Community Food Co-op
Transcription
Community Food Co-op
FOOD CO OP Bellingham’s Natural Grocer Summer 2013 Best of Summer— www.communityfood.coop • Co In up si on de Farm fresh, breezy, delectable 2 Community Food Co-op • In Season • Summer 2013 From the editor communityfood.coop 360-734-8158 by Laura Steiger, Publications Editor Everyone Can Shop— Member or Not Cordata 315 Westerly Road Bellingham WA 98226 Open daily 7 am–9 pm Downtown 1220 N Forest Street Bellingham WA 98225 Open daily 7 am–10 pm In Season, Summer 2013 Editor, Laura Steiger Design/Production, Habiba Sial Published three times per year. Back issues at communityfood.coop. Send comments or story suggestions to lauras@communityfood. coop or 360-734-8158 ext. 129. Acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement by the Co-op of the product or service offered. Nutrition and health information provided for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for a consultation with a licensed health or dietary practitioner. On the Cover— Produce team members (from left) Josh Schmidt, Megan Stilp, Dylan Jones, and Paige Heinen, journeyed to Portland, Ore., to learn about all things organic. Go along for the ride in “Getting Schooled at Organicology” on page 4. Below: C-O-O-P! Photos by Habiba Sial. Do you have to be a member to shop? Is everything organic? How can I save money? Do you have food from local farms? Since joining the Coop’s outreach team in 2008, these are some of the questions that I’ve been asked over and over again. Welcome to the second issue of In Season, the magazine from your Community Food Co-op. In Season was created to answer many of these questions, and to give you a peek behind the scenes of our co-op. In this issue, we celebrate summer! If, like me, you can hardly wait for the return of local summer produce, Wynne Marks, Cordata produce manager, provides a summer season timeline to whet your appetite in anticipation of your seasonal favorites. Kristin Edwards from the Downtown deli shares her crowd-pleasing kale salad recipe. Co-op experts in the meat, beer, grocery, and mercantile departments offer recommendations to add some extra flair to your summer barbecues and picnics. Adrienne Battis, outreach manager, introduces the Co-op’s exciting new Co+op Essentials program that offers all of our shoppers money-saving deals on everyday pantry items. And, Co-op Board of Directors Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month (except July). Member-owners welcome. To share your suggestions or concerns at the 10-minute member-owner forum at the start each meeting, call the Board administrator in advance, by the first Monday of the month, if possible. Minutes from Board meetings are available in both stores and on our website. Next meeting Wednesday, June 12, 7 pm, in the Connection Building at the Downtown store Study and Engagement Topic (7-7:30 pm) Local Food System Development Work in Skagit County Board Administrator Jean Rogers 360-734-8158 by the way, you DON’T have to be a member to shop, but our member-owners do get a few extra perks. Speaking of which, remember to clip and redeem the ever-popular Volume Discount Coupon (see page 15) to rack up the savings while stocking up on all your summer essentials. Take a trip to Organicology—the place to learn about all things organic—with your tour guide Megan Stilp, Cordata produce assistant manager. Learn how the Co-op’s innovative, nationally recognized Farm Fund program has been supporting local farmers for 13 years from Farm Fund Administrator Jean Rogers. The Farm Fund is just one of many ways the Co-op gives back to our community. Kids can have fun with the Kids Corner activity and enter a drawing to win a $5 Co-op gift card. And kids can get cookin’ at a series of cooking classes offered this summer just for them. Lastly, learn about Acme Ice Cream in Bellingham, because no summer day is complete without ice cream! We didn’t answer your question about the Coop? No problem. Just stop by the service desk or ask any Co-op employee. We love talking about what makes the Co-op great. I hope you enjoy reading In Season. The next issue will arrive in October and we’ll be talking about Co-op Month and the upcoming winter holidays; but, let’s not go there now. Enjoy the summer, Member Affairs Committee Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month (except July). Member-owners welcome. The MAC is a standing committee that advises the Board on the relationship between the Co-op, its owners, and the community. MAC looks for ways to engage with owners about our food, our health, our co-op, and more. Next meeting Wednesday, June 26, 5:15-7:15 pm, in the Connection Building at the Downtown store Board Administrator