Both stores will be closing early for inventory:
Eastside Co-op
Saturday October 3rd at 6pm
Westside Co-op
Thursday October 1st at 7pm
Friday October 2nd at 6pm
Featured post
Artisan January local artist sale!
We’re having our first annual Artisan January at the Eastside, where we place the spotlight on our local offerings through a sale on artists’ work all through the month! Items include local jewelry like Aeriefae Aromatherapy earrings, Nonna’s and Glady’s beautifully beaded earrings, those working with paper arts such as DB Creations, Gumption Girl, SI and T. Grainger who share their prints, photography and painting with us through greeting cards~ just to name a few! Other offerings include Zodiac prints from Naragon Designs.
50-75% of the proceeds stay with these artists and they are excited to share their creations. Lastly, the Coops 45 year celebration sweatshirts jointly designed with Rustek collective in Portland take center stage at 10% off.
This is a rare opportunity to get these gifts at a discount ~ Come by and look if you have a chance!
New tea towels at the Westside
Brand new locally made locally printed embroidered Heron tea towels at the Westside!
Exciting update about our Eastside store!
We have an exciting update about our Eastside Store. The Eastside has been enjoying strong growth in sales over the last several years and is truly bursting at the seams! In order to better serve our members, we need to expand our current footprint, however, our objective to expand is greatly complicated by the limited size of our current lot. Our lot is simply too small to allow for a feasible expansion.
Sometimes timing is everything! Recently, we became aware that the house and lot across Lansdale street was going on the market. The Board and staff acted quickly to acquire the property and we are pleased to announce that the Co-op now owns it!
Purchasing this additional property opens up great possibilities for expanding our Eastside Store. The Staff and Board will now begin a planning process to determine the most optimal use of this additional space, as well as planning the store expansion. Some possibilities include staff parking, staff offices, and warehouse space. For now, we will be completing some minimal work to ensure it is safe and secure.
The Board and staff are excited at the prospects of expanding The Eastside store and upgrading all of our facilities to make them more environmentally friendly. The purchase of this additional property will make that much more possible.
Open December 25th, but shorter hours
Both stores will be open December 25th from 9am- 5pm.
Open shorter hours January 1st
Both stores will be open shorter hours. Come see us between 10am – 9 pm.
December Table 2024
An Interview with Amier Ayoub of Olympita By Lucas Anderson, Staff member
Just a little way from the Eastside Co-op, over by St. Martin’s University in Lacey, sits an asphalt island in between a busy stretch of Pacific Ave and Lacey Blvd. There you’ll find an empty parking lot that is host to a number of food trucks. One of these is a white truck with a picture of shawarma emblazoned on its side in red, with the name “Olympita.” Proudly serving authentic Palestinian street food, Olympita is fantastically unique and unlike anything you can find in this area as far as authenticity and deliciousness goes. Started by Amier Ayoub and his wife Christine in March 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, the small food truck persevered through some challenging times to eventually branch out into supplying hummus
and ready to eat shawarma for both the Co-ops.
You can find Olympita’s products in the “grab and go” deli coolers at both stores. They pride themselves on using the freshest authentic ingredients, traditional recipes, and halal meats. Olympita offers a very affordable, delicious, and healthy addition to the Olympia\Lacey community. I had a chance to sit down with Amier to talk about the food he and his wife make and how they ended up in this area. Being he is from Palestine, it’s hard to talk to Amier about the food he makes without bringing up the subject of what’s currently happening there and his connection to that place. In so many ways, he is a thread in our community to that part of the world. We met up at the Westside Co-op in the Little House and sat in the living room to talk about what his life is like living through these challenging times. We also talked about where to find, as Amier puts it, “the super- freshest lamb” in our area and the difference between Baba Ghanoush and “Mama” Ghanoush. More…
Turkey News 2024
We’ll have turkeys available at both stores.
- They’ll definitely be available on November 22nd, possibly even on the 21st.
- They’ll be available in a variety of sizes and will be first come first serve. Sorry, no pre-orders or holds.
ONLY WHOLE BIRDS ARE AVAILABLE & THEY RANGE FROM 8-24 LBS
Both stores:
Mary’s ABF Free Range: $4.99/lb *No antibiotics ever, fed organic vegetarian diet, fed no animal byproducts, no added hormones, no preservatives, gluten free, gap rated step 5 animal centered More info
Mary’s organic (&non gmo): $5.99/lb *No antibiotics ever, fed an organic vegetarian diet, fed no animal byproducts, no added hormones, no preservatives, gluten free, gap system rated step 2- enriched environment More info
Eastside store only:
Mary’s Heritage Breed: $7.99/lb *No antibiotics ever, fed an organic vegetarian diet, fed no animal byproducts, no added hormones, no preservatives, gluten free, gap system rated step 5 – animal centered More info
Diestel ABF Free Range: $5.29/lb *No antibiotics ever, fed an organic vegetarian diet, fed no animal byproducts, no added hormones, no preservatives, gluten free, gap rated step 1More info
OUT OF STOCK! –> Diestel Organic, non gmo, gap step rated: $6.49/lb *No antibiotics ever, non gmo, fed an organic vegetarian diet, fed no animal byproducts, no added hormones, no preservatives, gluten free, gap step rated More info
Diestel, pasture raised, regenified, certified $7.29 * pasture raised using regenerative practices no antibiotics ever, non gmo, fed an organic vegetarian diet, fed no animal byproducts, no added hormones, no preservatives, gluten free, gap step rated More info
Transgender day of Rembemberance
“On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn the people who lost their lives to transphobia and anti-transgender violence this year and remember what those people meant to their loved ones and their communities. In a nation that prides itself on freedom, every individual deserves the right to live authentically and without fear. The Biden-Harris administration stands firmly with all transgender people and envisions a future grounded in equity and acceptance. Let us come together in love and solidarity to honor those we have lost by building a world where everyone can live safely, happily and free of prejudice.” – HHS Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Rachel Levine
DEFEND TRANS FREEDOM
An upcoming Supreme Court case will shape the future of transgender people’s freedom to be ourselves – and we need your help.
Open Nov. 28th but shorter hours
Our stores will be open Thursday November 28th from 9am-5pm. The staff collective would like to recognize the diversity within our community. If you have thoughts about our store hours we would love to hear from you at customerservice@olympiafood.coop
New Round Up for Zomi’s Kitchen
Our new round up for the registers is for Zomi’s kitchen. Here’s some more info…
World Central Kitchen is now cooking out of a new kitchen in Gaza to keep scaling our efforts to support displaced Palestinians. Since serving our first meals eight months ago, we have established a network that will now include three high-capacity WCK field kitchens and 70 Palestinian-led community kitchens. The latest addition in Khan Younis is our fourth WCK Field Kitchen capable of cooking tens of thousands of meals daily. This kitchen is women led.
Election Results
Thanks to everyone who came to our annual mtg and thanks to everyone who voted. Election results are:
Federica Faggioli – 92 + 117 = 209
Dave Toler – 77 + 81 = 158
Bob Marsalli – 51 + 57 = 108
Riley Moody – 39 + 43 = 82
We have indoor plants for sale
There are indoor plants for sale at both stores!
