Archives of the Olympia Food Co-op Blog of 2010 – 2015
Juneteenth Celebration in Olympia June 19th
From the Olympia Downtown Alliance: The City of Olympia is partnering with local community organizations to celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 19, from 1-5 p.m. at the Fertile Grounds Gardens 311 9th Ave. SE, near the Olympia Timberland Library On ... More » Bulk Specials June 16 – 29
... More » Olympia Food Co-op Celebrates Pride Month June 2021
Ever since the gay rights movement changed dramatically in June 28th, 1969 outside of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, NYC, LGBTQIA+ pride events have been held in the month of June around the world for queer liberation. While there... More » Masks Still Required at the Co-op
Olympia Food Co-op stores are still requiring approved face coverings for all shoppers, workers, and vendors.
As a business serving thousands of people per week, in crowded indoor spaces, proper masking is essential in protecting all members of our community,... More »
CO-OP NOW OPEN UNTIL 9PM!
Starting April 30th, both Co-op locations will remain open from 9am until 9pm for your convenience!... More »
CO-OP CLOSED SATURDAY, MAY 1st IN WORKER SOLIDARITY
As the Co-op closes on May 1 for International Workers’ Day, we invite you to learn about and celebrate the working class roots of this holiday. What started as a three-day general strike in support of the eight-hour workday on... More »
Early Closure April 1st & 3rd
For our Inventory needs:
- April 1st – Thursday – The Westside Store & Garden closes at 6pm
April 3rd – Saturday – The Eastside Store closes at 7pm
Eastside closing at 8 PM Sun. Feb. 14th
Winter Pies, Savory and Sweet
by Monica Peabody, Staff Collective
“Easy as pie” is a saying I adhere to. Some people take making a pie crust very seriously and end up many hours later with the flakiest of pie crusts, like pastry. That’s great and... More »
Co-op Covid-19 Public Service Announcement
Date: 12/16/2020
To Our Members & Community,
In the interest of transparency, we wanted to inform you that last night, Tuesday December 15, we learned that one of our employees tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Upon learning... More »
2020 Board Election Results!
The Election Committee met on the night of November 15th to verify the votes.
Here are the results: Joanne 87 Online + 10 Paper = 97 Jayana 79 Online + 10 Paper= 89 Adam 60 Online + 9 Paper =... More »
WATCH OUR ANNUAL MEETING VIDEO
The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Membership of Olympia Food Co-op: “Inspiring a Just Future”
Our first virtual Membership Meeting was held Sat., Nov. 7th, 2020 from 11 am to 2 pm via Zoom! Apologies for the technical difficulties that... More »
Our first virtual Membership Meeting was held Sat., Nov. 7th, 2020 from 11 am to 2 pm via Zoom! Apologies for the technical difficulties that... More »
Interview: Olympia Community Solar and the Hummingbird Project
Representatives of Olympia Community Solar Co-op recently attended a meeting of the Ecological Planning Committee of the Olympia Food Co-op’s Board of Directors. The Co-op Board was so impressed with Olympia Community Solar’s innovative Hummingbird Project, they purchased ten solar... More »
Membership Annual Meeting – November 7th 2020
ABOUT THE EVENT Our 43rd annual first virtual Membership Meeting will take place on the Zoom Platform (see instructions to join at the bottom of this section.) on November 7th. Our theme is “Inspiring A just Future” and we will... More » Lung And Support Tea – Now Available!