Jean Rogers 360-734-8158. • www.communityfood.coop • Bellingham’s Natural Grocer What’s Fresh in Produce? by Wynne Marks, Cordata Produce Manager June is the beginning of the best in produce! This is the month we get our first taste of sunshine and see real change in our fresh produce selection at the Co-op. Gone is the produce from far away that sustained us all winter; we are headlong into summer goodness and abundance. Here is a look at the splendor you can expect to see in the coming months. June While many local produce crops are still sizing up in the field, California and Oregon come through for us big time with the arrival of abundant vibrant organic produce. Peaches, plums, nectarines, grapes, cantaloupe, berries, watermelon, green beans, lettuce, bunched greens, and more will fill our shelves. From Washington, we say good bye to Washington asparagus and hello to local strawberries, herbs, and bunched greens— lettuce and baby bok choy, to name a few. If predictions hold true, the first Washington cherries will arrive by the third week of June. July You want it, we’ve got it! Local produce is plentiful, fruit is outstanding, and, if the sun does its job, we’ll have local tomatoes and blueberries by the end of the month. July favorites: pint cherry tomatoes in every color, Washington cherries by the truck load, and more juicy plums, pluots, peaches, and nectarines from California. Local favorites—carrots and blueberries from Hopewell Farm—arrive mid-month. Stone fruit from eastern Washington also arrives mid-month with apricots, followed by more amazing farmer-direct fruit including our favorite peaches and nectarines from both Brownfield Orchard and the Okanogan Producers Marketing Association. Third Thursday Local Music Series Pretty Little Feet Thursday, June 20, 6–8 pm Live at the Downtown deli Expect a wonderful night of progressive old-time family-style song and tune, and traditional-tinged contemporaries from local duo Pretty Little Feet. Pretty Little Feet is innovative while remaining grounded in the American old-time music tradition. You’ll hear a wide-ranging selection from the traditional canon and some originals by the talented duo. Join us for a great evening with two of Bellingham’s favorite home-grown musicians. August The Pacific Northwest harvest season begins and all the gastric glories of our region converge upon the Co-op’s produce department simultaneously. Look forward to Whatcom County blueberries, peaches, plums, late strawberries, sweet corn, carrots, summer squashes, fresh garlic, and sweet onions. New potatoes, greens of every color, a rainbow of tomatoes, hot peppers, and simply too many things to list. A chock-full produce department in all its summer glory. You just might want to stop in every week to find the latest arrivals of quality produce at the peak of freshness. Eat well, do good work, and keep in touch. 3 Community Food Co-op • In Season • Summer 2013 Behind the Scenes in Produce Getting Schooled at Organicology by Megan Stilp, Cordata Assistant Produce Manager In February, four members of the Coop’s produce team had the opportunity to “get schooled” at Organicology. I love working at the Co-op, and one reason is that I get to learn cool stuff, and that helps me keep up on the latest trends and information of importance to Co-op shoppers. In the produce department we tour local farms, make connections with farmers during deliveries, and attend great educational events. The biennial Organicology conference is the premier event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by leaders in the organic industry, the gathering is a venue for developing skills and gaining exposure to all areas of the organic trade movement with a focus on a sustainable food future. On the drive to Portland we ( Josh Schmidt and Paige Heinen from the Downtown store and Dylan Jones and myself from the Cordata store) chatted about our respective produce departments and the events scheduled for the upcoming conference. There were so many interesting topics, we had to strategize how to best split up the sessions for a comprehensive experience. At the Lexicon of Sustainability opening reception and social we admired and exclaimed over the beautiful posters (the same as were on display in March at our Annual Meeting and Party) and chatted with other produce workers attending the conference. That evening Paul Stamets, legendary mycologist, presented the discoveries he has made with mushrooms and mycelium, they are incredible (and sometimes edible!). He has achieved ground-breaking advances in ecological restoration through mushroom cultivation, and is active in researching the medicinal properties of mushrooms, including studies on cancer