay in bed this winter, get up and get your blood flowing.
7
KEEP YOUR MIND OFF THE FROST Don’t constantly think about how cold it is outside and how “it’ll never be warm again”. Winter is the perfect time to find a new book to read and discover new hobbies. Baking and cooking are great ways to keep warm and busy. Make crafts with your kids, or some of your own to decorate the house. All sorts of activities are available to keep your mind off the frost outside, and get you through winter months.
STAY POSTIVE
Never say never. Remember it will get warm again in a few months. Don’t let the weather, dark days, or cold get you down. Think about, and plan fun things you will do once the weather is nicer. Find fun things to do in the cold, and always stay positive.
THINK SPRING
MATERNITY LEAVE: We’ve Come So Far But Still Have So Far To Go written by Megan Lieberman Before the early 1990’s there was no Maternity Leave Policy in the United States. Up until then leave was governed by state law, bargaining agreements, and employer policies. As more women entered the workforce the demand became greater. By 1969 five states and D.C. had some sort of policy. Seven states eventually followed. Growing pressure for a Federal leave policy resulted in the Family Medical Leave Act. The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) is the current standard for Maternity Leave in the United States. It was signed into law in 1993 under Bill Clinton’s first term. It mandates up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave annually. To qualify one must work for an employer with fifty or more employees. As well as maintain employment for twelve consistent months and accumulate 1,250 working hours over the twelve months. It is distinct from other industrialized countries for it’s scarcity of benefits, short length, and no pay. The financial ramifications of FMLA being unpaid are fairly obvious. However, no pay can also lead to working moms staying at work until their due date. The short length promotes postpartum employment. There have been multiple studies showing the positive effects on both mother and child in relation to the time spent together after birth. Let’s first start with the child’s health. Studies have shown that just one additional week of leave in industrialized countries reduces the infant mortality rates by 0.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Most nursing mothers tend to stop breastfeeding when they go back to work. Breastfeeding has been shown to boost the immune system and be great for disease prevention. Non-working mothers can allocate more time to one on one attention. This can accelerate cognitive and behavioral development. Even the highest quality non-maternal childcare can’t compare. Longer exposure to maternal care is also correlated with a reduction in defiance and aggression.
9
Next let’s discuss maternal health. Postpartum employment is heavily correlated to both physiological and psychological difficulties. Balancing work and home can leave little time for oneself. The stress of trying to maintain both can weaken the immune system. Women who quickly go back into the work force show an increase in respiratory infections, breast symptoms, and gynecologic problems. There is also an increase in depression. As I mentioned some states have supplemental policies. Currently twenty five states have expanded on FMLA. Fourteen states plus D.C. addressed eligibility requirements by lowering the fifty employee rule to just ten. Seven states plus D.C. have also lengthened the time of leave. Some states including California, New Jersey, and Washington operate programs that require private sector to pay. D.C. and three other states have classified under disability so mothers can receive paid leave through Temporary Disability Insurance. Even with more and more states making their own legislation the United States are still far behind other countries. I have had a very positive experience during my pregnancy with Coop. I have had no pressure to leave early and everyone has been beyond amazing with support. I am also fortunate that even though the Coop has less than fifty employees and doesn’t have to comply with FMLA they are. They even created a Personal Leave of Absence Policy allowing me paid time off. Sixty Nine percent of women return to the workforce knowing the negative effects on mother and child. Most don’t have a choice. It’s strange to think that it has only been within the last twenty two years that the United States has been working on a policy. With only half of the states expanding on FMLA, which isn’t that great to begin with, it doesn’t seem like this country is getting anywhere anytime soon.