The colder months are coming upon us. This tends to brings an increase
in susceptibility to the Flu and other respiratory problems. One of the
best things you can do to care for your body is to give it all... More »
in susceptibility to the Flu and other respiratory problems. One of the
best things you can do to care for your body is to give it all... More »
Fall 2020 Grant Cycle now accepting donations: Community Sustaining Fund
both stores closing early for inventory: eastside Oct 3 … westside Oct 1 & Oct 2
Both stores will be closing early for inventory: Eastside Co-opSaturday October 3rd at 6pm Westside Co-op
Thursday October 1st at 7pm
Friday October 2nd at 6pm... More »
Finance Report First Quarter 2020 & Beyond
by Jill Lieseke, Staff Member
First quarter ending on March 31 brought so many changes to our Co-op and our world. These are challenging times; the impact being felt the world over. Similar to other years, our 1 st Q ... More »
First quarter ending on March 31 brought so many changes to our Co-op and our world. These are challenging times; the impact being felt the world over. Similar to other years, our 1 st Q ... More »
Police Abolition Statement
From the Staff Collective of the Olympia Food Co-op: What has been known to some for many years has now become apparent to all: the police, whose American origins lie in the slave patrols that began in 1704, have not... More »
Bottled Water and Beyond – article written by former staff member
Bottled Water and BeyondMegumi Sugihara, PhD
Former Olympia Food Co-op Grocery Co-manager West
PDF of article includes footnotes In early summer 2019, news arrived at the Olympia Food Co-op that Cowlitz tribe members and residents of Randle, Washington had... More »
Books for Prisoners – recipient of the 2020 Spring Grant from the Community Sustaining Fund
both stores will be CLOSED on Friday, June 12th.
The Co-op will beCLOSED
on Friday, June 12th, 2020
in solidarity with the
Statewide Silent March and General Strike
Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County... More »
a message from our Board of Directors
First of all, we thank you wholeheartedly for being loyal members of the Co-op as we all face the difficulties and impacts of the current pandemic. Whether you are able to come shop in our stores or use our Order... More » spring 2020 grant cycle now accepting applications: Community Sustaining Fund
westside garden center NEWS!
Did you know thegarden center at the westside is OPEN
5 days a week, 8 hours a day!!
11am – 7pm
Thursday – Monday
(closed Tuesday & Wednesday) And, did you know you can Order for Pickup?! ... More »
Order for Pickup
The Co-op is offering order/pickup service to membersduring the COVID-19 pandemic at our
Eastside location Google maps Please be aware that this is an emergency system, created in haste, so that the greatest number of members can access food... More »
closed May 1st International Workers Day
The Olympia Food Co-opwill be closed May 1st
for International Workers Day in solidarity with striking workers around the world In the past, for a very long time, both stores were closed seven days of the year, including May... More »
COVID-19 response & protocols
OLYMPIA FOOD CO-OPCOVID19 RESPONSE & PROTOCOLS Dear Co-op Community, The health and well-being of our customers, staff, volunteers and suppliers is our utmost concern at this time. We are working quickly to respond to ever changing conditions and want... More »
westside garden center is open Thursday through Monday daily
The Westside Garden Center is still Open!Thursday thru Monday
11 am to 7 pm
(closed Tuesday & Wednesday) Both east and west Co-ops have so many wonderful
local veggie starts
seeds
seed potatoes
soils & compost
flower bulbs
and... More »
new hours starting Monday, April 6th
The new store hours will beginMonday, April 6, 2020
and continue through the end of April Eastside
9am to 7pm
everyday Westside
9am to 1pm & 2pm to 7pm
everyday Westside Garden Center
11am to 7pm
Thursday through Monday... More »
COVID-19 Response Updates – Temporary Limited Store Hours – Temporary Suspension of Order & Pick Up
Temporary Limited HoursStarting Thursday, March 26 Eastside Store
9am to 6pm
Everyday Westside Store
9am to 1pm AND
2pm to 9pm
Everyday Westside Garden Center
11am to 7pm
Thursday thru Monday only Our revised East and West store hours... More »
shopper update – Saturday, March 21st
Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Dear Co-op Shoppers,
In an effort to promote the safest possible social distancing in our stores, the Co-op has decided to limit the number of customers shopping at one time.