and HIV treatments using mushrooms as supportive therapies. We were up early the next morning to hop a bus for a tour of the brand new produce warehouse at the employeeand grower-owned Organically Grown Company. They are the largest wholesaler of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the Pacific Northwest, and one of our main produce suppliers. The scope of the place was immense; the banana storage and ripening area alone consisted of seven bays capable of holding multiple tiers of pallets, which seemed to tower several stories high. It was fascinating to see that the storage systems weren’t so different from our own backrooms—at an exponential scale. Upon returning to the hotel we attended a panel discussion titled “Beyond Organics.” We heard Bob Scowcroft speak on the history of the organic movement, through his involvement in the expansion of California Certified Organic Farmers in the late ’80s and formation of the Organic Farming Research Foundation. The discussion progressed from the history of the movement to the ideals, and ideas, we “The whole experience was a whirlwind of illuminating information. Through it all I couldn’t shake the exciting feeling that I was surrounded by celebrities.” Photos courtesy of Trav Williams, Broken Banjo Photography. 4 From left: A smorgasbord of citrus from a California organic orchard awaits Organicology conferencegoers for tasting at the vendor fair. Attendees also participated in tastings of organic winter greens and root vegetables, and relished a sampling of wine, beer, and spirits. Mycologist Paul Stamets dons a hat made from mushroom fiber while sharing information about an unusually large alien-like mushroom at his presentation. Stamets does much of his cutting-edge research on the medicinal properties of mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. • www.communityfood.coop • Bellingham’s Natural Grocer are working toward today. Many organic producers incorporate aspects of social justice, animal welfare, soil remediation, and carbon sequestration, even though they are not currently included in the USDA-defined term “organic.” Up next were workshops on building brand loyalty, protecting organic integrity in the face of genetically engineered (GE) crops, responsible packaging, and marketing “organics” as a brand. In the afternoon Curt Ellis talked about creating the film King Corn, and his experience founding and directing FoodCorp, an AmeriCorps project that connects kids to real food by placing motivated leaders in limited-resource communities for a year of public service. The social that evening focused on a local wine, beer, and spirits tasting, and a buffet with accompanying survey of local winter greens and root vegetable varieties. The following day Tom Philpott, food politics blogger and former editor and columnist for Grist, spoke about the true cost of the fertilizer used in industrial agriculture. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, commonly known as N-P-K, are essential nutrients for plants. They are extracted from soil after every harvest and need to be replenished. Sourcing and Did you know? processing these nutrients on an industrial scale as additives—rather than maintaining a healthy balance in the soil through thoughtful management systems—contributes to a huge ecological deficit. At the Organic Exhibition trade show we met with representatives of many brands that we work with every day to sample products, see new offerings, and ask questions. Paige artistically added our company logo to a mural that now hangs in Organically Grown Company’s Portland office. On our way out of town we stopped to check out a few local produce departments, and even ran into a former co-worker. At last, we all piled back in the rental van for the trip home. The whole experience was a whirlwind of illuminating information. Through it all I couldn’t shake the exciting feeling that I was surrounded by celebrities. These celebrities are activists, agricultural suppliers, seed producers, policy-makers, retailers, and farmers— they are the people who are shaping the future of my industry, and the future of the food and farms we all depend on. After our trip, we return filled with such fire and conviction. I get to walk into work each day with enthusiasm, knowing I am part of something important. Upper left: Co-op produce team members (from left) Megan Stilp, Dylan Jones, Josh Schmidt and (front) Paige Heinen crowd around our Organically Grown Company sales rep, Lucas Crawford (center) at Organicology. Above: Paige’s rendition of the Community Food Co-op logo added an artistic flair to a mural showcasing the diversity of the businesses attending the 2013 Organicology conference. The