To our wonderful Community,

The Olympia Food Co-op is aware of the nationwide call for a general strike and economic boycott taking place tomorrow.

Organizers nationwide are encouraging everyone to pause work and shopping as a way to draw attention to concerns about immigration enforcement practices and their impacts on workers, families, and communities.

Our staff are supported in making their own choices about how they observe the day, and we are working to ensure that everyone is treated with care, dignity, and respect regardless of how they participate.

The Co-op will remain open and operating at a minimal level and we encourage you NOT to shop tomorrow if at all possible.

We understand food is essential, and the Olympia Food Co-op offers a non-corporate option.

If you need essential items, we ask that you consider using cash when possible and avoiding large corporate or big-box retailers, in keeping with the strike’s goals of limiting corporate profit and economic concentration.

We encourage individuals and businesses to endorse the shutdown by signing up at https://nationalshutdown.org/home#endorse.

Beyond tomorrow, our cooperative is committed to continuing conversations and exploring meaningful, long-term ways we can support workers, immigrants, and community members impacted by these issues.

We appreciate our community’s thoughtfulness and solidarity as we navigate both the immediate moment and the work ahead.

In solidarity,

Olympia Food Co-op

We proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm (Curtis, WA)
• Brownfield Orchards (Chelan, WA)
• Burnt Ridge Orchards (Onalaska, WA)
• Helsing Junction Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Here To There Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Kingfisher Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Little Big Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Newaukum Valley Farm (Chehalis, WA)
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc. (Okanogan, WA)
• Piece By Piece Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Rising River Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Wobbly Cart Farm (Rochester, WA)

All of our produce is grown using organic methods. Here are the specials for the week of January 19-25.

• Evercrisp Apples– $1.89/lb
• Blueberries 6oz– $3.89/ea
• Kent Mango– $2.69/lb
• Minneola Tangelos– $2.29/lb
• Asian Pears– $3.79/lb
• Pineapple– $1.98/lb
• Carrot Bunch– $2.79/ea
• Collards– $2.59/ea
• Snap Peas– $7.39/lb
• Red Bell Pepper– $2.98/lb

We currently proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm (Curtis, WA)
• Brownfield Orchards (Chelan, WA)
• Burnt Ridge Orchards (Onalaska, WA)
• Helsing Junction Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Here To There Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Kingfisher Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Little Big Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Newaukum Valley Farm (Chehalis, WA)
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc. (Okanogan, WA)
• Piece By Piece Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Rising River Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Wobbly Cart Farm (Rochester, WA)

by Sarika Igloi, Staff member,

In collaboration with Co-op members/grocers

Recently, I was able to attend the Provender Conference, a regional
gathering for northwest co-ops and vendors in the natural foods
industry. Through one of its educational opportunities, and spending
time at the Columbia River, I learned more about the Goldendale Energy
Storage Project, a proposed renewable energy megaproject, and it
generated so many questions. Is the use of artificial intelligence so
important to us that we would allow power companies to develop this
power project along the Columbia, illegally taking Yakama Nation Land?
The original name for this land is not Goldendale – these lower elevation
mountains and the sacred site proposed for development have been
called Pushpum, or “Mother of All Roots” since time immemorial. It is
an area of immeasurable beauty and importance to the Yakama Nation
Tribes, who, along with several environmental groups, have opposed
the project for many years. The specific site has been a Tribal food and
medicine gathering area, providing abundant resources for animals,
insects, birds & plants alike, as well as holding sacred importance for
ceremonies and fishing, and is the location of a historic village.

The development company (Rye Development) secured a key state
permit to move forward with plans on the 680 acres near Maryhill, WA
this year in February, despite the land being clearly part of 12 million
acres ceded by the federal government in the 1855 treaty. In addition,
the ongoing findings are that the development would destroy a site of
importance to both the Indigenous People who live there and the plants
and animals who rely on the land and water.

What can we do to align with Washington & Oregon Tribal members
who are our last line of defense to safeguard a declining original food
web? Here, in our state of Washington, Indigenous tribes continue to
harvest wild carrot, huckleberry, *wedaxac ( stsaql huckleberry picking
tah-HAShk), camas bulb kwetlal (kweh-THAL), and pine needles from
*c’apac, as a vegetable to be stored. I was deeply saddened to learn of
the mistreatment of Yakama Nation elders while harvesting wild carrot,
*sagaqac” in Twulshootseed, who are not unaccustomed to being
harassed by local law enforcement as they go to harvest. Tribal right to
harvest must be defended.

