Produce Specials this week

Strawberries on special this week and so are:
Blueberry Pint… 7.39/ea
Strawberry 1# . . . 5.29/ea
Cantaloupe Melon . . . 1.29/lb
Cosmic Crisp Apples . . . 1.79/lb
Mini Watermelon… 1.49/lb
Hass Avocado Bags . . . 7.69/ea
Artichoke . . . 3.79/ea
Broccoli … 2.98/lb
English Cucumber… 1.89/ea
Mini Cucumber… 2.19/lb
Radish… 2.49/ea
Spinach… 3.19/ea

Covabrelli Coffee

Our Eastside offers local coffee from Covabrelli Coffee whose motto is “Life’s too short to drink bad coffee.” This company is located right in Tumwater! Here’s some of their story:

“Tumwater, Wa has a storied history of craft brewing dating back to the Capital Brewing Co. built below Tumwater Falls by the Leopold Schmidt family in 1896. This iconic company became the Olympia Brewing Co. in 1902, using the phrase “It’s the Water” to showcase it’s beer made with Artisan well water. Though the Olympia Brewery is closed, its impact on the Northwest is still felt to this day. We want to carry on the tradition of exceptional regional craft brewing through coffee.

Covabrelli Coffee exists to grow relationships through ethically sourced, exceptionally roasted, fresh organic coffee. Everyone who drinks coffee knows what bad coffee tastes like. Cream and sugar can help make a bad cup of coffee more tolerable. We want our customers to enjoy coffee for how amazing it really tastes. Lou, Covabrelli’s founder, has been developing his craft doing small batch roasting for over 18 years. He began roasting on a small 3K drum roaster at his home. Now uses a more sophisticated 10K roaster that records every batch profile on his computer. Cupping almost every batch for quality and keeping detailed roast logs has helped Lou produce amazing results in the cup. His meticulous attention to detail can be tasted in every roast we produce. We offer a variety of coffee from the major coffee growing regions around the world, 2 espresso blends, and one water processed decaf. Team Covabrelli is committed to promote sustainability at every level of our company. Our coffee comes from cooperatives representing the 4 major growing regions (Africa, South America, Central America & Indonesia) that are certified organic. Taste & see the Covabrelli difference for yourself.

Most people who drink a great cup of coffee either compliment the person who made it or the person who roasted it. Do you ever think about the person who grew it? We do. People grow coffee because that’s what they can do to survive and provide for their families. The average coffee farmer has a lot at stake managing his farm. Weather, leaf rust, borer beetle, antestia bug, C-market, and cost of labor are just a few of their challenges. What are we doing to help? Covabrelli buys coffee from partner companies that provide resources to coffee farmers and cooperatives so that they can thrive. Atlas Coffee in Seattle, Onyx Coffee in Bellingham and Royal Coffee in San Francisco are a few of our partners. We’ve traveled to Finca Vista Hermosa in Guatemala to learn first hand what life is like for a coffee grower and hope for the opportunity to visit other farms in the future. As you can see above, producing excellent coffee is a labor of love.”

More at https://www.covabrelli.com/

Single Bubbi’s Mochi Ice Cream

New at the Eastside store! We now have single Mochi Ice Cream by Bubbi’s…

Such a yummy treat on the go. Available in Pistachio, Passionfruit & Green Tea flavors.

Curbside changes starting 5/2

 

We’re excited to share that your curbside shopping experience will improve in 2 important ways starting Friday May 2nd.

  1. You can pick up your order anytime during open hours after you receive the text or email message saying “Your order is ready for pick up”. No more time slots to choose from!
  2. When you come to get it, you will still go to the large warehouse door on the South side of the store. However, instead of honking, you will call that store at (360) 956-3870 and a staff person will come out and assist you.

You will still need to place your order by 4pm for a guaranteed pick up anytime after 11am the following day, however, in many cases it will be ready for you in the evening of the same day you placed your order!

For more information on our curbside program click here.

 

Closed May 1st!

We will be closed on Thursday May 1st. Each year both our locations close on May day in solidarity with workers everywhere.

May Day, how we Got the 8-Hour Workday

The only day the Olympia Food Co-op is currently closed is May 1st. We close to celebrate May
Day, also known as Labour Day or International Workers’ Day.

The Industrial Revolution brought the rise to the factory system, but left out the thought of
safety and employee rights. Blue collar workers began fighting for their rights for equitable
working conditions as a response to the unreasonable demands being put on them day in and
day out.

Starting at the end of April 1886 in Australia, the movement for an 8-hour workday picked up
momentum. By May 1 st , over 300,000 workers had walked out of their jobs.
Days later, the fight for equitable working conditions became violent. It wasn’t until 1868
though, that the 8-hour work week was finally realized. The downside to this movement?
Unions became more docile as a result and Anarchists started being seen by the public in a
dimmed light.

Marches, parades, speeches, picnics and simply enjoying a day off are common ways people
from over 66 countries celebrate May Day today.
We hope you enjoy your May Day this year and take a moment to rest and revel in your
accomplishments! See you again on May 2nd .