Board election results
2024 Election Results
Federica Faggioli – 92 + 117 = 209
Dave Toler – 77 + 81 = 158
Bob Marsalli – 51 + 57 = 108
Riley Moody – 39 + 43 = 82
Welcome new board members!
Produce Specials November 18 – 24
Produce Specials
November 18 – 24
Ambrosia Apples … 1.49/lb
Satsuma Mandarins … 2.69/lb
Cucumbers … 1.39/lb
3# Yellow Onion Bags … 3.49/ea
3# Russet Potato Bags … 2.79/ea
3# Yellow Potato Bags … 3.79/ea
Garnet Yams … 2.19/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
OPMA, Okanogan, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Sea moss at the west side!
New! At our Westside store ! Da Bomb Sea Moss Gel 
Wild harvested from the pristine waters of Saint Lucia Jamaica 
Brought to you by Da Bomb Products out of Renton Washington.
Unity Commons Round Up raised $4079
Thank you shoppers for rounding up!
We raised $4,079.61 for meals at Unity Commons.
Vote for the board
Hello members! It’s time to cast your votes for our board of directors. Elections run until Nov. 15th.
Produce specials November 4-10
Produce specials November 4-10
Ambrosia Apples … 1.49/lb
Persimmons … 3.59/lb
Pomegranates… 2.49/lb
Avocado, Hass Bags … 6.98/ea
Brussels Sprouts … 5.79/lb
Cauliflower … 2.19/lb
English Cucumber 2.89/ea
Blue Oyster Mushroom … 9.39/lb
Vine tomato … 2.89/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
OPMA, Okanogan, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
See less
Produce Specials Oct. 28 – Nov. 3
Produce Specials
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3
Opal Apples … 2.29/lb
Keitt Mangoes … 3.79/lb
Star Krimson Pears … 2.29/lb
Fuyu Persimmons … 4.19/lb
Asparagus … 7.19/lb
Hass Avocado Bags … 7.29/ea
Brussels Sprouts … 5.19/lb
Celery …1.69/lb
Green & Red Leaf Lettuces … 2.19/ea
Romaine Lettuce … 2.19/ea
Bunched Spinach … 2.59/ea
Grape Cherry Tomatoes … 3.29/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
OPMA, Okanogan, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
Celebrating national co-op month
October is national co-op month! Here at the Olympia Food Co-op we’re proud to have been a member owned and collectively managed co-op for 47 years. Thank you!
Take action to protect organic cost share
Organic Certification Cost Share is at Risk
The 2018 Farm Bill expired on September 30, 2023. Rather than passing a new Farm Bill in 2023, Congress extended the Farm Bill for one year. But that Farm Bill extension is also expired now! Without Congressional action, core organic programs including the Organic Certification Cost Share Program will expire, leaving thousands of organic farmers with a huge net increase in their annual certification costs. The Organic Certification Cost Share Program will disappear in 2025 unless Congress passes a five-year Farm Bill with funding or includes sufficient funding in a stopgap bill this fall! Visit the National Organic Coalition website to take action or learn more.
The deli made hot sauce!
The deli made a hot sauce! It’s made from all locally farmed peppers, including Italian sweet peppers from Rising River Farm so it’s mild and sweet with just a little kick. It will be available on the salad bar and will be in next week’s house-made breakfast burritos!
gumption girl pictures
Beautiful local art cards by Mian Bond Carvin aka gumption girl pictures.
Big Dipper Wax Works seasonal candles
100% beeswax candles in a variety of fun shapes and colors to match the season.
Westside sale: skull cookies and pumpkin spice spread!
At the Westside:
Skull cookies on sale as well as pumpkin spice spread (delicious on pancakes)!
Produce specials Oct. 21-27
Produce Specials
Oct. 21 – 27
Bartlett Pears … 1.98/lb
Fuyu Persimmons … 4.19/lb
Pomegranates … 3.89/lb
Baby Bok Choi … 3.19/lb
Broccoli … 3.19/lb
Broccolini … 3.29/ea
Cauliflower …2.19/lb
Mini-Mix Sweet Pepper Bags … 5.19/ea
Radish Bunches … 2.19/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
OPMA, Okanogan, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods
Produce Specials Oct. 14-20th
Produce Specials
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20
Opal Apples … 2.29/lb
Fuyu Persimmons … 4.69/lb
Pineapple … 1.69/lb
Pomegranates … 4.39/lb
Hass Avocado Bags … 7.29/ea
Brussels Sprouts … 5.69/lb
Cucumbers … 1.69/lb
Shitake Mushrooms …9.98/lb
Red Bell Peppers … 4.29/lb
Purple Potatoes … 1.29/lb
Vine Tomatoes … 2.19/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
OPMA, Okanogan, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Produce Specials Oct. 7-13
Produce Special
Oct. 7 – Oct.13
Screenshot
Red Bell Peppers … 4.19/lb
Mini Sweet Mix Peppers …5.19/ea
Yellow Potatoes … 1.39/lb
Vine Tomatoes … 1.98/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Boistfort Valley Farm, Curtis, WA
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
OPMA, Okanogan, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Hello pumpkin season
The deli made a fun Pumpkin Mochi Cake!
Screenshot
Our 47th Annual Membership meeting’s happening 11/9, save the date!
Please join us for our 47th Annual Membership meeting. There will be lunch, hot drinks and lots of co-op news and updates! Saturday November 9th from 11am- 2pm at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia WA 98501
Produce specials Sept. 30- Oct. 6
Produce Specials
Sept. 30 – Oct.6
Cosmic Crisp Apples … 2.29/lb
Concord Grapes … 2.49/lb
Gold Pineapple … 1.69/lb
Hass Avocado Bags … 7.59/ea
Celery … 1.59/lb
Red Bell Peppers … 3.98/lb
Red Potatoes …1.29/lb
Yellow Potatoes … 1.29/lb
Bunched Spinach … 2.79/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Boistfort Valley Farm, Curtis, WA
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
OPMA, Okanogan, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
See less
Deli soup changing to cup prices!
Our deli’s changing how we price soup. Starting October 5th, instead of by weight, our soup will be priced by the cup size! This change is not a price increase, but rather a different way of pricing so that it’s clear to everyone how much their soup will cost before they get up to the registers. Happy soup season to all!
Produce Specials September 16- 22
Produce Specials
Gluten Free Tiramisu Brownies
Gluten Free Tiramisu Brownies
Baked in our deli!
There’s still time to run for the board!
There a few more days to apply to run for our board. The application is just a few easy questions…
Click here to apply or for more information.
Fall Table 2024
An Investment in Hope By Monica Peabody, Staff member
In 2019, Olympia Food Co-op membership voted in favor of selling beer, wine and low alcohol
beverages in both stores. Based on conversations with members, collective staff and the
Board of Directors created a set of commitments to our community around alcohol sales that
included the following:
- The Olympia Food Co-op is committed to doing the work of overcoming oppression, in ourselves, our organization, and our world. It is with this conviction that we mindfully proceed in establishing our Beer & Wine department.
- We wish to acknowledge that alcohol has been utilized in the maltreatment and displacement of Indigenous peoples. We recognize that in choosing to sell alcohol we have a responsibility to continue to educate our- selves, and our customers on the effects of alcohol in Indigenous communities.