In 2025 the documentary film, “These Sacred Hills” from Jacob Bailey
& Chris Ward won best feature documentary in the World Culture Film
Festival in Los Angeles, California. This summer it was shown at the
Capitol Theater, along with a panel of speakers. The panel included the
filmmakers along with Elaine Harvey, activist and organizer and Jeremy
Takala of Rock Creek Band, Board Chair of the Yakama Nation. Perhaps
more viewings in a wider area of this documentary could help spread
the word of this issue further.

The major driver of Washington’s need for more energy in the future
(currently our state produces a surplus over basic need) is the expected
need from power-hungry data centers supporting AI technology. This
leads me to wonder, how do we use AI at the Co-op & what are those
impacts? How does this relate to wild foods? Do we really want to
compromise hundreds of acres of land supporting plants and animals for
a power plant? Do we again hold power generation above the lives and
treaty rights of Indigenous People? Could we be harnessing power for
electricity in completely different ways in the next quarter of a century?
I wonder, what can I do to improve our relationships with each other
and with our earth? I am left with more questions than answers.

Hopefully more of us now are asking, how can I support Project Pushpum?
How can we participate in reparations for our local Tribes? By supporting
the safeguarding of their land & food supply. By telling our legislators
to honor treaty rights. By educating ourselves about the truth of
Thanksgiving’s history and what it means for many tribes. We can support
Native-owned companies, products and artwork, throughout the year.
Columbiariverkeeper.org is a great resource as well as the Columbia River
Intertribal Fish Commission, or critfc.org where donations are accepted.
Collaboratively written by members/grocers at the Co-op, language
referenced tribal dictionary: puyalluptriballanguage.org

All our produce is grown using organic methods. Here are the produce specials for the week of January 12-18

• Evercrisp Apples– $1.98/lb
• Blackberries 6oz– $3.69/ea
• Grapefruit– $2.69/lb
• Kent Mango– $2.49/lb
• Avocado– $3.49/lb
• Avocado Bags– $ 4.69/ea
• Broccoli– $3.69/lb
• Broccolini– $2.98/ea
• Rainbow Chard– $2.49/ea
• Romaine Lettuce– $2.49/ea
• Romanesco– $2.89/lb
• Heirloom Tomatoes– $3.59/lb

We currently proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm (Curtis, WA)
• Brownfield Orchards (Chelan, WA)
• Burnt Ridge Orchards (Onalaska, WA)
• Helsing Junction Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Here To There Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Kingfisher Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Little Big Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Newaukum Valley Farm (Chehalis, WA)
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc. (Okanogan, WA)
• Piece By Piece Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Rising River Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Wobbly Cart Farm (Rochester, WA)

We appreciate your support!

Our Eastside store will be closing early at 8pm on Tuesday January 6th  for inventory. The Westside store will be open regular hours.

The Eastside Store is busting at the seams. Our operations are severely limited by our tight retail space, warehouse, and parking lot. The store is hard to shop and it’s challenging to keep the shelves adequately stocked. We’re considering expanding the Eastside store in order to make improvements such as more retail sales space, wider aisles, a service deli and hot bar, expanded dining area, and more bathrooms and parking, all in an ecologically sustainable facility.

We’ve been in our current location for over 30 years with very little remodeling or reconditioning. We’ve been putting off addressing the above needs for way too long and have reached a critical juncture for our operation.

The Board of Directors is seeking input from our membership on the direction that expansion of our Eastside store might take. We want to know what you think…

Take the survey!

Our Westside store will be closing early at 8pm on Wednesday 12/30 for inventory. The Eastside will be open regular hours.

We’ll have abbreviated hours coming up both for the holidays and in January.

• December 25th 9am – 5pm
• December 30th 8am – 8pm (inventory at Westside only) Eastside will be open regular hours which are 8am- 9pm
• January 1st 10am – 9 pm
• January 6th 8am – 8pm (Inventory at Eastside only) Westside will be open regular hours which are 8am-9pm

All of our produce is grown using organic methods. Here are the produce specials for the week of December 22-28.