mural now adorns the Portland, Ore., office of Organically Grown Company, one of the conference hosts. Learn about the 2013 conference speakers and topics, and the history of Oganicology at organicology.org. Maybe you’ll be tempted to “get schooled” at the 2014 Organicology conference. In 2012, 80% of the produce sold in our stores was organic, resulting in $3,373,220 total organic produce sales for the year. 5 6 Community Food Co-op • In Season • Summer 2013 Projects funded by the Co-op’s Farm Fund since being founded in 2000 Grants: by Jean Rogers, Farm Fund Administrator ing costs for farmers, and created a low interest, revolving loan for sustainable farms. A new partnership with the Industrial Credit Union will substantially increase the funds available to local farmers, with the Farm Fund providing up to $72,000 in revolving loan guarantees. The results have been tangible. Low interest In 2000 the Community Food Co-op Farm loans have helped Misty Meadows Farm triple egg Fund set up shop with a modest $3,000 contribuproduction, Osprey Hill Farm install an irrigation tion from the Co-op and two ambitious goals— system, and Matheson Farms purchase calves to to strengthen local, sustainable beef up their production. Loans agriculture, and to build a thrivhave also been used to build If everyone donated ing local food system. The Fund greenhouses, renovate barns, cover just 10 cents each quickly gained support from start-up costs, and to purchase time they shopped at Co-op member-owners and the fencing, feed, tillers, and tractors. the Co-op, we’d have community, and has been busy Farm Fund grants have contributmore than $100,000 initiating new farm programs ed to the farmers markets; funded within a year to and supporting local food and the Bellingham Food Bank’s Seed strengthen local farms. Money program; launched the farming projects ever since. Thirteen years later, the Farm Food to Bank On project; funded Fund has given out more than $122,000 to eslocal seed, grain, bean, produce, and fruit trials; tablish food and farming programs and develop and supported numerous other nonprofit food and infrastructure that benefits Whatcom (and a farming projects. few Skagit) County farms. The Fund has offered The Farm Fund owes its success entirely to the grants, sponsored workshops, subsidized traincommunity—folks sharing their resources and knowledge to make sure that everyone in Whatcom County can enjoy healthy, local food for years to come. Co-op member-owners, shoppers, and community organizations have joined the Co-op in supporting the Farm Fund with donations at the register, fundraisers, and grants. Soon, it will be easier than ever to participate Saturday, August 24 by using a “donate now” button on our website Firehouse Performing Arts Center at communityfood.coop. Until then, consider Save the date and join us for a festive evening rounding up your purchase at the register. If everyto benefit the Farm Fund featuring local band one donated just 10 cents each time they shopped Hot Damn Scandal, a square dance with some of at the Co-op, we’d have more than $100,000 the best local fiddle tune musicians and callers, a within a year to strengthen local farms. And it’s silent auction, and more. Details in the July/August a good deal, since we get to enjoy the fruits (and newsletter, online, and in our stores. veggies) of our local farmers’ labor and skill! Farm Fund Hootenanny— Fund Our Farms •Backyard Beans and Grains •Bellingham Farmers Market •Bellingham Food Bank •Bellingham Urban Gardens •Bow Hill Blueberries/iPick Blueberry Camp •Bulk Buying Project for local farms •Cloud Mountain Farm Center •Common Threads Farm •Community-to-Community Development/Cooperativa Jacal •Farmer Focus Groups and Survey •Ferndale Public Market •Food Bank Farm •GAP (Good Agriculture Practices) training subsidies for local farmers •Growing Veterans •Growing Washington •Inspiration Farm •Kulshan Community Land Trust/ Access to Land for Farming Program •Local Food Works •Lynden Farmers Market •Sage and Sky Farm •Sustainable Connections/Food To Bank On •Uprising Seeds/Organic Seed Alliance •Whatcom Community Television and Communications (radio documentary on local farms) •Whatcom Food Network •Whatcom Fresh Label •WSU—Whatcom County Extension/2013 & 2014 NW Sustainable Agriculture Conference •York Neighborhood Association Low-interest revolving loans: funded by the Sustainable Whatcom Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation •El Rancho Jacal •Heritage Lane Farm •Matheson Farms •Misty Meadows Farm •Neighborhood Harvest •Osprey Hill •Roll Organic Farm •Sumas River Farm •Tailwind Farm •Terra Verde Farm Did you know? Register donations to the Farm Fund, since 2001, total