- We understand there is intersectionality of oppression in regard to alcohol consumption. Various populations experience violence, discriminatory law enforcement, and other punitive action, based upon ethnicity, class, gender and ability. Alcohol has been used as a tool in this oppression.
- We are dedicated to expanding awareness of the addictive effect of alcohol. We recognize that by choosing to sell these products, we must do so with respect toward those in our community who are in recovery. We demonstrate this by providing information on local resources for prevention and treatment of alcohol addiction, and by donating annually to a number of these programs.
- Olympia Food Co-op staff will continue to educate ourselves and hold ourselves accountable to our purpose, as we move forward in addressing the wishes of our membership.
At the end of 2023, our Board of Directors chose two treatment programs to donate a share of overall profits from 20221 and 2022, per our policy that relates to donating to our community during profitable years, amounting to a total donation of $40,000.
Autumn Classes
Autumn classes are up on our website. Take a look, get your tickets, they fill quickly… Fall classes
Flowers from Cedar Slope Farm
We currently have beautiful flower bouquets grown right here in Olympia by Cedar Slope Farm. (Supply does ebb and flow so call first if you’re coming to pick one up!) Learn more about Cedar Slope here.
Every Child Matters Shirts
Every child matters t-shirts are back!
Proceeds from orange shirts will be directed to the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund to advance Reconciliation by funding initiatives that support Indigenous wellness, learning, and culture. Available in kid size, too! More info at: https://nativenorthwest.ca/reconciliation-fund
Want to help our co-op expand?
Want to help the Co-op’s expansion vision become an affordable reality? We are seeking 3 Co-op members to join our newly formed Capital Campaign Committee to participate in our fundraising efforts. If interested, please email: capitalcampaigncommittee@olympiafood.coop
Produce Specials Aug. 26 – Sept. 1
Produce Specials
Aug. 26 – Sept. 1
Black Mission Figs … 9.19/lb
Cantaloupe Melons … 1.29/lb
Large Seedless Watermelons … 0.79/lb
Assorted Specialty Melons … 1.39/lb
Yellow Nectarines … 3.89/lb
Yellow Peaches … 3.89/lb
Dapple Dandy Pluots … 2.59/lb
Cauliflower … 2.49/lb
Bi-Color Corn … 1.29/ea
Portabella Mushrooms … 8.19/lb
Walla Walla & Sweet Onions … 1.59/lb
Mini-Mix Sweet Pepper Bags … 5.49/ea
Slicer Tomatoes … 4.69/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Boistfort Valley Farm, Curtis, WA
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Produce Specials Aug. 26- Sept. 1
Produce Specials
Aug. 26 – Sept. 1
Black Mission Figs … 9.19/lb
Cantaloupe Melons … 1.29/lb
Large Seedless Watermelons … 0.79/lb
Assorted Specialty Melons … 1.39/lb
Yellow Nectarines … 3.89/lb
Yellow Peaches … 3.89/lb
Dapple Dandy Pluots … 2.59/lb
Cauliflower … 2.49/lb
Bi-Color Corn … 1.29/ea
Portabella Mushrooms … 8.19/lb
Walla Walla & Sweet Onions … 1.59/lb
Mini-Mix Sweet Pepper Bags … 5.49/ea
Slicer Tomatoes … 4.69/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Boistfort Valley Farm, Curtis, WA
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Produce Specials August 12-18
Produce Specials
August 12 – 18
Strawberries 1# … 4.98/ea
Green Seedless Grapes … 3.59/lb
Red Seedless Grapes … 3.59/lb
Thomcord Grapes … 3.98/lb
Meyer Lemons … 2.49/lb
Cantaloupe Melon … 1.39/lb
Broccolini … 2.59/ea
Bi-Color Corn … 1.49/ea
Green Onions … 1.29/ea
Red Bell Peppers … 5.29/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Boistfort Valley Farm, Curtis, WA
Brownfield Orchard, Chelan, WA
Burnt Ridge Nursery, Onalaska, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
We’re hiring
Egg Lady Eggs on Sale Through 9/3!
Egg Lady eggs are on sale now through September 3rd at both stores! At $5.99 instead of $7.99 that’s quite a deal on these wonderful local eggs from a woman owned business.
Run for Our Board of Directors!
Board Adopts D.E.I. Purpose, Values & Vision
Our staff collective has been doing new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work of late, and created a new group to support this work within our organization. Recently our Board of Directors chose to adopt the same purpose, vision and values as our staff. We wanted to share this information with all our members, so an outline follows.
Purpose
We want to use our DEI work as a tool to continually grow awareness of the harmful effects of privilege and oppression, to coordinate efforts to abolish those effects and promote healing, and to build a more equitable, diverse, and accessible cooperative.
Values
We believe that it is critical to acknowledge historical truths and the reality of their effects on the world we live in today. We value the power of compassion, forgiveness and anti-oppression strategies as tools to move us toward re-centering and allyship. We value cultural competency and self-reflection, both as individuals and organizationally.
We believe that it is critical to acknowledge historical truths and the reality of their effects on the world we live in today. We value the power of compassion, forgiveness and anti-oppression strategies as tools to move us toward re-centering and allyship. We value cultural competency and self-reflection, both as individuals and organizationally.
The Work
Our work is to make the Co-op more inclusive and diverse, and to increase awareness and visibility of the harms brought about as a result of oppression within the Co-op community and beyond. We want to equalize power and access for all who participate.
Our work is to make the Co-op more inclusive and diverse, and to increase awareness and visibility of the harms brought about as a result of oppression within the Co-op community and beyond. We want to equalize power and access for all who participate.
Vision
We envision a world where every person who participates at the Co-op has a commitment to understanding and addressing our own role in societal oppression.
We envision a world where every person who participates at the Co-op has a commitment to understanding and addressing our own role in societal oppression.
Salad In a Jar
These ready to go salads are a brand new fast and healthy offering in the grab and go cooler at the Eastside. Made right here in Olympia and packaged sustainably in a glass jar. There’s a jar deposit included in the price which you get back when you return it to store.
Alp Blossom Cheese
Available at our eastside store: Alp Blossom, a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese, is coated in a confetti of 13 difference dried summer flowers and herbs from the surrounding Alpine Mountain meadows. A delicate dusting of cornflower, marigold, rose petals, lavender, chervil, and marjoram (to name a few) make it the most well-dressed cheese you’ve ever set your eyes on! Made in a cooperative creamery of small farms in Austria, it’s also made from the milk of animals that have grazed in high mountain pastures. It’s aged for about 6 months and then shipped just across the border to Germany where the floral coating is applied by hand.
Study Finds Heavy Metals in Tampons, But We Can Help
Caution: Study finds heavy metals in traditional tampons, but we offer an alternative.
Recently the first study to measure toxic metals in tampons found arsenic and lead among other contaminants! Gratefully, the brand we carry at both stores, Natracare, was found to be free of all of these. Here’s a link to the study:
And here’s more information about the brand we carry, Natracare, in response.
https://www.natracare.com/
We also carry a variety of other natural menstrual products.