• Lemon Meyer– $2.39/lb
• Navel Orange– $2.49/lb
• Red Bartlett Pear– $2.29/lb
• Cauliflower– $1.98/lb
• Crimini Mushrooms– $4.98/lb
• Cucumber English– $1.89/ea
• Fennel– $3.89/lb
• Green Beans– $2.98/lb
• Russet Potatoes– $1.19/lb
• Shiitake Mushrooms– $10.29/lb
• Vine Tomatoes– $2.89/lb

We currently proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm (Curtis, WA)
• Brownfield Orchards (Chelan, WA)
• Burnt Ridge Orchards (Onalaska, WA)
• Helsing Junction Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Here To There Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Kingfisher Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Little Big Farm (Olympia, WA)
• Newaukum Valley Farm (Chehalis, WA)
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc. (Okanogan, WA)
• Piece By Piece Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Rising River Farm (Rochester, WA)
• Wobbly Cart Farm (Rochester, WA)

Yes we are open December 25th but with shorter hours (9am – 5pm)

We’re also open 1/1/26 from 10am- 9pm’

All of our produce is grown using organic methods. Here are the specials for the week of December 8-14

We currently proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm, WA
• Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
• Burnt Ridge Orchards, Onalaska, WA
• Helsing Junction Farm, Rochester, WA
• Here To There Farm, Olympia, WA
• Kingfisher Farm, Rochester, WA
• Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
• Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc., Okanogan, WA
• Piece By Piece Farm, Rochester, WA
• Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
• Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA

All of our produce is grown using organic methods. Here are the specials for the week of December 1 – 7.

We currently proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm, WA
• Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
• Burnt Ridge Orchards, Onalaska, WA
• Helsing Junction Farm, Rochester, WA
• Here To There Farm, Olympia, WA
• Kingfisher Farm, Rochester, WA
• Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
• Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc., Okanogan, WA
• Piece By Piece Farm, Rochester, WA
• Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
• Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA

You really don’t want to miss this! It’s this coming week and is pay what up can! Sign up on the Co-op website under Co-op classes. Brought to you by three biking experts: Are you a fair-weather cyclist who is rainy season curious? Riding through our rainy season can keep you outside and moving, feeling the cool air, watching the changing colors and shifts in light. It’s a great way to slow down and appreciate what’s around us. In this class you will learn strategies for staying cozy, dry and safe through the wet season, discuss lower stress routes around town, how to use transit to fast forward your bike ride, and ways to keep your bike running smoothly through the season.

All of our produce is grown using organic methods. Here are the specials for the week of November 24 – 30.

The winners of the 3 seats for the Board of Directors term January 2026-December 2028 are:

• Anch Bergeson
• Andie Giron 
• Christina Upshur

• Anch Bergeson 128 votes  (58 paper/65 online)
• Andie Giron  91 votes  (47 paper/44 online)
• Christina Upshur  65 votes (25 paper/40 online)
• Glenn Phillips  46 votes  (17 paper/29 online)
• Jill Saibel  15 votes  (8 paper/7 online)
• Laurie Weldner  53 votes  (22 paper/31 online)
• Riley Moody  10 votes  (6 paper/4 online)
• Sarah Glass  24 votes  (11 paper/13 online)
• *Shannon Chancellor  71 votes  (27 paper/44 online)
  *candidate withdrew 11/7/2025

Yes, both of our stores will be open on Thursday 11/27, but our hours will be shorter. We will only be open from 9-5. Thanks!

The staff collective would like to recognize the diversity in our community. If you have thoughts on our store hours we would love to here from you at customerservice@olympiafood.coop

Produce Specials for the week of November 17-23. All of our produce is grown using organic methods.

• Opal Apples– $2.19/lb
• Cranberry Bags– $3.59/ea
• Kiwi Berries– $3.59/ea
• Satsuma Mandarins– $3.29/lb
• Bosc Pears–  $1.69/lb
• Fuyu Persimmons– $3.19/lb
• Russet Potatoes– $1.19/lb
• Russet Potato 3# Bags– $2.98/ea
• Yellow Potato 3# Bags– $3.89/ea
• Garnet Sweet Potatoes– $2.19/lb

We currently proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm, WA
• Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
• Burnt Ridge Orchards, Onalaska, WA
• Helsing Junction Farm, Rochester, WA
• Here To There Farm, Olympia, WA
• Kingfisher Farm, Rochester, WA
• Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
• Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc., Okanogan, WA
• Piece By Piece Farm, Rochester, WA
• Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
• Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA

Turkey info 2025

They will arrive on Friday November 21st.

• No pre-orders or special orders
• First come first serve
• Whole birds will range from 6-24 lbs

BOTH STORES:

( ABF=Anti-biotic free, free range)

Mary’s ABF Free Range: $4.99/lb No Antibiotics ever/Fed an Organic Vegetarian Diet/Fed— No Animal By- Products/No Added Hormones/No Preservatives/Gluten-Free/Gap Rated
Step 1

Mary’s Organic, Non-GMO: $5.99/lb
No Antibiotics ever/Fed an Organic Vegetarian Diet/Fed No Animal By-
Products/No Added Hormones/No Preservatives/Gluten-Free/Gap Rated
Step 2-Enriched Environment

