Archives of the Olympia Food Co-op Blog of 2010 – 2015
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!
SundaySeptember 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 »
a short film on the history of Thanksgiving
Our Anti Oppression Coordinators have recommended the book, 500 Nations: An Illustrated History of North American Indians, by Alvin M. Josephy Jr., for staff to learn more about the history of Thanksgiving.
Starting on page 206, a beautiful... 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 »
do you have a senior or disability membership? changes are coming july 3rd
.
Beginning July 3, the Senior and Disability Memberships will no longer include an additional 10% discount off of membership prices.
If you are finding the additional discount is needed, we encourage you to consider changing your membership to the ... More »
westside garden center sale and clearance event! this weekend june 23 & 24
The Westside Garden Centerwill be hosting a big
Summer Sale and Clearance Event! This weekend!
Saturday and Sunday
June 23rd and 24th 10am – 7pm Spend $20 and receive a
free 4″ herb start from
Rising River Farm!* *Westside... More »
win a woodstock wagon! one more week to join the raffle!
want this wagon?hurry in to enter your name!! There is only one week left!
raffles are held at both stores
– and, yes –
there is a wagon for each store!!
no purchase necessary!! one more week left to... More »
join us for a co-op conversation on the changes to the senior and disability memberships
We welcome you to Join us for a miniCo-op Conversation on the implementation of our
new Cooperative Access Program! Wednesday, June 7
6pm – 8pm
Olympia Community Center, Room 100
222 Columbia St NW (click for Google map)... More »
westside garden center fun! open 10am – 7pm daily!
Today – our first taste of summer with sunny skies and 75 degrees – we got a chance to peek into the Garden Center at the Westside Co-op to see what was up … and … wow!
Folks finding the... More »
free treats for bike riding! join our team! may is bcc month!
Sign up is now OPEN!
30th annual Bicycle Commuter Challenge!
Folks who participate get to log their miles for the month of May, get treats and prizes from participating businesses they visit on their bikes.
Sign up is now OPEN!... More »
closed for international workers’ day on may 1st
The Olympia Food Co-op will be closed onMonday May 1st
in solidarity with workers everywhere
honoring International Workers’ Day In the past, for a very long time, both stores were closed seven days of the year, including May 1st. ... More »
exciting changes to the eastside store!
Pardon our mess over the next couple of weeks as we shift things around to freshen the store up a bit.
Happy Spring!
... More »
do you have a senior or disability co-op membership?
We have a new Cooperative Access Program membership!
Beginning July 3, Senior and Disability Memberships will no longer include a 10% discount on purchases.
Any member who qualifies is encouraged to change to a Cooperative Access Program membership, and to... More »
help get fresh produce to folks in need…
folks from Thurston County Food Bank will becollecting fresh produce at
both Co-op locations Saturday March 25th
10am – 3pm Come on in, buy some fresh produce, then bring it to the table
in front of stores these days... More »
changes coming to our discount memberships
At the Co-op, we’re proud of the fact that our membership is affordable and accessible to anyone who wants to join us. Almost 20 years ago, the Co-op began offering a free annual membership, including a 10% discount, to anyone... More »
collecting supplies for women in need
March 8th is International Women’s Day
In the spirit of service towards an organization which supports women in our community, some staff will be utilizing the day to collect supplies for the Interfaith Works Shelter at both our Eastside and ... More »
join the member relations committee!
Member Relations Committee of the Board Application PDF
Thank you for your interest in the Member Relations Committee!
This Committee of the Board, a group of members-at-large, Board, and staff members meets monthly and is tasked to facilitate communication... More »
here is a fresh approach to healthy eating…
Welcome 2017 and our 40 year anniversary! This month, the Produce Newsletter has an interesting step-by-step list, leading one on an adventurous journey resulting in a tailored-for-only-you healthy cookbook:
11 Ideas to Help You Eat More Vegetables and Fruits in ... More »
westside garden center featuring local artisans
We will be openweekends in December and
for the full week of December 19th – 24th Here are the participating artists Boom Gallery
Various Jewelry and Pottery Items Deborah Smith
Crochet Hats & Children Sweater/Hat Sets Diana Teachout
Handsewn... More »
election results for your Board of Directors!
the election results are in!
thank you to all who voted for your Board of Directors!