We will be making adjustments to... More » both stores will open late – 11am – Saturday, March 21st
Both East and West Co-ops will open late Saturday, March 21, by 11 AM. We apologize for the inconvenience but find it necessary to safely restock our shelves, thoroughly clean and work towards better social distancing measures in response to... More » update Thursday, March 19
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Dear Co-op Community,
The health and well-being of our customers, staff, volunteers and suppliers is our utmost concern at this time. We are working quickly to respond to ever changing conditions and want to update you... More » COVID-19: a letter to our community
To Our Co-op Community:
The health and safety of our Co-op community is our highest priority. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the country, we want to share some of the actions the Co-op is taking to... More » Co-op Kitchen Remodel Update
Thank you for your patience while we enlarge and update our kitchen. Our Cheese department has been working hard to continue to bring you a variety of cheeses and our Deli Department is trying out some new things at our... More » westside garden center now open! thursday – monday, 11am – 7pm
the westside garden center is now OPEN!Thursday – Monday
10am – 6pm starts and seeds and so much more! ... More »
bakery Pop Up at the westside garden center! february 14 – 16
The Co-op’s very ownPop Up Bakery
at the
westside garden center! February 14 – 16, 2020
Friday – Sunday
11am – 6pm Featuring baked goods from the personal recipes of
our talented deli staff. ... More »
co-op kitchen remodel! last day for the salad bar is Friday, February 7th (though salads, sandwiches, and cold soups will be available…)
Dear Customers,
The Co-op Deli Kitchen is being remodeled! Work will start Saturday,February 8th and we will have to close the kitchen for 6 weeks (if all
goes to schedule…). We will do our best to continue to provide... More »
Thinking about Thanksgiving in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
This week and month can be very challenging for our loved ones and community members who have Native/Indigenous heritage. For me, working in the natural food industry during the busiest week of the year, selling food for a holiday that... More » open november 28th – 8am to 5pm
Both Co-op locations will be open onNovember 28th, 2019 8am – 5pm The staff collective would like to recognize the diversity within our community. If you have thoughts on our store hours we would love to hear from you!... More »
turkeys start arriving on November 14th!
Both the eastside and westside Olympia Food Co-op locations will be offering Mary’s brand turkeys for your seasonal gathering again this year. These are some of the highest quality turkeys available, all are certified GMO-free from 3rd party certifier, The ... More » BALLOT MEASURE “Should the Olympia Food Co-op add beer, wine, and other low alcohol beverages to the product mix?”
Member BALLOT – BEER & WINE STATEMENT pdf The Olympia Food Co-op Elections 2019
Voting open October 15 – November 15, 2019 Voting information & online voting links found here The Ballot Measure
“Should the Olympia Food Co-op add beer,... More »
annual membership meeting November 2nd!
Join the Olympia Food Co-op for our42nd Annual
Membership Meeting! Saturday, November 2nd
11am – 2pm 222 Columbia St NW
Downtown Olympia Meet the Board Candidates
Staff & Board Reports
Catered Lunch
& Music from Citizens Band ... More »
voting now open! ballots available online & in both stores October 15th – November 15th
Membership is ownership! Thank you for participating in our democratic process. election held October 15 – November 15, 2019vote online or in either store Board Candidates PDF Statement on Ballot Measure PDF 2019 Member Ballot PDF ONLINE VOTING
scroll... More »
celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
The Olympia Food Co-op celebratesIndigenous Peoples’ Day! Monday, October 14th, 2019 Sampling from 1-5 PM Paintings from Indigenous artist
Leonard Peltier will be on display! Join us in honoring and supporting Native and Indigenous Food Sovereignty by purchasing products... More »
westside garden center open weekends 10 – 6
Come on in!
Check out our Garlic and Shallot starts!
Seeds sales! Westside Garden Centeropen Saturdays & Sundays
10am – 6pm Eastside Garden Center
open Everyday
8am – 8pm ... More »
extended deadline for Board of Directors Applications! September 30th!
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30TH! Join the Board of Directors! Take this opportunity to be an active participant in our Co-op’s future and the future of our community The Board of Director seats are open to... More » 15th annual Harvest Party!!
Join the Fun!Taste some tasty Local Eats!
Enjoy the Music!
Celebrate our Co-op & Community! The Olympia Food Co-op 15th Annual
Harvest Party Saturday, September 7th, 2019
12 – 4pm West Central Park
1919 Division NW & Harrison
with... More »
join the Board of Directors! application process now open!!
Join the Board of Directors! Take this opportunity to be an active participant in our Co-op’s future and the future of our community All materials due by9pm on September 15th, 2019 PDF of the Application Frequently Asked Questions What ... More »
summer classes are happening!