nearly $23,000. • www.communityfood.coop • Bellingham’s Natural Grocer 7 essentials quality food • value prices by Adrienne Battis, Outreach Manager At the Co-op we have been working on something new and are pretty excited to share it with you. As part of our 10-year Strategic Plan, we are addressing our commitment to make high quality, nutritious, and affordable food more accessible to all. This commitment, and resulting conversations, led to the creation of the Co+op Essentials program. Co+op Essentials includes a line of 50 to 60 deeply discounted, everyday, basic products throughout the store. Discounts are available to all Co-op shoppers, but member-owners receive the lowest marked price (which reflects an additional 5 percent off the already discounted non-member price). This program is not just a two-week promotional deal, but a permanent program in which the Co-op will maintain low pricing on these core products. Just look for the Co+op Essentials logo on shelf signs throughout the store to find these everyday foods. If you want to receive the full benefit of the Co+op Essentials program, join the Co-op. Investing in the Co-op is a great way to get the most out of your Co-op experience. The investment is quite affordable at only $3 per month for full member-owner benefits. If you are 62 or older, your membership is free. To learn more, ask at the service desk or the register, or find full details on our website. What’s Included? Bulk—a variety of beans, quinoa, brown rice, gluten-free baking flour, white flour, gluten-free oats, rolled oats, raisins, nuts, and nut butters Dairy and grocery cooler—eggs, cheese, yogurt, butter, tofu, gluten-free tortillas, and flour tortillas Shelf-stable grocery—gluten-free bread, whole wheat bread, tuna, variety of canned beans, broth, variety of cereals, pastry flour, baking mixes, and peanut butter Meat—ground Country Natural Beef Wellness—soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, oral rinse, fish oil capsules, vitamin D3, and basic multivitamins Produce—rotating seasonal selection of organic fruits and vegetables Look for Co+op Essentials signs throughout our stores. Did you know? 1,784 new member-owners joined the Co-op in 2012. 8 Community Food Co-op • In Season • Summer 2013 Healthy Connections Classes The Co-op offers cooking, nutrition, and wellness classes throughout the year at both the Downtown and Cordata stores. Cooking classes feature local organic ingredients whenever possible. Since 2009, the Co-op has partnered with Whatcom Community College on Food and Wine classes. Healthy Aging Strategies on Stress Make Your Own Soft Cheese with Richard Tran, DC with Mark Solomon Monday, June 3, 6:30–8 pm Saturday, June 8, 1–4 pm Discover the specific impact stress plays on digestive issues, weight management, and chronic pain. This workshop will cover specific strategies to address stress, and is also customized to address participant questions. Join Seattle cheese-maker Mark Solomon for a hands-on class. We’ll make yogurt cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and burrata in class. We’ll also talk about making chevre, quark, and cream cheese. Learn about cheese-making equipment and how to get the best results in your kitchen. Plenty of samples will be served. DT • CO-OP • Free Good Eats, Hawaiian Style with Robert Fong Tuesday, June 4 or Wednesday, June 5, 6:30–9 pm Robert Fong gets back to his roots with tasty everyday Hawaiian comfort food. Enjoy ahi poke, barbecued spare ribs, and Honolulu beef tomato and rice. Get Fong’s hometown recipes and come to eat! An $8 wine option is payable at class. • DT • WCC• $39 Cooking with Fresh Herbs with Mary Ellen Carter Thursday, June 6, 6–8 pm Lend a healthy sparkle to your meals with garden-fresh herbs. Mary Ellen Carter’s menu features creamy pea soup with mint, poached scallops with an herbed compound butter, and spring greens with roasted baby potatoes with tarragon aioli. Learn how to concoct herbed compound butters, and how to assemble your own bouquet garni. A $7 wine option is payable at class. • COR • WCC• $39 COR • WCC • $55 How to be Healthy on a Vegan Diet preventing or delaying diabetes. Snacks, recipes, and handouts provided. COR • CO-OP • $15 Food Changes Everything with Demetree Robinson Wednesday, June 12, 6:30–8:30 pm Certified Holistic Health Coach Demetree Robinson discusses the effects of your food choices. Learn which choices will work to lower your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose numbers. She will also discuss foods that add energy and curb food cravings, fats to boost your metabolism, recommendations for natural sweeteners, and low impact exercise. Recipes and snacks provided. COR • CO-OP • $10 Brown Bag It! with Lisa Dixon, RD Thursday, June13, 12–1:30 pm Tired of the same ol’ PB&J? Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Lisa Dixon will help you spice up your lunchbox with easy, make-ahead lunch ideas. We’ll sample a roasted vegetable quinoa salad, chipotle tomato soup, and a homemade granola/ yogurt parfait with fresh raspberries. DT • WCC• $29 with Doug Walsh Natural Fermentation Monday, June 10, 6:30–8:30 pm with Sonja Max, RD The vegan diet is becoming more and more popular as a path toward vibrant health. While adding more vegan and/or raw foods into your diet is a fabulous step toward maximizing your health potential, just because your meal is “raw” or “vegan” doesn’t mean it is good for you. Join Doug Walsh, 17-year raw foodist, 25-year vegan, and HealthForce Nutritionals National Educator, as he shares the secrets to creating vibrant health, and being successful long term on a high-percentage raw food vegan diet. DT • CO-OP • Free Delaying Diabetes with Lisa Dixon, RD Tuesday, June 11, 6–8 pm If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, high blood sugar, or are at-risk for diabetes or other chronic health conditions, this class is for you. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Lisa Dixon will discuss lifestyle and diet strategies for Monday, June 17, 6:30–8:30 pm East Indian Vegetarian Ayurvedic Cuisine with Christian Czingula Wednesday, June 19, 6:30–9 pm Ayurvedic therapist and vegan chef Christian Czingula presents simple yet elegant dishes based on ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing modality from India. The menu: vegan rose yogurt lassi; fragrant rice with curried tempeh; coconut chutney with cilantro; and samosas, the flaky vegetable-stuffed triangular pastries that are everyone’s favorite Indian appetizer. DT • WCC• $35 Summer Picnic Basket with Lisa Dixon, RD Tuesday, June 25, 6:30–9 pm Join Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Lisa Dixon to create a casual but elegant picnic, perfect for enjoying during the warm days of summer. We’ll enjoy a sparkling lime-basil agua fresca, shrimp and tomato salad with tarragon vinaigrette, chilled currant-beet soup, fingerling potato salad, and spicy dark chocolate brownies. A $7 wine option is payable at class. • DT • WCC • $35 Small Plates of the World: Eastern Mediterranean with Jesse Otero Wednesday, June 26, 6–8:30 pm Fermented foods are good for you, and they’re safe and easy to make at home. In this demonstration class, learn how to make enzyme-rich sauerkraut, kimchee, and tempeh from dried beans. Also learn to prepare, feed, and use a sourdough starter for easy waffles and more. Registered Dietitian Sonja Max has been fermenting food for six years. Experience the small plates of “meze,” similar to the tapas of Spain but indigenous to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Chef Jesse Otero presents grilled lamb with pistachios, spicy oven-roasted tomatoes with fried herbs, potatoes stuffed with salt cod and garlic, and several other seasonal dishes. A $7 wine option is payable at class. DT • WCC• $29 • COR • WCC $39 Strictly Sockeye with Robert Fong Tuesday, June18, 6:30–9 pm Experience three fun and easy ways to cook sockeye salmon: seared crisp, simmered moist, and flavored with seasonal garden flowers and herbs; fillets poached with wine, whisky, bouquet garni, and aromatic root vegetables; and Hawaiian salt-cured sockeye nuggets served with juicy fruits and vegetables. An $8 wine option is payable at class. • DT • WCC• $45 FOOD CO OP Register Online www.communityfood.coop • www.communityfood.coop • Bellingham’s Natural Grocer Taught by Co-op Expert Grilling with Fresh Herbs with Paul Manthe Thursday, June 27, 6:30–9 pm Showcasing fresh herbs from the garden, Co-op Deli Chef Paul Manthe creates grilled meat dishes bursting with flavor. Learn how to use herb-based marinades, pastes, and rubs to make your beef, chicken, seafood, and lamb dishes exceptional. The proof will be in the sampling. DT • WCC • $39 Make Your Own Hard Cheese with Mark Solomon Saturday, June 29, 1–4 pm Mark Solomon of Seattle teaches how to make cheddar and gouda—two great cheeses that provide a window into the production of many hard cheeses. We’ll talk about cheese chemistry, equipment, starter cultures, and more. We’ll also taste and evaluate the featured cheeses. COR • WCC • $55 No-Diet Weight Loss with Lisa Dixon, RD Monday, July 1, 6–8 pm Diet is a four-letter word. Learn to become the healthiest version of yourself without falling for fad diets. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Lisa Dixon will share specific strategies for achieving a healthy weight by eating real, whole foods. Samples and recipes provided. COR • CO-OP • $15 Summer Baking: Berries and Cherries with Karina Davidson 9 niques to bring out the best in summer veggies. Dazzle your taste buds with Japanese izakaya-style grilled eggplant, shiitake mushrooms, and summer squash; rustic South Indian vegetable curry; and Best of Market summer stir-fry with greens, garlic, chiles, and aromatic herbs. An $8 wine option is payable at class. • DT • WCC •$39 Summer Greek Feast with John Kotsogeanis Wednesday, July 10, 6:30–9 pm John John Kotsogeanis, long-time owner and chef at downtown Bellingham’s Café Akroteri, as he provides tips and recipes for classic Greek dishes. Enjoy melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) with pita bread, vegetarian dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), a traditional Greek village salad with Café Akroteri’s signature dressing, and a main course of spanikopita (feta and spinach pie wrapped in filo). For dessert—baklava! DT • WCC • $39 Chado: the Way of Tea with Shelley Thomas Thursdays, July 11, 18 and 25, 6:30–8:30 pm The Japanese Tea Ceremony, or the “Way of Tea,” is centuries old, and is based upon the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea, it teaches us how to live in balance with fellow human beings, nature, and objects. This 3-session course will provide a glimpse into the history and practice of the Way of Tea. Shelley Thomas has studied the Way of Tea for 15 years, including time in Japan. DT • WCC • $59 Instructor Spotlight: Paul Manthe If you’re looking for ways to add a little sizzle to your life, you might want to plan on spending the evening of Thursday, June 27, at the Downtown store Connection Building. That’s when Paul Manthe, Downtown deli chef, offers “Grilling with Fresh Herbs,” a Healthy Connections cooking class. Paul has worked at the Co-op since 1996, and is the longest-serving deli chef. He was the deli manager at the Cordata store when it opened, but later opted to leave his managerial post to concentrate on what he really loves—cooking. If you’ve eaten in the Co-op deli, you’ve no doubt sampled Paul’s handiwork, and he has been responsible for developing many of the deli’s signature dishes including Piri Piri Chicken, Beef and Chicken Kebabs, Chipotle Grilled Catfish, and the deli’s own variation of teriyaki. In the grilling class, Paul will emphasize subtlety and lightness, bringing out natural flavors, rather than smothering them. He’ll take a Mediterranean approach to create marinades, dipping sauces, and dry rub preparations that feature combinations of locally available fresh herbs, olive and grape seed oils, wine, and lemon juice. Recipes and grilling techniques will reflect various international cuisines—Lebanese, Italian, Greek, Argentine, and Southern French traditions will all be represented. Bring your appetite—hearty samples will be provided. Join us for an evening both educational and delicious! by Kevin Murphy, Outreach Team Member Tuesday, July 2, 6:30–9 pm Karina Davidson showcases the summer fruit harvest as she shares her baking secrets. Who doesn’t marvel at a beautiful lattice-topped cherry pie? Learn how to make a perfectly flaky crust and wow your friends. Karina also shares the secrets of quick and delicious blackberry crumble, blueberry glace tart, and a raspberrystreusel coffee cake. DT • WCC • $35 Spicy, Sassy Vegetarian with Robert Fong Tuesday, July 9, 6:30–9 pm Chef Robert Fong presents tips and tech- Bastille Day Picnic with Karina Davidson Monday, July15, 6–8:30 pm Celebrate Bastille Day with iconic French recipes that highlight summer vegetables. Karina Davidson will prepare tapenade and provençal tomato crostini, flamiche aux porieaux (leek tart) with haricots verts à l’ail (green beans with garlic), and salad composée (melange of shredded summer vegetables) drizzled with lemon-mustard vinaigrette. For dessert, we’ll enjoy tarte au citron (lemon tart). A $7 wine option is payable at class. • COR • WCC • $39 class listing continued on next page Did you know? 1,498 students attended 127 Healthy Connections classes in 2012. Locations: DT = Connection Building at the Downtown store, 1220 N Forest St, Bellingham • COR = Roots Room at the Cordata store, 315 Westerly Rd, Bellingham • Registration: CO-OP = register online at www.communityfood.coop; click on Co-op Calendar, then click on class title. (Need help registering? Service desk personnel can guide you.) • WCC = co-sponsored by Whatcom Community College, register at 360-3833200 or www.whatcomcommunityed.com. • = wine option payable at class • Please do not wear strong fragrances to class. Financial aid is available for some classes. For info on this, and for other class questions, contact Kevin Murphy at 360-734-8158 ext. 220 or