EASTSIDE ONLY

LOCAL!!! Washington Farm Raised Turkeys! $10.99/lb
Palouse Farms Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, corn and soy-free, locally grown
grains and sunflower seeds: $10.99/lb

Diestel ABF Free Range: $5.49/lb
No Antibiotics ever/Fed an Organic Vegetarian Diet/Fed No Animal By-
Products/No Added Hormones/No Preservatives/Gluten-Free/Gap Rated
Step 1

Diestel Organic, Non-GMO, GAP STEP RATED: $6.69/lb
No Antibiotics ever/Non-GMO, Fed an Organic Vegetarian Diet/Fed No
Animal By-Products/No Added Hormones/No Preservatives/Gluten-
Free/Gap Step Rated

Diestel Organic, Pasture Raised, Regenified Certified: $7.49/lb
 Pasture Raised using Regenerative Practices No Antibiotics ever/Non-GMO,
Fed an Organic Vegetarian Diet/Fed No Animal By-Products/No Added
Hormones/No Preservatives/Gluten-Free/Gap Step Rated

Turkey parts (thighs, breasts & drumsticks) will not be available this year, as we don’t have a source for them.

Goose! ABF, 10-12 lb: $12.49/lb
Duck! ABF, 3.5-6 lb: $5.99/lb
Cornish Hens! Organic, $8.49/lb

Produce Specials for the week of November 3rd-9th. All of our produce is grown using organic methods.

• Satsuma Mandarins– $3.19/lb
• Navel Oranges– $2.39/lb
• Asparagus– $7.98/lb
• Green Beans– $2.89/lb
• Zucchini– $1.98/lb

We currently proudly carry locally grown produce from:

• Boistfort Valley Farm, WA
• Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
• Burnt Ridge Orchards, Onalaska, WA
• Helsing Junction Farm, Rochester, WA
• Here To There Farm, Olympia, WA
• Kingfisher Farm, Rochester, WA
• Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
• Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
• Okanogan Producers Marketing Assoc., Okanogan, WA
• Piece By Piece Farm, Rochester, WA
• Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
• Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA

In these trying times, we wanted to highlight some of the ways we offer food support to members of our community.

1. We offer a free “CAP” low income membership which also gives a 10% discount on purchases. To sign up come into either store or email customerservice@olympiafood.coop

2. We have a “Pay it forward” program which anyone in need can access for up to $20 a day, or whatever amount is currently in the fund if it is less than $20. The intent of the program is to give people in need easier access to food by using donated funds from others in the community to help cover their purchases. To use or donate to the program ask a cashier.

3. We have food bank collection boxes at the front of each store.

Here are some additional resources not related to our co-op:

• Thurston County Food Bank https://tcfb.org/services/locations/
• WA 211: wa211.org/resources/food or dial 2-1-1 (nearest pantry, hot meal, delivery).
• WSDA map: Access Food Near You
• Seniors – Meals on Wheels & Community Dining Info: southsoundseniors.org/nutrition/meals-on-wheels, Phone: 360-586-6181
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children): Benefits in WA are funded through mid-to-late November; check for updates and eligibility doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/wic
• School Meals: Reimbursements are continuing, and districts report no disruptions expected through December; families who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can apply any time during the school year. Washington School Meals Application Finder

Join us Saturday November 8th from 11am- 2pm for our Annual Membership Meeting, hosted by the Ashho Cultural Center in Tumwater.

Featuring a speaker from the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.

Meeting Agenda:

Annual Membership Meeting— The International Year of Cooperatives

11:00 am Welcome – MC – ASSHO Announcement Jim Hutcheon
11:05 am Land Acknowledgement Sarika Igloi
11:08 am Local Vendors Welcome Jim Hutcheon

Blue Heron, Varadi Pretzels

11:15 am Board Report Jim Hutcheon

***

11:20 am Meet the Candidates (5 mins ea) 4 Board candidates
11:40 am Working Member Report Noraa Daniels
11:45 am    Community Sustaining Fund Keith Dublanica
Echo Morrigan
11:55 am Staff Report Mo Tobin
12:00 pm Finance Report Harry Levine
12:05 pm Meet the Candidates (5 mins ea) 5 Board candidates
12:30 pm Lunch is served
12:50 pm Keynote: Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Shaina Thompson

WA Dept of Enterprise Services (incls. Q&A)

1:15 pm Expansion & Capital Campaign Update Redwood Naragon
1:35 pm    Table Discussions, Open Mic/Q&A
2:00 pm Closing Remarks Jim Hutcheon

Note: Many thanks to ASHHO, our speakers today (vendors, Shaina, Keith, Echo), and
all the working members and staff who helped to make this event possible.