In order of most votes, here are the selections
Desdra Dawning, 3 year termRaven Redbone, 3 year term
Jaime Rossman,... More »
membership meeting november 12
Every year in the fall, we celebrate YOU, by holding your Co-op Annual Membership Meeting to bring you Co-op updates and more! This year it will be held on
Saturday, November 12, 201611am – 2pm
Olympia Community Center, Room ... More »
standing rock: round-up at registers & donations drop-off
Stand in solidarity with Standing Rock every time you shop at the Co-op!Stop the Dakota Access Pipeline Round up at the Register
and the Co-op will match all donations up to $1000!
Proceeds will benefit multiple organizations, these as... More »
a staff member’s blog on supporting and celebrating Local
In anticipation for ourAnnual Harvest Party and Local Eats Celebration
Westside Olympia Food Co-op
September 18, 1pm – 5pm
here is a blog post from a staff member’s experience of being a Local Artisan … remember this calendar from... More »
magic kombucha fire & how you can help
link to magic kombucha fundraising campaign
Recently, there was a tragic fire at the Magic Kombucha production facility and warehouse storage site. This business is an Olympia treasure, one that produces a very popular beverage here at the Co-op.
check ... More »
local storm effects fruit crops
A Really Sad Story about Fruit and HailExcerpt from August 2016 Produce Department Newsletter Last week we received an email from Mike Brownfield, one of the Co-op’s primary growers for Washington fruit, including stone fruit (peaches, apricots, etc), apples... More »
Paddle to Nisqually landing in Olympia July 30… want to volunteer?
.
The Nisqually Tribe welcomes and celebrates all nations and visitors to Canoe Journey 2016! The Tribal Canoe Journeys – Paddle to Nisqually – will take place July 30th through August 6th, 2016.
Canoe Landing in Olympia on July 30th... More »
hey kids! free fruit!
with love to you
Queer People of Color, Queer Trans People of Color, LGBTQ+ people …
… the Olympia Food Co-op loves you!
Many queer staff and allies are grieving the violence against people every day in this country. Native lives, black lives, brown... More »
Volunteer for the Greatest CO-OPATOPIA on Earth!
Volunteer for the greatest CO-OPATOPIA on earth!
CO-OPatopia celebrates cooperative businesses and all they contribute to our communities and the local economy.
Now in its fourth year, CO-OPatopia is the only free regional event specifically to promote cooperatives, their... More »
Leonard Peltier mural painting april 16th & 17th
This weekend, April 16th & 17th, the eastside Olympia Food Co-op will be working on a mural painting project based on paintings by imprisoned Native American activist and artist, Leonard Peltier. This new mural joins the already completed Leonard Peltier... More »
Co-op newsletter look updated
Our new quarterly newsletter, Table, has arrived in the store! Come pick up a copy and read articles and recipes by working members and staff!
Quarterly News Page
... More »
announcing turmeric season, plus a recipe from our salad bar!
Even when the sun doesn’t shine, this deep yellow plant brightens up our plates and palates!
Turmeric is a favorite winter crop and we are happy to announce it has arrived at both our stores!
Turmeric is a rhizome in... More »
Paintings by Leonard Peltier Hosted by The Olympia Food Co-op
It is an honor to host Leonard Peltier’s powerful paintings in both of our stores through November. We welcome you to visit these beautiful works, and visit www.whoisleonardpeltier.info and www.freeleonard.org to learn more.
... More »
sample Exquisite N Traditional
Come try some delicious samples from our wonderful vendor Exquisite N Traditional
From 11 – noon at the eastside on Saturday November 14th, and 11 – noon at the westside on Sunday Nov. 15th!