The Olympia Food Co-op summer classes are in full swing …. check out the listings on our website brochure PDF ... More » looking for bulk Alaffia? here is a message to you from the wellness team
Folks have been wondering where the Alaffia bulk wellness products have gone… here is a letter from wellness to you…
Dear Co-op Customer,
We regret to inform you that Alaffia has discontinued its bulk program,which includes hair and body... More »
new products in eastside bulk
New Things To Try In The Eastside Bulk Department
With summer upon us, it is great to have some healthy easy things to bring with you camping or to picnics. Perfect for hikes or a quick refreshing drink, Organic... More » Biscuits & Gravy Take a Summer Vacation
The Deli has been flattered by the comments we get about the Sunday Gluten Free Biscuits and Gravy. As we enter summer, these hearty foods must migrate to their chilly natural habitats to hibernate and wait for the blustery weather... More » Happy Pride Olympia!
round up grants awarded!
The Community Sustaining Fund recently held their biannual grant cycle. Funds from the Co-op Round Up! at the register program were dispersed to five local organizations seeking help with various projects. Canoe Journey/Standing Rock Medic BusStipends for teachers for... More »
spring classes are happening!
check out the new listings & register online or in the stores link to the calendar Spring Classes Poster PDF ... More » 
both stores will be closed on May 1st for International Workers Day
The Olympia Food Co-opwill be closed May 1st
for International Workers Day in solidarity with striking workers around the world In the past, for a very long time, both stores were closed seven days of the year, including May... More »
bring your own containers for the salad bar – get 30¢ off!
We recognize the importance of conservation at the Co-op, so beginning on March 1st, 2019, our deli is increasing the container discount from 5¢ to 30¢ when you bring your own to the eastside soup and salad bar!
You can... More » co-op conversation on beer & wine! april 6th
Co-op Conversation on Beer & Wine Saturday, April 6, 20191pm – 4pm Olympia Community Center
222 Columbia NW
Downtown Olympia Join us for a community conversation on the binding fall member ballot to carry beer and wine in at... More »
garden center at westside now open 10 – 6 daily
the westside garden center is now open daily, 10am – 6pm
starts and seeds and so much more! ... More » new round up at the registers – capitol homecare cooperative
We have added a new Register Round Up option! Capital Homecare Cooperative provides in home services to seniors and people with disabilities, and are working to create sustainable living for the caregivers. All the caregivers are members, thus have a... More » 2018 Board of Directors election and Bylaws changes results!
Welcome to our new and returning Board members!The results of our election, including our first-ever electronic ballots, are as follows:
Desdra Dawning
Jim Hutcheon
Frederick Jack Meldicott
Mel Bilodeau Bylaw change results are in! The Board and staff proposed... More »
salad bar price change announcement
SALAD BAR PRICE ANNOUNCEMENT Starting January 2019, The Olympia Food Co-op will increase the price of our salad bar to $7.99 per pound for both hot and cold food. Sandwiches and coffee will remain the same price.
We have been... More » 
open January 1st regular hours
The Co-op will be openJanuary 1st
8am – 9pm The staff collective would like to recognize the diversity within our community. If you have thoughts on our store hours we would love to hear from you!... More »
open December 25 from 8am – 5pm
The Co-op will be openDecember 25th
8am – 5pm The staff collective would like to recognize the diversity within our community. If you have thoughts on our store hours we would love to hear from you!... More »
pop up bakery at the westside garden center!
The Co-op’s very ownPop Up Bakery
at the
westside garden center! November 26 – December 14, 2018
Tuesday – Friday
8 am – 11:30 am What a great way to use our beautiful garden center in the winter months!... More »
free range & organic turkeys are in!
Mary’s Organic and Mary’s Free Range turkeys have arrived, weighing 8 – 22 pounds, and both Co-ops are stocked full!
Also some Shelton’s turkey parts are available – breasts, thighs, drumsticks. And, the eastside has a limited quantity of uncured... More » open November 22nd from 8am – 5pm
The Co-op will be open November 22nd, 2018
8am – 5pm
The staff collective would like to recognize the diversity within our community. If you have thoughts on our store hours we would love to hear from you! Email here... More » vote for your Board of Directors & bylaws online voting now available!