Produce Specials July 22-28
Produce Specials
July 22 – 28
Cantaloupe Melons … 1.39/lb
Snow Leopard Melons … 1.69/lb
Rhubarb … 4.29/lb
Celery… 1.19/lb
Mini-Sweet Pepper Bags … 6.19/ea
Heirloom Mixed Tomatoes … 6.59/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Produce Specials July 15-21
Produce Specials
July 15 – 21
Green Seedless Grapes … 3.89/lb
Red Seedless Grapes … 3.89/lb
Tommy Atkin Mangoes … 1.89/lb
Galia Melons … 2.29/lb
Yellow Peaches … 4.79/lb
Black & Red Plums … 3.19/lb
Pluots … 3.19/lb
Mini-Seedless Watermelons … 1.39/lb
Celery … 1.39/lb
Bi-Color Corn … 1.98/ea
English Cucumbers … 3.49/ea
Heirloom Tomatoes … 6.79/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
Water conservation class July 16th
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Co-op staff Kate’s class, exploring the benefits and process of conserving gray water for watering your garden. Tuesday evening from 6-7:30, only $7. Register here
Altitude Snacks demo
Happening now at the East side Tamara is demoing the Altitude Snacks trail mixes. There is a Flash sale today thru Friday! Celebrate the second half of summer supporting this independent business.
Produce Specials July 8-14
Produce Specials
July 8 – 14
Blueberry Pints … 4.39/ea
Blueberries, 2# … 10.49/ea8-14
Cantaloupe Melons … 0.89/lb
Yellow Nectarines … 4.29/lb
Mini Seedless Watermelons … 1.39/lb
Hass Avocado Bags … 8.29/ea
Red Cabbage … 1.59/ea
Heirloom Mixed Tomatoes … 6.89/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Last chance! Sign up for our Empowering the Menopausal Transition Class
Empowering the Menopausal Transition will be taught by two naturopaths: Dr. Jenna Wood and Dr. Jamie Doughty. Tuesday July 9th from 7-8pm $7.00 Sign up for this class here!
Produce Specials July 1-7
Blackberries, 6oz … 4.69/ea
Blueberry Pints … 4.69/ea
Raspberries, ½ Pints … 4.69/ea
Green Seedless Grapes … 3.69/lb
Red Seedless Grapes … 3.69/lb
Cantaloupe Melon … 1.59/lb
Honeydew Melon … 1.98/lb
White or Bi-Color Corn … 1.89/ea
Red Radish Bunches … 2.39/ea
Bunched Spinach … 2.59/ea
Mixed Cherry Tomatoes … 5.79/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods
Victory for workers! Amy’s Kitchen boycott ends
Produce Specials June 24-30
Produce Specials
June 24 – 30
Black Mission Figs … 4.19//b
Tommy Mangoes… 1.59/lb
Blueberry Pint … 5.49/ea
Strawberry 1#… 2.39/ea
Snow Leopard Melon … 2.39
Yellow Nectarines … 3.69/lb
Yellow Peach … 3.69/lb
Green Beans … 3.19/lb
Red Radish Bunches … 1.98/ea
Green Kale … 2.79/ea
Fennel … 3.69/lb
Mixed Cherry Tomatoes … 5.79/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
Succession Planting & Harvesting Class July 6th
Summer is here! In this class we’ll discuss some ways to extend your harvest, collect your own seeds, start new plants from cuttings, and replant for successive harvesting.
Jennifern Falkner has kept an organic garden for many decades, and eats from it 12 months out of the year.
Our classes are only $7!
Equal Exchange’s Avocado Purchasing Impact Report
Produce Specials June 17-23
Produce Specials
June 17 – 23
Apricots … 4.19/ea
Yellow Nectarines… 4.59/lb
White Nectarines … 4.79.lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 2.39/lb
Cantaloupe Melons … 1.29/lb
Honeydew Melons … 1.19/lb
Mini-Watermelons … 1.39/lb
Green Beans … 3.19/lb
Broccolini … 2.29/ea
Cilantro … 1.59/ea
Mini-Cucumbers … 1.89/lb
Red Radish Bunches … 2.19/ea
Spinach Bunches … 2.89/ea
Zucchini Squash … 3.49/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Yummy new local product!
A yummy new local product!
Let us know what you think! Take our membership survey
We have benefited from the participation of thousands of members at our Co-op since 1977. It may be time to make some changes to our system and we need to know what you, our members think! Please take a moment to participate in our survey about these important issues.
We’d love to hear from you!
Take our membership survey
A happy shopper tonight
A happy shopper tonight.
Hot Babe Hot Sauce
“At HOTBABE-HOTSAUCE™ we celebrate and promote the rich cultural diversity of the Caribbean peoples’ cuisine by creating delicious Heat with Flavor™ Caribbean style hot sauces using fresh, quality ingredients and 100% locally grown Caribbean peppers.”
Our promise is that each hot sauce we create is a healthy and delicious journey into the unique flavors of Caribbean cuisine, with an occasional PNW twist!
Rainier Cherries
It’s the season for Rainier cherries, yum!
Rising River lettuce
Thank you Rising River Farm for the glorious green leaf lettuce!
Produce Specials June 10-16
Produce Specials
June 10 – 16
Blueberry Pints … 5.19/ea
Green Seedless Grapes … 3.89/lb
Red Seedless Grapes … 3.89/lb
Gummy Bear Grapes … 4.98.lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 2.49/lb
Mini-Watermelons … 1.29/lb
Yellow Nectarines … 4.89/lb
Yellow Peaches … 4.39/lb
Bi-Color Corn … 1.98/ea
Grape Cherry Tomatoes … 3.39/ea
Vine Tomatoes … 2.19/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods
Altitude Snacks Sampling
Tomorrow noon-2pm Grocery Manager Tamara, will be sampling 4 varieties of Altitude Snacks. This independent business based in Steamboat Springs, CO. These seasonal snack packs are fruit and nut blends which are free of sulfites, preservatives, and added sugars. So stop by and give them a try.
Summer Table 2024
Farmworker Justice By Monica Peabody, Staff member
I attended Farmworker Justice Day at the Evergreen State College as a representative of the
Co-op. We were one of the event sponsors. And, as someone who has spent much of my adult life working to support and empower those experiencing poverty to fight for the eradication of poverty. I care deeply about these issues. It was exciting to hear about the amazing work of two community organizations, Familias Unidas por la Justicia (Farmworker’s Union) https://familiasunidasjusticia.com/ and Community to Community https://www.foodjustice.org/ .
Kristina Ackley, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and Native Programs at Evergreen,
opened with a land acknowledgement and noted that this annual event honors José Gómez, a
former Evergreen faculty member who was a life-long activist for farmworker justice, LGBTQ+
justice and labor organizing. She said that José was very inspired by different native nations
and their justice systems as well as their place-based knowledge. He took seriously the
responsibilities that emerge when forming relationships and alliances. This is part of the
necessary work that we all must do if we hope to create sustainable, transformative and just
food systems.
The panel of speakers we will hear today, she said, do the important work of organizing,
promoting and educating about the importance of sustainable food systems that ensure safety
and justice for workers and consumers. Agricultural work is highly skilled work that has been
devalued because of who works in it. This realization was part of the political awakening of José
Gómez, who sought to teach students about what was possible through skillful coalition
building.
