Archives of the Olympia Food Co-op Blog of 2010 – 2015
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 »
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 Center
open 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 »
open 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 Project
Edible 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 »
Edible 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 of
January 2018 – December 2020 Joanne McCaughan Peter Brown Benjamin (Ben) Witten To read their original... More »
January 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, 2017
3pm – 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 »
3pm – 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 »
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 Center
will 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 »
will 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 »
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 mini
Co-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 »
Co-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 on
Monday 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 »
Monday 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 be
collecting 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 »
collecting 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 open
weekends 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 »
weekends 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 term
Raven Redbone, 3 year term
Jaime Rossman,... More »
Raven 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, 2016
11am – 2pm
Olympia Community Center, Room ... More »
11am – 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 »
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 our
Annual 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 »
Annual 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 Hail
Excerpt 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 »
Excerpt 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 10
election 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 »
election 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Letter of Support for CECOSESOLA
This week, staff of the Olympia Food Co-op signed a letter of support for our friends at CECOSESOLA, a cooperative of cooperatives with over 20,000 associates in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. CECOSESOLA operates as a network of worker collectives that makes decisions... More »
Garden Starts from Local Farmers
As the garden supply areas for both Co-op stores begin to fill with all of the great spring offerings for local gardeners, it is important to recognize the folks who bring those wonderful organic starts of herbs and veggies to... More »
Produce Department News
We’ve just barely entered March and yet it already feels like glorious spring! It’s hard to ignore that vibrant blue sky, the lovely golden sun, and those flower bulbs peeking up through the ground. With the milder weather, we may... More »