Membership is ownership! Thank you for participating in our democratic process. election held October 15 – November 15, 2018results will be posted no later than November 22, 2018 ONLINE VOTING
scroll to view the Board candidate’s essays
CLICK HERE ... More »
Board of Directors has endorsed these initiatives and propositions…
The Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors has now endorsed the following initiatives and propositions: Prop 1 – Transit TaxIntercity Transit website Initiative 940 – Deescalate Washington
Deescalate Washington website Initiative 1631- Washington State Carbon Tax
Yes on 1631 ... More »
membership meeting saturday november 3rd!
Our 41st Annual Membership MeetingNovember 3rd, 2018
11am – 3pm
Olympia Center downtown (click to Google maps) Catch up with the news from our Board of Directors, committees, staff members, and our Board candidates. Participate in a member... More »
harvest party & zuke fest!! sunday, sept 9th!
Join the fun at our Harvest Party & Zuke Fest! Food! Music! Contests! Sunday, September 9thnoon – 4pm
West Central Park on Olympia’s westside
corner of Harrison & Division
google map link Our annual celebration of our local bounty... More »
considering joining the board of directors? now is the time… applications due Sept 15!
Take this opportunity to be an active participant in your Co-op’s futureand the future of our community! Join the Board of Directors! Board of Directors Application (pdf) Applications Accepted
August 1 – September 15 (by 9p.m.)
Elections held October... More »
wagon give-a-way is back! sign up through July 3rd!
want this wagon?raffles are held at both stores
– and, yes –
there is a wagon for each store!!
no purchase necessary!! three weeks to enter your name for the drawing!
open until 9pm Tuesday, July 3rd! Here are... More »
get growin’ for the Zuke Fest!
Join us in celebrating the incredible zucchini and start your preparations to enter the Zuke Fest at our Annual Harvest Party! Sunday
September 9th, 2018
Noon – 4pm West Central Park
on Olympia’s Westside
at Harrison and Division Prizes!
Live... More »
keep local farmland as farms! you can Round Up at the registers to help this happen!
we are still rounding up for this group!
The South Sound Farm Trust (South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust) , a “nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving farmland and to keeping it farmed forever”. Based in Olympia, this organization... More » sample local foods with the President of the Board! thursday evenings at the eastside!
Meet Jim Htucheon, President of our Board of Directors!
Every Thursday evening, he is here at the eastside Co-op, sharing our abundance of local foods, offering delicious samples and pairings.
Come by and say hello! For more information on our... More » 
free treats – ride a bike to the Co-op in May!
The 31st Annual Intercity TransitBicycle Commuter Challenge In May, when you ride to the Co-op,
come to the Customer Service desk,
get a treat, and a punch on your Olympia Food Co-op Ride Card.
After 5 rides, your Ride... More »
the Co-op is hiring! applications due april 30th
Here are some links you might be interested in exploring… Employment Application (PDF) Employment at the Co-op Staff Job Description Consensus Primer How the Co-op is structured The Olympia Food Co-op Bylaws Our Mission Statement
... More » want this pile of tools and more? enter into Annie’s Homegrown Giveaway!
enter to win…Annie’s Compost & Gardening Kit (Valued at $90!)
There will be two winners – one at each Co-op location! Entry forms are found at the display, or cashiers have them – then drop it off at the... More »
local foods! music! fun! at the westside on earth day!
Join us in celebrating Earth Day with Local Eats!Sunday, April 22nd
11am – 5pm
Westside Olympia Food Co-op This will be a fun time for all! We will be featuring lovely local foods from our vendors, local music by... More »
bicycle commuter challenge – registration now open!
The 31st Annual Intercity TransitBicycle Commuter Challenge
is getting ready to roll and
registration is now open! In the month of May, cyclists of all ages can
participate with logging miles and get prizes! And, anytime in May,... More »
help keep farmland as farms… round up at the register!
here is our latest round up!