They will also be giving out... More »
Economics for Everyone: Building a Cooperative Movement
Economics for Everyone: Building a Cooperative Movement
Wednesday, Nov. 4th from 7pm to 9pm
Traditions Fair Trade Cafe
300 5th Ave SW
Olympia, WA 98501
Compañeros from the Venezuelan Cooperative, CECOSESOLA, will be speaking together with Olympia Food Co-op... More »
A message from our meat department
The World Health Organization recently released a statement regarding processed meats, saying, “reducing consumption of these products can reduce the risk of cancer”. We want to take this opportunity to remind our community that the Olympia Food Co-op has buying... More »
vote for your board of directors! election held Oct. 15 – Nov. 15
Board of Directors Elections 2015
election held October 15 – November 15 Click here for Ballot PDF Four candidates for the 2015 Board elections were received by the Sept 10 deadline. We realize that having one candidate per position is... More »
join us! annual meeting
Saturday October 17
11am – 2pm Olympia Community Center
222 Columbia St NW
Olympia, WA 98501 Live music by Erev Rav
Co-op Business News
Panel speakers from Cecosesola
Delicious food catered by Ninevah and Arepa
Drinks from Magic Kombucha and ... More »
attention members! proposed bylaws change
The elections will be held
October 15 – November 15, 2015 Current Olympia Food Co-op bylaws allow only for member notification of the annual meeting and Board of Director elections through mailings via the U.S. Post Office. With the use... More »
harvest party potluck & zuke fest! sunday, sept. 20, 1- 5. westside
Sunday, September 20
1pm – 5pm
Westside Olympia Food Co-op
921 Rogers Street N.W. Join the fun at our eleventh annual Harvest Party Potluck and Zuke Fest! You are invited to our annual food party, where we will be celebrating... More »
join the Board of Directors! applications due September 10th
Board of Directors Application PDF
applications due September 10election held October 15 – November 15 BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION
The Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors is the elected body that represents the membership by establishing policies, overseeing the... More »
looking for artists!
This year’s Coopatopia event will be held as a “Co-op Alley” of booths in the Northwest Cooperative Development Center’s parking lot on 4th and Adams, right in the heart of Artswalk activities. A live Artswalk band & space for food... More »
new Olympia Food Co-op membership cards!
The Co-op is upgrading the way that we maintain our membership database and how we apply 10% discounts. Members who are used to just telling the cashier “Pink, Purple, Blue, or Yellow Card” will need to take a couple more... More »
support CECOSESOLA at New Moon cooperative cafe celebration
Guess who’s turning 2?
Come celebrate the New Moon, Olympia’s Cooperative Cafe, with a drinks & a silent auction. Proceeds benefit an exchange between area co-ops & collectives with co-op workers from CECOSESOLA in Barquisimeto, Venezuela! History of our ... More »
opening for Member Relations Committee of the Board
Passionate about getting involved with your Co-op?
Join the Member Relations Committee! This Committee of the Board is a group of members-at-large, Board, and staff members meets monthly and is tasked to facilitate communication between the membership and the organization.... More »
Zuke Fest coming soon! Contest & prizes!
Harvest Party & Zuke Fest
Sunday, September 20
Westside Olympia Food Co-op Interested in a food party that celebrates the incredible bounty of our local harvest and businesses? Then join the fun at the Olympia Food Co-op’s eleventh annual Harvest... More »
Community Sustaining Fund spring 2015 grant recipients
The Community Sustaining Fund (CSF) met on Saturday, May 9, 8:30 AM in the community room of MiXX 96, located at State and Washington, for interviews, deliberations, and the subsequent awarding of grants to nine (9) worthy recipients. The CSF... More »
Celebrate Local Eats!
On a sunny weekend in June, the Olympia Food Co-op’s Local Committee hosted our third annual Local Eats event. Twenty local vendors offered samples of food and products at our stores and provided an opportunity for shoppers to learn about... More »
Bike Winner!
Congratulations Duncan!
R.W. Knudson, maker of Recharge sports drink, generously donated a nifty folding bike to raffle away to our membership. On June 16th, the drawing was held at the eastside Co-op, and Duncan is the winner! Congratulations!... More »
CECOSESOLA benefit DINNER with The New Moon Collective
Join us for a fancy dinner with The New Moon Collective to help support local cooperatives in an international exchange with CECOSESOLA! The dinner will be held at The New Moon this Friday, June 12th. Thank you for your support!... More »
Bicycle Commuter Contest: Join Us!
The Olympia Intercity Transit Program’s annual Bicycle Commuter Contest calls to the community and empowers folks to use alternative transportation. In Olympia and Thurston county, the month of May is full of bicycle commuters. Folks are seen zipping around through... More »