 

Produce Specials April 28 – May 4

Produce Specials
April 28 – May 4
Pink Lady Apples . . . 1.79/lb
Strawberries 1#… 5.49/ea
Murcott Tangerines . . . 2.79/lb
Ataulfo Mangoes . . . 2.69/lb
Tommy Atkins Mangoes . . . 2.19/lb
Cantaloupe Melon . . . 1.79/lb
Blood Oranges . . . 2.39/lb
Hass Avocado bags… 8.39/ea
Cucumbers … 1.39/lb
Jicama . . . 2.59/lb
Mini Mixed Pepper Bags . . . 5.19/ea
Jalapeno Peppers . . . 4.69/lb
Radish Bunches . . . 2.39/lb
Roma Tomatoes … 1.98/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 4/21-27

Produce Specials
April 21 – 27



Cosmic Crisp Apples … 1.79/lb
Strawberries 1 #. . . 5.39/ea
Tango Mandarins… 2.89/lb
Tommy Atkins Mango… 2.19/lb
Bartlett Pears . . . 1.79/lb

Nantes Bunched Carrots … 2.49/ea
English Cucumbers . . . 1.89/ea
Mini Persian Cucumbers . . . 2.19/lb
Kale (all varieties) . . . 2.49/ea
Sugar Snap Peas . . . 6.19/lb
Red Bell Peppers … 3.69/lb
Medley Potato Bags… 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

2024 Food Co-op Impact Report

 

2024 Food Co-op Impact Report

By: Co+op

It’s Delicious, It’s Delightful, It’s Democracy

Feeling fed up with “business as usual?” You’re not alone. A growing number of people across the country believe we can do better by each other — joining together through local, democratically governed organizations to meet our everyday needs — like groceries.

Produce Specials April 14-20

Produce Specials
April 14 – 20
Cosmic Crisp Apples … 1.89/lb
Murcott and Tango Mandarins… 2.79/lb
Navel Oranges … 2.29/lb
Red Bartlet… 2.19/lb
Tommy Atkins Mango… 2.19/lb
Ataulfo Mango … 2.59/lb
Pineapple… 1.79/lb
Rhubarb … 4.69/lb
Broccoli … 1.79/lb
Brussel Sprouts … 3.19/lb
Fennel … 3.19/lb
Grape Chery Tomatoes… 2.89/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

We’re Hiring!

Be a part of something meaningful and unique by joining the Collective Staff at OFC.
(Apply by April 20.)
Co-op staff members operate as a collective and are responsible for coordinating the stores’ operations. Additionally, all staff participate in collective governance and decision making and anti-oppression work. Staff have the opportunity to choose between a wide variety of trainings related to store operations and governance.
These include product department management, merchandise buying, retail floor coordination, hospitality, welcoming and training volunteers, making exciting meals and desserts for the deli, financial management, IT, social media management and so much more!
Share this post with friends, family and anyone you know that shops at a Co-op.
Click here to get your application started click here to learn more and apply

Produce Specials April 7 – 13

Produce Specials
April 7 – 13
Raspberries 6oz … 4.98/ea
Strawberries 1# … 5.29/ea
Tango Mandarins … 2.89/lb
Blood Oranges … 2.29/lb
Navel Oranges … 2.29/lb
Papaya … 2.19/lb
Hass Avocado Bags … 7.59/ea
Broccoli … 1.98/lb
Nantes Bunched Carrots … 2.49/ea
Cauliflower … 1.89/lb
Local Kale Raab (Wobbly Cart) … 3.19/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.

To heal, ya gotta feel! ~Dr Bre

To heal, ya gotta feel! ~ Dr. Bre
This month’s Sacred Saturday with a therapist brought with it deep conversation, thoughtful questions and tools for feeling and healing.
Join the Olympia Food Co-op in collaboration with ASHHO CULTURAL COMMUNITY CENTER for next month’s Sacred Saturday, April 26th from 11 to 2.
It’s open to the public, lunch is provided and the only co$t is your time.
Share this post to friends and family and bring them with you to the event.

Produce Specials March 24 – 30

Produce Specials March 24 – 30
Strawberries 1# … 5.69/ea
Grapefruit … 1.89/lb
Gold Nugget Mandarins … 2.89/lb
Tango Mandarins … 2.89/lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 2.89/lb
Bartlett Pears … 1.98/lb
Green Beans… 2.89/lb
Broccoli … 1.98/lb
Brussels Sprouts … 3.19/lb
English Cucumbers … 2.59/ea
Leeks … 2.89/lb
Red Bell Peppers … 4.19/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.

Sacred Saturdays with a Therapist

Join ASHHO and the Olympia Food Co-op on March 22nd for a transformative experience with Dr. Bre! Discover accessible, meaningful ways to prioritize your mental health.

 

Table March 2025

 

Co-op Table March 2025

Eastside Expansion From the Expansion Committee of the Board (Jim, Ike, Dave, Redwood, Fern, and Kitty)

Exciting things are happening at the 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’re  exploring possibilities to make the store bigger, increase customer  parking, and improve working conditions. Last Spring we started to  look at how we could do this. As we got more into planning a remodel/ addition, we quickly discovered that there wasn’t enough space on  our existing site to meet our needs. At almost exactly the same time,  the house directly across from the store became available, and the  Board decided to buy it, with the intention of moving Staff parking from  the adjacent lot to free up space for store expansion. We are pleased  to announce that the Co-op now owns the house at 1001 Lansdale! 