The South Sound Farm Trust (South of the Sound Community Farm Land Trust) , a “nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving farmland and to keeping it farmed forever”. Based in Olympia, this organization supports a... More » equal exchange bananas!!
We now have bananas through Equal Exchange, and will carry them as long as they are available! With some great pictures, lots of info, and personal experience blogs, we will point you to Equal Exchange’s website for more info about... More » 
NFC reader now at Eastside
We have recently installed the NFC reader at the Eastside on Lane #2 for folks who would like to pay with their phone. This unit will read Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and others.
This payment option is an... More » garden starts are here!
The first vegetable starts of the year are now in!
Peas, lettuces, kales, so many to choose from waiting for you … and more lovely culinary and medicinal herbs, of course! There are also blueberries, strawberries, plenty of seed potatoes,... More » 
buy backs for bottle deposits ending soon! Rawkstar Creations and Rainbow Cloud
Rawkstar Creations no longer has an additional $1.50 bottle deposit for their products. If you have any of those old style deposit bottles, bring them back before February 28, 2018 for a refund. They looked like this….
Also, of... More » 
Cascadian Farms donating 3% of sales for a good cause!!
In partnership with the National Co-op Grocers,the Olympia Food Co-op will be participating in a fundraising effort
by Cascadian Farms to donate funds to the Land Institute. For two weeks, starting February 14th, Cascadian Farms will give... More »
garden news! westside open every day! new eastside seed display!
Westside Garden Centeropen daily 10am – 6pm,
located across the Westside parking lot to the south. Here you will find tools, soils, starts, seeds, books, and so much more! Eastside Garden Center
open during store hours, daily 8am –... More »
2 vacancies on the Board of Directors! here’s how to apply
Join the Board of Directors! Take this opportunity to be an active participant in your Co-op’s future and the future of our community!
There are two seats to fill in the Board of Directors, due to vacancies. One position is... More » win tickets to pizza klatch’s gayla feature performer!!
Pizza Klatch, a local organization who provide support for our LGBTQ+Youth, is getting ready for their annual fundraiser, the Slice of the Good Life Gayla, on February 3rd. This year, Grammy nominee Mary Lambert, will be the featured... More » community sustaining fund 2017 grant awards
Congratulations to these groups (scroll for more about their grant awards)
The Bridge Music ProjectEdible Forest Gardens
Strengthening Sanctuary
Common Cause Property Alliance
Women of Color Leadership Movement The Community Sustaining Fund has been a Co-op round up for... More »
win $75 of free groceries and have $75 donated in your name to the food bank!!
and the winners are…
… Thurston County Food Bank received $150 worth of produce (wholesale!) … eastside winner – Juaquin … westside winner – Maya To participate, ask a cashier or customer service to sign up – all we need... More » 
election results for your board of directors! 2017
Thank you for voting for your Board of Directors!
In order of most votes, here are the selections for the three year term ofJanuary 2018 – December 2020 Joanne McCaughan Peter Brown Benjamin (Ben) Witten To read their original... More »
40 year annual meeting & celebration… save the date!
Come celebrate with us! Save the Date! Saturday, October 28, 20173pm – 8pm
Olympia Community Center
222 Columbia Street NW The party will include lots of food, music, and helpful information (of course!), and we are also preparing a... More »
round up at the register! three to choose from… pocket change makes real change!
Rounding up at the register has been an tradition here at the Olympia Food Co-op for a long time. It can be an incredible way for our community to come together to help organizations, small business, and individuals in time... More » considering joining the board of directors? now is the time… applications due Sept 15!
2017 Election Application PDF 2017 Election Application PDF Applications due by 9p.m. on September 15th
Elections held October 15th – November 15th ... More » 
we are celebrating! do you have materials for our documentary?
.
This year, in celebration of our 40 years, we are combining our Annual Membership Meeting with a party*!
This means lots of delicious food, fun music, helpful information, and we are preparing a visual celebration! We... More » working member appreciation party
Barbecue at the Park Sunday, July 23rd
noon – 4pm Priest Point Park, Shelter #3 Join us for food & fun times…it’s a summer shindig to celebrate YOU! For more information,
or to make sure there will be food... More »