10
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat recipe found on sallysbakingaddiction.com
INGREDIENTS Red Velvet Brownies -2 Large Eggs -1/8 teaspoon salt -1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter -1 Tablespoon red food coloring -1 cup granulated sugar -3/4 teaspoon white vinegar -2 teaspoons vanilla extract -3/4 cup all-purpose flour -1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Cheesecake Swirl -8oz cream cheese (softened) -1 egg yolk -1/4 cup granulated sugar -1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS 1. preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray 8x8 pan with nonstick spray. 2. Make Brownie layer first a. Beat eggs togetehr in a small bowl and set aside b. Melt butter in a large microwave safe bowl, stir in sugar, vanilla extrace, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar. c. Whisk in eggs, and slowly add flour until completely incorporated. d. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, save about 3-4 Tablespoons for the top. 3.Make the Cheesecake Swirl a. Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl with a hand-held mixer until smooth. b. Dollop spoonfuls of the swirl on top of the brownie batter. c. Cover with the last few Tablespoons of brownie batter. d. Glide knife through the layers, to create a swirl pattern 4. Bake the Brownies a. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle is clean. b. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting and serving.
11
Monthly Specials FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE... SEAFOOD
Prepared Foods
WHOLE SCALED AND GUTTED BRONZINO
ALMOND AND PANKO CRUSTED FRIED BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST
SALE $1.00 OFF MARKET PRICE
MEAT BELL AND EVANS FROZEN CHICKEN BURGERS (16 OZ) REG. $7.59 EACH
SALE $6.59 EACH
“EL POLLO LOCO” (NUTTY CHICKEN) REG. $12.99 LB
SALE $10.99 LB DELI CO-OP CERTIFIED RARE ROAST BEEF REG. $13.99 LB
SALE $11.99 LB
SPECIALTY GRAFTON SMOKED CHILI CHEDDAR REG. $7.99 EACH
SALE $6.99 EACH
SANDWICH SPECIAL
Oh My Rye!
HOT PASTRAMI, SAUERKRAUT, SWISS WITH GRAIN MUSTARD ON MARBLE RYE
BAKERY BETTER TOGETHER BROWNIES REG. $2.49 EACH
GROCERY FIELD DAY PAPER PRODUCTS (TISSUES, PAPER TOWELS, ETC.) REG PRICES VARY
SALE 25% OFF ALL DELI COOPER SHARP AMERICAN CHEESE
REG. $8.99 EACH
SALE $2.00 OFF A LB OR MORE
FROZEN ANNIE’S PIZZA BAGELS REG. $5.99 EACH
SALE $4.49 EACH
REG. $7.95 EA
GROCERY
SALE $6.95 EACH
JOHN & KIRA’S CHOCOLATES
SALE 10% OFF ALL
SALE $1.75 EACH
Member’s
FOR MEMBERS...FOR MEMBERS...FOR MEMBERS...FOR MEMBERS...FOR MEMBERS...FOR MEMBERS...FOR MEMBERS... PREPARED FOODS
SPECIALTY
MENCHEGO REG $12.99 LB
MEMBERS $11.99 LB
FROZEN
TAKE AND BAKE PIZZAS
WYMAN’S FROZEN FRUIT
MEMBERS $7.99 EACH
MEMBERS 10% OFF ALL
REG. $9.99 EACH
BAKERY
FIREHOUSE MINI DONUTS REG $5.79 EACH
MEMBERS $4.99 EACH MEAT
DELI
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
REG. PRICES VARY
DAIRY
REG. PRICES VARY
NOOSA YOGURT 4 PK
MEMBERS $1.00 OFF
MEMBERS $4.99 EACH
REG. $6.49 EACH
MARTINS FRESH PORK BREAKFAST SAUSAGE (1 oz & 2 oz)
SEAFOOD
GROCERY
REG. $5.99 LB
CATFISH FILET
WOODSTOCK NUT BUTTERS (ALL)
REG. PRICES VARY
REG. PRICES VARY
MEMBERS $4.99 lb
MEMBERS $1.00 OFF MARKET PRICE
MEMBERS 25% OFF
Back to Basics
FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...FOR EVERYONE...
BACK TO BASICS BURT’S BEES LIP BALM (VITAMIN E & PEPPERMINT only)
reg. $3.99 each
PRICE $2.49 EACH
Specials valid Februrary 1-28, 2015 except Back to Basics (B2B prices are part of a permanent program).