Liz Darrow is a program director for Participatory Democracy at Community to Community
(C2C) Development, an organization that focuses on farmworker and climate justice,
ecofeminism and food sovereignty, working in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Participatory
Democracy means that everyone participates in decision making to create policy and practice in
the things that impact their lives. Trusting that farmworkers, women, young people and poor
people know best what they need, Liz’s job is to make connections between communities and
policy spaces. Even if you’re not a farmworker or a legislator you can work to enact the vision
that another world is possible. We must all work toward the goals of clean water and good food
for everyone, a living wage, and safe and affordable housing.
C2C supports the annual farmworker tribunal in Olympia; this year marked the 11th. In 2019, due to the work of farmworkers and the Farmworker Tribunal, farmworkers began to be paid for overtime work in WA state; we’re the only state that has that. Every year since then, the agricultural lobby strongly advocates for its removal. And every year, farmworkers come back and give testimony on the conditions in the fields. Of course, they’re experts in their own lives and the work that they do. For those of us who aren’t farmworkers, our job is to trust that they
know what they need and to amplify their voices and work together.
C2C holds the March of the Campesina every year in Skagit county. It just happened in April
and you are invited next year. C2C hosts people’s movement assemblies and dignity dialogues.
Anywhere they can get together, they share food and talk about what decisions are being made,
who’s making them and how to get more of the community involved. The work at C2C is not
charity, it’s solidarity. We all need food to eat, rest breaks and fair pay.
Lelo Juarez is an organizer with C2C and with Familias Unidos por la Justicia. He started
working in the field when he was 12 years old to help his family earn enough money to get them through the winters when there isn’t much work. This is true for a lot of farmworker families; instead of having summer vacation, children go to work in the fields. Lelo’s now 24 with 12years of experience. There was a walk out during his first year of work. With la Justicia they’ve been able to change a
lot of things in our state that have had a positive effect on their lives. At the Farmworker Tribunal they’ve created a safe space for workers to talk about issues in their workplace and their daily lives. The Tribunal brings workers, community members and legislators into one space.
Farmworkers know what it’s like to work under the sun, in extreme heat and extreme cold, often 10 plus hours, 7 days a week. This year they spoke about how their rents are going up, but their wages are not. Climate change is affecting them. They created a list of demands at the tribunal:
1. Ensure health and wellbeing of farmworkers.
2. Protect and nurture secure capitol, land and training to support farmworkers’ economic
development.
3. Give farmworkers the ability to affect and shape government decisions. Nothing about us
without us!
Always, the tribunal ends with food and conversation.
This year’s Farmworker March, while in support of farmworkers everywhere, focused on the
tulip farmworkers. In March of 2022, there was a three-day strike because farmworkers were
tired of the conditions. The workers asked to have the union represent them, but the company
did not recognize or want to talk to the union. The workers chose 7 representatives, and an
agreement was reached. One demand was 2 clean restrooms for women and two for men for every 50 workers.
Restrooms in the fields have been just holes dug in the ground, so that when it rains they fill up and become very dirty. It’s been two years and farmworkers are still waiting for this simple request.
April is when the tulip farmers have a lot of tourists. People travel from all over the world to see
the flowers. The march was 7 ½ miles, a 4 hour walk, and stopped at one of the busiest farms.
Farmworkers chanted, “No workers, no tulips!” They passed out paper origami tulips with QR
codes so people could find more information. The tourists go to see all the beautiful colors and
designs, but what they don’t see is all the hard work that goes into making that happen. This
year’s demands include clean restrooms, a wage increase, and no pesticides. “We are workers,
not machines.” Of course, the march ended with food and music.
Tomas Ramon Vasquez said before Familias Unidas por la Justicia, farmworkers didn’t know
where to go for help or about going to Olympia to speak to legislators. Owners would fire
farmworkers who complained about the conditions.
In 2022 they held a labor stoppage because wage theft and other unfair practices were happening. There was a bonus program that resulted in about $4 extra an hour when the bonus was reached. The company didn’t want to pay fairly; they paid one group $4 and another group $3 and were not being transparent. Farmworkers decided to strike because the owners wouldn’t negotiate in good faith. He kicked them out of the fields, so they picketed on the street. Some of the long-time farmworkers helped build their business, held seniority, yet they hired a union buster to scare people from organizing.
Tomas asked for all to join them in their actions. “When you eat a salad, think of us.”
Senaida Perez Villegas started working in strawberries when she was 17. In the past when
there was a problem, no one knew where to go, now they go to organizations like Familias
Unidas and C2C. She lives in Whatcom County and works different seasons, strawberries,
raspberries, blueberries, but it’s been harder to find work. A farm called Endfield has begun
bringing in foreign workers through the H2A program instead of hiring workers who have been
there season after season. She’d like farmers to stop using the H2A program that hurts workers
who live here. On August 5th, there will be a big action where one of the H2A workers died in
the field. “It’s time for farmworker justice. It’s not the fault of the H2A workers, it’s the companies
pitting workers against each other. It’s time for solidarity for all workers. Join us!”
Edgar Franks started at C2C in 2012 and now works with Familias Unidas por la Justicia. He
says that through organizing he sees that none of this is a mistake, it’s designed to keep
farmworkers oppressed and allow farm owners to benefit from their oppression. It’s amazing
that farmworkers have to ask for clean bathrooms, clean water and decent gear. They are
working in all kinds of harsh conditions– tulip work starts in January and it’s cold! State
resources can only get you so far, farmworkers need political power. People only want to see
the beauty of the fruits of our labors while corporate agriculture makes billions.
Franks talked about a new apple variety being developed. All that money for study and lobbyists
is used to make corporate agriculture seem innovative and fun. These practices have been with
us since plantation agriculture and must change. In the U.S. farmworkers have been on the
ground organizing, but community plays a big role. All industries and fields of study have a part in farmworker justice.
It’s important to stay connected and not become alienated from those who work the land, because at some point in our history, our ancestors all did this work. It’s a
struggle, but it’s also very joyful. “We have not been beaten down to the point of despair. We’re
still organizing and envisioning something different. Join us.”
Alice Nelson, Evergreen Latin American Studies faculty, spoke more about José Gómez.
José grew up in a farmworker family harvesting sugar beet, using the now illegal short-handled
hoe. He eventually went on to become a first generation college student, a Peace Corps
volunteer, a Fulbright scholar and a teacher in Latin America. The July 4, 1969 cover of Time
magazine bore Caesar Chavez’ portrait, and marked a turning point in Jose’s life. He saw it in
Costa Rica where he was teaching high school and decided to move back to the U.S. to join the
movement.
In his work with the United Farm Workers, (UFW) in the 1970s, José helped to organize
consumer boycotts of produce and was also active in the anti-war movement. José later earned
a law degree from Harvard Law School and also worked for LGBTQ rights for many years. In
1988 he came to Evergreen. He carried his accomplishments with incredible humility and a
practical sense that sharing wisdom from organizing on the ground along with fostering critical
thinking of students were his ongoing contributions to making a better world.