The house will provide much needed office and meeting space, staff rest  rooms, space for our Facilities/Maintenance work, and a kitchenette/break  room. Having this additional property opens up great new possibilities  for expanding the store itself, and the Staff and Board can now move  toward finding the most optimal use of our expanded footprint. 

This is an expensive endeavor that will likely take years to complete, and  there are lots of steps that need to be carried out in succession to ensure  that our organization remains stable and sustainable. In the following  order, broadly speaking, those steps are Feasibility, Construction Prep and  Planning, Construction, and Preparation for opening.  

We are now working on the first step… (more)

Produce Specials February 17 – 23

Produce Specials
February 17 – 23
​Evercrisp Apples (local) … 1.59/lb
Blueberries, 6oz … 4.98/ea
Cara Cara Oranges … 2.49/lb
Heirloom Navel Oranges … 2.49/lb
Navel Oranges … 2.49/lb
Red d’Anjou Pears … 1.98/lb
Pineapple … 1.59/lb
Broccoli … 2.19/lb
Bunched Carrots … 2.98/ea
Cauliflower … 1.69/lb
English Cucumbers … 2.19/ea
Crimini Mushrooms … 4.69/lb
Roma Tomatoes … 1.59/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.

Mel O’Soup

Mel O’Soup offers made in Olympia level local concentrated organic vegetable soups that are sold by the pint. As Mel says “Everyone needs more veggies and no one need pesticides!” Always gluten, corn, soy, night shade and salt free. The coconut milk and pumpkin cans used are BPA free. More info at https://www.facebook.com/MelOSoup/

Lake Missoula Tea Company

New to the Eastside bulk section.

Lake Missoula Tea Company seeks artisanal, premium tea.

Strong ties to the tea farms we visited in Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Kenya and Colombia give us great confidence that we offer the world’s best tea. These trips allow us to build a sustainable, organic source of quality teas from farms working at the village scale. Despite being relatively inaccessible due to their remote, wildland settings, we’ve witnessed the establishment of a workforce – pickers, processors, and farmhands – helping drive local economic development.

Our leaf collection boasts every variety, from fine Taiwanese oolong to Yunnan black produced by ancient tea trees to Darjeeling District tea (that also has an elephant sanctuary).  We are confident in the quality of our teas and our ability to continue to source new and innovative brews.

Produce Specials February 3-9

Produce Specials
February 3 – 9



Hass Avocado Bags … 6.98/ea
Tango Mandarins … 2.89/lb
Ataulfo Mangoes … 3.59/lb
Kent Mangoes … 1.98/lb
Navel Oranges … 2.98/lb
Pummelos… 2.19/lb

Cauliflower … 1.59/lb
Celery … 2.19/lb
Cilantro … 1.39/ea
Green Curly Kale … 2.59/ea
Lacinato Kale … 2.59/ea
Purple Kale … 2.59/ea
Mini-Mix Pepper Bags … 4.19/ea
Roma Tomatoes … 1.98/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 January 27-February 2

Produce Specials
January 27 –February 2



Red Grapes … 6.89/lb
Gold Nugget Mandarins … 2.89/lb
Clementine Mandarins … 2.89/lb
Minneola Tangelos… 2.29/lb
Pummelo … 2.39/lb

Baby Bok Choi … 2.89/lb
Broccoli … 2.39/lb
Brussel Sprouts … 4.29/lb
Red Bell Peppers … 3.59/lb
Heirloom Tomatoes… 4.29/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

Artisan January local artist sale!

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.

December Table 2024

Co-op Table December 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

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.

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!

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

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.

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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.

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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

September 16 – 22

Keitt Mangoes … 2.98/lb

Broccoli … 3.19/lb
Celery … 1.59/lb
Bi-Color Corn … 1.29/ea
Red Potatoes … 1.29/lb
Yellow Potatoes … 1.29/lb
Red Radishes … 1.98/ea
Butternut Squash … 1.69/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
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. 

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Ann Stewart

They look like butternut squash to me.

Fall Table 2024

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.

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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.

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

We offer excellent benefits, regular wage increases, a 20% employee discount on your purchases, scheduling flexibility and $20.50 starting wage. Apply now or learn more here.

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!

It’s that time again!

Now taking applications to join our board through September 15th. A great way to be more involved in your co-op community, gain skills and receive discounts on your co-op purchases.

More info here. Or click here if you’re ready to apply.

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.
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.
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.

 

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:

https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/news-media/research-highlights/first-study-to-measure-toxic-metals-in-tampons-shows-arsenic-and-lead

And here’s more information about the brand we carry, Natracare, in response.

https://www.natracare.com/blog/study-metals-in-tampons-catalyst-for-industry-change/

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.

Produce Specials July 1-7

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

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.

Register

Our classes are only $7!

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

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!

https://www.hotbabe-hotsauce.com/

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

 

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).