José was the faculty speaker at Evergreen’s 2006 graduation ceremony. I happened to be there
because the graduation speaker that year was the current Washington state Governor, Christine Gregoire. This was an odd choice for a college with a list of past graduation speakers that include Shirley Chisolm, Leonard Peltier, Winona LaDuke, Bell Hooks, Vandana Shiva, Angela Davis and Mumia Abu-Jamal. However, as Gregoire had just enacted a slew of vicious policies and regressive financial cuts to welfare programs serving low-income families, it was a golden opportunity to illuminate and protest her decisions. Governor Gregoire delivered her cookie cutter graduation speech while many students turned their backs to her, while looking out at banners and signs asking her to do better. However, when José Gómez spoke after her, you could have heard a pin drop. His speech was memorable and unfortunately still incredibly
relevant. At the end of each day’s work, I had to fetch the milk cows from a pasture two miles away. Walking that distance every evening gave me a lot of time to think. I thought about how hard our life was and how unfair that we had to work so much, for so little. My thoughts soon turned to words and my words turned to oral manifestos of rage and indignation. Day after day, I imagined myself an orator on a stage somewhere railing against injustices that seemed to seal the fate of the many Mexicans and Mexican Americans who worked alongside us. From time to time, the cows would stop and look at me. I didn’t know whether they were startled, confused or amused. And now, a half century later, I can still feel, smell and taste those days of oppression as if they were only yesterday. And here I am finally on a stage, with an attentive audience, at an institution of higher learning. I never dreamed back then that this moment would be within my reach. And I hope that my words of rage and indignation today do not startle, confuse or amuse you. Rather I hope that you see the connection between my experiences and the advice that I’ll share with you as you now venture forth, with diplomas in hand, hopefully to do good in the world.
As a young boy, I did not know of the broken and betrayed cycle of prosperity, especially in
agriculture. I did not know of the millions and now billions of taxpayer dollars that subsidize
agribusiness in this country. I did not know of the billions of taxpayer’s dollars of free research
the state land grant universities provide to agribusiness to produce their crops, more potent
pesticides and increase in the efficient mechanization. I also did not know the farmworkers, an
essential part of the agricultural economy had been forgotten. Forgotten perhaps, is too
generous a term. After all, in 1935, when the politicians in Congress decided to grant collective
bargaining rights to workers, they purposely excluded farmworkers from the legislation that
came to be known as the National Labor Relations Act, the Wagner Act. For the past three
quarters of a century, farmworkers have suffered from that exclusion. What should be the full
cycle of prosperity is incomplete because it stops short for the farmworker. No thought is given,
for example, to retrain farmworkers whose jobs are made obsolete by mechanization bought by taxpayer money. One disgraceful result is our own state’s response to the housing crisis facing migrant workers who pick our crops. Year after year, the best the state of WA has to offer are tents. In 1961, Edward R Murrow shocked the nation’s conscience with Harvest of Shame, a television documentary that exposed the disgraceful exploitation of farmworkers. Nearly five decades later, not much has changed. Farmworkers are still exploited, they’re still poisoned by toxic pesticides, they continue to live and work in shameful conditions. Childhood labor is
widespread. Is it not a scandalous betrayal of the cycle of prosperity, that the very people who
harvest food for our feast of bounty frequently do not have enough to feed their own children?
Produce Specials June 3-9
Produce Specials
June 3 – 9
Apricots … 4.98/lb
Red Cherries… 7.59/lb
Cantaloupe Melons … 1.39/lb
Tommy Atkins Mangoes … 1.89/lb
Large Seedless Watermelon … 0.98/lb
Hass Avocado Bags … 6.69/ea
Broccolini … 1.89/ea
Rainbow Chard … 2.49/ea
Green Curly Kale … 2.49/ea
Green & Red Leaf Lettuce … 2.59/ea
Green Onions … 1.29/ea
Shiitake Mushrooms … 10.39/lb
Grape Cherry Tomatoes … 3.29/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Newaukum Valley Farm, Chehalis, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Produce Specials May 13-19
Produce Specials
May 13 – 19
Blueberry Pints … 5.59/ea
Strawberries 1#… 4.89/ea
Limes … 2.89/lb
Tommy Atkins Mangoes … 1.89/lb
Cantaloupe … 1.19/lb
Formosa Papaya … 2.49/lb
Pineapple … 1.59/lb
Broccoli … 3.19/lb
Cilantro … 1.59/ea
Jicama … 2.39/lb
Bunched Spinach … 3.29/ea
Grape Cherry Tomatoes … 3.39/ea
Tomatoes on the Vine … 2.49/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
Yoga Way of Life Demo Friday May 10
On Friday, 5/10, 12:30-3:30, Bharti Nagal, founder and owner of Yoga Way of Life, will be doing an in-store demo of her hand-crafted line of skin and hair care products at the west side Olympia Food Co-op. Bharti works with Ayurvedic physicians in India to formulate her line and she is a regional producer for us (located in Redmond).
Produce Specials May 6 – 12
Produce Specials
May 6 – 12
Blueberry Pints … 5.89/ea
Blueberries, 18oz … 9.79/ea
Strawberries 1#… 4.79/ea
Grapefruit … 1.98/lb
Mini-Watermelon … 1.39/lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 2.19/lb
Tommy Atkins Mangoes … 1.89/lb
Green Beans … 2.69/lb
Sugar Snap Peas … 6.29/lb
Medley Potato Bags … 3.19/ea
Red Radish Bunches … 2.49/ea
Roma Tomatoes … 1.89/lb
Tomatoes on the Vine … 2.19/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods
Community Farm Land Trust- Localvore May 8th
New Round Up at the Registers
Our new Round Up at the Register recipient is Interfaith Works Emergency Shelter at Unity Commons, supporting daily meals.
Food Safety Alert regarding organic walnuts!
Food Safety Alert!
People who purchased organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk bins at our Eastside store (PLU 2827) should check their pantries, refrigerators, and freezers and should not eat the organic walnuts halves and pieces. If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched. The possible purchase dates are from October 1, 2023 to April 29, 2024.
FDA and CDC have announced an outbreak investigation of E. coli O157:H7 in bulk organic walnuts. At this time, there are 12 illnesses and 7 hospitalizations. All confirmed cases are in CA and WA but distribution went to 19 states. Gibson Farms, Inc. has issued a recall of organic walnut halves and pieces with lot codes 3325-043 and 3341-501.
The product was shipped to distributors between the dates of October 1, 2023, to April 24, 2024. The current walnuts at our stores do not match the product lots being recalled, and bulk bins have been emptied, cleaned and sanitized. Only the Eastside store was potentially shipped the lots that have been recalled as the Westside store has been purchasing from a different distributor. We are happy to offer refunds to customers who purchased walnuts at the Eastside store during this timeframe.
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of an E. coli infection after eating organic walnuts.
Contact Gibson Farms at foodsafety@gibsonfarmsinc.com or follow the FDA’s website for more information about the ongoing investigation. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-bulk-organic-walnuts-april-2024
Upcoming Member Engagement Forum 5/18
Member Engagement Forums
May 18, 10 am to 1 pm. Please note that this has been moved from the Olympia Center to the stores!
Share some time with the Member Relations Committee of the Board to
discuss some of these areas with us. We’ll have some snacks and drinks and
open time for questions.
Please RSVP at memberrelations@olympiafood.coop
2024 focus–Membership Policies and Procedures
The membership system of the Co-op has evolved over our many years and there
are several values at work behind our policies, probably too many to really list,
but they range from equitable access to affordability to maintaining a sense of
cooperative venture in our success together.
Membership systems and how they work vary quite a bit among food co-ops, and
though membership is fundamental to all cooperatives, not all have the same
high level of member involvement as our own. We would like to gather feedback
from these things from our members, and will have several ways you can offer
your opinion. Two in person options are What does membership mean to us
today and what should the investment be like? How have the times changed in
ways that we should respond as an organization? Our member relations
committee hopes to explore some of these questions, and more, with as large a
portion of our membership as possible in the coming year.
In 2015, we integrated our membership system into our register point of sale
system, allowing shoppers to enter their phone number on the card reader to
verify membership, access electronic receipts, and maintain more accurate
electronic records of payment and purchases. But, there have been some
recognized issues since we made this conversion, such as—
Sharing of memberships- Soon after we converted the system from paper cards only, we
started seeing lots of shoppers entering the phone numbers of friends, spouses, and family
members, effectively sharing member benefits. This inadvertently created an assumption that
we have family or household memberships, which we do not – we only offer individual or
business/organization memberships. Over the 8 years of carrying out this practice, many have
become acclimated and now believe it’s our policy to allow shared memberships. But it isn’t
consistent, so it becomes awkward and confusing at the checkstands. Should we explore a
family or shared membership option?
Discounts and Renewals-
In 2017 we did away with the additional senior and disability discounts that were applied at the
register and created the Cooperative Access Program, or CAP membership. We did this in an
effort to simplify and clarify that the discount should be available only to those who needed it,
since we did receive feedback that there are seniors and people with disabilities who do not
express that need. The CAP membership replaced the 10% Low-income membership. The old
Low-income membership was also good for one year at a time, requiring renewal to affirm that
people still qualified.
Six years later, we’ve seen some problems with this arrangement. There are members who
have perpetual need, and every year we’re asking them to reaffirm that need. This can be
uncomfortable and feel unsupportive for people with permanent disabilities. In 2024 we are
projecting usage of CAP discounts to be around $475,000.
Non-Member Surcharge – There’s been an increased awkwardness and challenge imposing the
non-member surcharge, especially in light of the mistaken assumption that we have shared or
household memberships, and that it is a practice that has become far less common at other
food co-ops. Charging the non member surcharge has sometimes led to customer
dissatisfaction and cashier discomfort. Also, our policy of honoring other food co-op
memberships has sometimes been confusing to apply. In 2024 we project revenue from this
surcharge to be around $15,000.
Equity Payments and Fees – Our membership investment levels have been unchanged for
decades. Many other co-ops have continuing annual investment amounts, creating a steady
influx of revenue for operations and infrastructure. Some think ours is way too low and we
should revise our structure. In 2024, we’re projecting to collect around $6,000 in membership
fees and $21,000 from equity payments.
Here’s the section of our Bylaws that addresses these issues:
II. Membership
1. ELIGIBILITY Membership in the Cooperative is open to any person who meets all qualifications set forth
in these bylaws and who pays a non-refundable membership fee or qualifies for one of our free
memberships. The amount of such fee shall be set by the Board of Directors (the Board). The Board may
designate different classes of membership. The amount of the membership fee may vary for different
classes of members. Any financial obligation of membership may be waived in whole or in part by the
Board.
11. DISCOUNTS AND SURCHARGES Working Members will receive discounts on goods purchased from the
Cooperative. Non-members will pay a surcharge when purchasing goods. The Board shall determine the
procedures and amount of special membership categories and discounts, including Working Member
discounts and non-member surcharges.
Both stores closed May 1st
MAY 1st WE ARE CLOSED ALL DAY BOTH STORES
FYI, in case you’re new to the co-op,Tomorrow we recognize May Day as our Holiday by being closed all day at both locations. Happy May Day! Here’s some context from an article by long time Member Eric Chase. ❤️
“In the late nineteenth century, the working class was in constant struggle to gain the 8-hour work day. Working conditions were severe and it was quite common to work 10 to 16 hour days in unsafe conditions. Death and injury were commonplace at many work places and inspired such books as Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle and Jack London’s The Iron Heel. As early as the 1860’s, working people agitated to shorten the workday without a cut in pay, but it wasn’t until the late 1880’s that organized labor was able to garner enough strength to declare the 8-hour workday. This proclamation was without consent of employers, yet demanded by many of the working class.
At this time, socialism was a new and attractive idea to working people, many of whom were drawn to its ideology of working class control over the production and distribution of all goods and services. Workers had seen first-hand that Capitalism benefited only their bosses, trading workers’ lives for profit. Thousands of men, women and children were dying needlessly every year in the workplace, with life expectancy as low as their early twenties in some industries, and little hope but death of rising out of their destitution. Socialism offered another option.
A variety of socialist organizations sprung up throughout the later half of the 19th century, ranging from political parties to choir groups. In fact, many socialists were elected into governmental office by their constituency. But again, many of these socialists were ham-strung by the political process which was so evidently controlled by big business and the bi-partisan political machine. Tens of thousands of socialists broke ranks from their parties, rebuffed the entire political process, which was seen as nothing more than protection for the wealthy, and created anarchist groups throughout the country. Literally thousands of working people embraced the ideals of anarchism, which sought to put an end to all hierarchical structures (including government), emphasized worker controlled industry, and valued direct action over the bureaucratic political process. It is inaccurate to say that labor unions were “taken over” by anarchists and socialists, but rather anarchists and socialist made up the labor unions.
At its national convention in Chicago, held in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (which later became the American Federation of Labor), proclaimed that “eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from and after May 1, 1886.” The following year, the FOTLU, backed by many Knights of Labor locals, reiterated their proclamation stating that it would be supported by strikes and demonstrations. At first, most radicals and anarchists regarded this demand as too reformist, failing to strike “at the root of the evil.” A year before the Haymarket Massacre, Samuel Fielden pointed out in the anarchist newspaper, The Alarm, that “whether a (hu)man works eight hours a day or ten hours a day, (t)he(y)is still a slave.”
Produce Specials April 29- May 5
Produce Specials
April 29 – May 5
Limes … 3.29/lb
Cantaloupe Melon … 1.39/lb
Navel Oranges … 2.69/lb
Hass Avocadoes … 4.69/lb
Hass Avocado Bags …5.98/ea
Cilantro … 1.59/ea
Jicama … 2.39/lb
Jalapeno Peppers … 6.79/lb
Roma Tomatoes … 2.19/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods
Closed for May Day
Both of our locations will be closed on Wednesday May 1st. We close each year for May Day, in solidarity with workers around the world and in honor of International Worker’s Day. It’s the only day of the year we aren’t open!
Plant Starts
Both locations have beautiful organic plant starts available, and the tomatoes just came in!
New herbs at the Eastside
Ashwaganda, Black Cohosh, Eleuthero and Echinacea are now available
in the bulk department at the Eastside location!
Bike to the Co-op in May for treats and a chance to win
Bike to the co-op in May! In partnership with Intercity Transit’s Bicycle Community Challenge, we offer a free treat to everyone who shows up on their bicycle. Rider cards can be submitted for a drawing at the end of May for a Co-op gift card. Log your rides with IT and receive more prizes! If you haven’t joined a team, join ours, Olympia Food Co-op.
Produce Specials April 22-28
Produce Specials
April 22 – 28
Cosmic Crisp Apples … 1.69/lb
Kiwis … 4.19/lb
Kumquats … 10.19/lb
Mandarins 2# Bags … 5.98/ea
Gold Nugget Mandarins … 2.98/lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 2.59/lb
Tommy Atkins Mangoes … 2.19/lb
Asian Pears … 2.19/lb
Green Beans … 2.19/lb
English Cucumbers … 1.98/ea
Medley Potato Bags … 3.29/ea
Radish Bunches … 2.39/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Cute Things Seattle Bike Bells
Cute Things Seattle makes “bike bells are designed by the inspiration from the beauty of Washington.” Now available at our Eastside location.
NCG’s 2023 Food Co-op Impact Report
Food Co-ops: Where Community Is Served
It’s an exciting time to be part of a food co-op in the United States — growing numbers of people and communities are discovering their power and organizing food co-ops in their neighborhoods, while thriving food co-ops continue to grow and adapt to serve their communities…. Read more from NCG’s 2023 Food Coop Impact Report
Produce Specials April 15-21
Produce Specials
April 15 – 21
Cosmic Crisp Apples … 1.79/lb
Lemons … 1.98/lb
Tango Mandarins … 2.89/lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 2.69/lb
Navel Oranges … 2.39/lb
Bartlett Pears … 2.19/lb
Pineapple … 1.69/lb
Rhubarb … 4.69/lb
Baby Bok Choi … 3.98/lb
Cucumbers … 2.19/lb
Mini-Cucumbers … 2.59/lb
Leeks … 2.89/lb
Zucchini Squash … 2.19/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
Olytopicals Gold Star Salve
Gold Star Salve
Organic calendula turmeric and lemon balm, available at both stores!
Timber City Ginger Beer
Delicious hand crafted ginger beer from Seattle. Try the new seasonal brew Apple Rose, it’s delicious!
About this brand:
“Washington’s undeniable bounty inspired and ignited Timber City Ginger Beer. Brimming with fresh ginger and botanicals, our brew brings a spice that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Our passion for quality product shines through in our attention to sourcing, sustainable foraging, and commitment to community through farm partnerships.
Directly sourced from Pacific Northwest farmers, our offerings are seasonal and rotate with our farmer’s crops and PNW seasons. “
Arts Walk Artisan’s Market at our office
Please join us at spring Arts Walk for a local artists market!
Featuring complimentary refreshments and a variety of artisan wares including
jewelry, handmade notebooks, prints, paintings & drawings, sculpture and tattoo art.
Friday April 26 6-10pm | Saturday April 27 12-6pm
At our downtown office space located at 608 Columbia St SW Olympia, WA 98501
Theo Greene -prints + handmade notebooks
Bradley Naragon -painting + drawing
Kaia Selene -jewelry
Avery Quinn -print + tattoo art
Moon Quinn -sculpture + painting
Produce Specials March 25-31
Produce Specials
March 25 – 31
Cosmic Crisp Apples … 1.59/lb
Blueberry Pints … 6.39/ea
Medjool Dates … 9.29/ea
Kiwis … 4.19/lb
Tommy Atkins Mangoes … 2.49/lb
Cara Cara Oranges … 1.98/lb
Asparagus … 3.89/lb
Green Beans … 2.29/lb
Carrot Bunches… 3.29/ea
English Cucumbers … 1.98/ea
Cimini Mushrooms … 4.69/lb
Sugar Snap Peas … 7.19/lb
Garnet Sweet Potatoes … 2.29/lb
Watercress … 3.39/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods. See less
Produce Specials March 18-24
Produce Specials
March 18 – 24
Fuji Apples … 1.19/lb
Medjool Dates … 9.29/ea
Gold Nugget Mandarins … 2.79/lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 3.19/lb
Bartlett Pears … 2.19/lb
Artichokes … 3.39/ea
Asparagus … 3.98/lb
Brussels Sprouts… 3.29/lb
English Cucumbers … 1.98/ea
Portabella Mushrooms … 7.79/lb
Shallots … 3.89/lb
Grape Cherry Tomatoes … 3.89/ea
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods.
Produce Specials March 11-17
Produce Specials
March 11 – 17
Cosmic Crisp Apples … 1.59/lb
Medjool Dates … 9.29/ea
Gold Nugget Mandarins … 3.19/lb
Tommy Atkin Mangoes … 2.69/lb
Formosa Papaya … 2.19/lb
Bartlett Pears … 2.39/lb
D’Anjou Pears … 1.69/lb
Pineapple … 1.59/lb
Minneola Tangelos … 2.19/lb
Hass Avocado Bags … 4.98/ea
Green Beans … 3.49/lb
Broccoli… 1.98/lb
Green Cabbage … 1.39/lb
English Cucumbers … 2.59/ea
Red Potatoes … 1.29/lb
Tomatoes on the Vine … 2.49/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods. See less
Souper Sunday interview
We interviewed Chris for our Spring issue of TABLE which you can now on the bottom left hand side of the main page of our website. Hard copies will be in the stores soon.
Thank you to Souper Sunday – free soup for everyone for feeding our community! If anyone would like to donate, there is a gift card at customer service at our eastside store that you can add to to help Chris purchase supplies. You can watch a little video about this project by visiting our facebook here
Corn beef brisket
We got your corn beef brisket needs covered.
No more Heritage Meats
We are saddened to inform you that we will no longer be able to sell Heritage Meats Products.
Heritage Meats is converting to frozen wholesale only and will no longer be offering their fresh options to us.
Friday March 15th will be our last delivery from Heritage Meats.
You will still be able to access Heritage fresh products from their retail store in Rochester!
(Contact them directly for more information)
Spring Table 2024
Reflecting on a History of Confronting Hunger
By Lucas Anderson, Staff member
Sometimes when I look over at the Free Fruit for Kids basket the Co-op offers, or walk by
the Free Store when it’s busy, I can’t help but be reminded of the stories I’ve heard about
the Black Panthers’ “Free Breakfast Program” for children in Seattle and other cities. The true
origin of the Free Breakfast Program starts back in January 1969 when the Panthers, out of the
St. Augustine Church in Oakland, California, went from feeding a few kids here and there, to
eventually feeding over 10,000 kids a day, a meal before school.
The Free Breakfast Program was a part of the Panthers’ Nationwide Community Survival Programs and it was the first of its kind in the United States.
Produce Specials March 3-10
Produce Specials
March 4 – 10
Kumquats … 9.98/lb
Mandarin 2# Bags … 5.59/ea
Ataulfo Mangoes … 3.49/lb
Minneola Tangelos … 1.98/lb
Blood Oranges … 2.89/lb
Asparagus … 3.98/lb
Green Beans … 4.29/lb
Brussels Sprouts… 3.49/lb
Cauliflower … 1.69/lb
English Cucumbers … 2.49/ea
Medley Potato Bags … 3.49/ea
Yellow Potatoes … 1.29/lb
Zucchini Squash … 1.98/lb
We proudly carry locally grown produce from:
Brownfield Orchards, Chelan, WA
Kingfisher Farm, Little Rock, WA
Little Big Farm, Olympia, WA
Piece by Piece Farm, Olympia, WA
Rising River Farm, Rochester, WA
Wobbly Cart Farm, Rochester, WA
All our produce is certified organic or grown with organic methods. See less