kevinm@communityfood.coop. 10 Community Food Co-op • In Season • Summer 2013 Summer Main Course Salads Burritos with Green and Red Salsas with Lisa Dixon, RD Kids Can Cook Tuesday, July 16, 6–8:30 pm Monday, July 8 10 am–noon Lisa Dixon demonstrates summer salads as perfect one-dish meals; light enough for the summer heat but substantial enough to satisfy the heartiest appetite. We’ll enjoy a charred corn and fresh tomato salad with grilled steak and cilantro chimichurri, roasted potato and arugula salad with wild salmon and creamy avocado salsa, and spicy Southwest quinoa and black bean salad with grilled prawns. A $7 wine option is payable at class. Learn how to make tempting burritos filled with potatoes, peppers, and homemade green and red salsas. • COR • WCC • $39 From the Kitchen Bookshelf: Chez Panisse Menu Cookbook with Jesse Otero Wednesday, July 17, 6–8:30 pm Chef Jesse Otero draws inspiration from the recipes of the Chez Panisse Menu Cookbook by Alice Waters. Enjoy a menu of seasonal offerings including beets with walnut orange vinaigrette, seared duck breast with “pommes Anna,” and honey poached figs with goat cheese. A $7 wine option is payable at class. Vegetarian Sushi Kids Can COOK Join Dr. Jean Layton, naturopathic physician, chef, and cookbook author, in these hands-on cooking classes for kids ages 8–18. $29 each, or take all three for $72 All classes held at the Downtown store. All recipes are gluten free and vegan optional. Register at www.communityfood.coop or at the service desk at either store. Kids Corner Kids Can Cook Thursday, July 11 10 am–noon Learn how to make sushi rolls, beginning with how to make the perfect rice, chopping the freshest vegetables, and creating the perfect dipping sauce. Snacking Rice Paper Rolls Kids Can Cook Tuesday, July 16 10 am–noon Learn how to make Vietnamese rice paper rolls for snacks or lunch. Using a fun technique, we’ll create miniature rolls for two-bite tastes, and larger lunch-sized rolls. We’ll have both peanut and peanut-free sauces for dipping as well. Return this completed activity to the play area at either store by July 1 to enter a random drawing for a $5 Co-op gift card. More fun activities at nourishinteractive.com. First Name:________________ Age:___ Phone:___________ Where Do Fruits and Vegetables Grow? Fruits and vegetables are plants that grow in different ways. Draw a line from the fruit or vegetable to the place where it grows. • COR • WCC • $39 banana Raw Wraps with Sonja Max, RD Monday, July 22, 6:30–9 pm Enjoy summer’s bounty in the raw! Perfect as an appetizer or a whole meal, raw wraps are easy and fun to make, healthy, and delicious. We’ll make a sprouted nut or seed spread, add a complementary combination of raw vegetables, wrap it up in a leaf, and finish it off with a dipping sauce. raspberry Tree potato apple Bush DT • WCC • $35 red onion Debunking Diet Myths with Lisa Dixon, RD Wednesday, July 24, 6:30–8:30 pm Confused about the conflicting nutrition messages in the media? Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Lisa Dixon will compare popular diets, sharing the science about what works and doesn’t work. Samples and recipes provided. DT• CO-OP • $15 Vine grapes blueberry Underground pumpkin Visit us for more free kids holiday printables and healthy classroom worksheets www.chefsolus.com free nutrition games, interactive puzzles and healthy food printables! Reprinted with permission. Copyright © Nourish Interactive, All Rights Reserved. • www.communityfood.coop • Bellingham’s Natural Grocer 11 Hoist a Frosty Lager by James Weddle, Cordata Beer Department Head If you enjoy an ice cold beer this summer, it is likely to be a lager—the best selling beer in the world. There are two primary types of beer, ales and lagers, with one simple difference— yeast. Ale yeast is most productive at higher temperatures and rises to the top during fermentation. Lager yeast works best at lower temperatures and sinks to the bottom during fermentation. The word lager comes from the German word “lagern,” which means “to store.” The first lagers had to be stored or lagered in caves. An inconvenient lack of available caves made ales—porters, stouts and IPAs— the most produced beers until World War II. After the war, refrigeration became more abundant, and even breweries without caves could lager beer. In the U.S., with advancements in refrigerated distribution, pale lagers like Budweiser, Miller, and Rainier became available anywhere, all year round. Later, other lagers started to gain popularity. Bocks are a darker, malty lager with a touch of sweetness. Sub-categories of the James recommends... Pale Lagers • Kona Longboard Lager • New Belgium Shift Pale Lager • Full Sail Sessions Lager • Stella Artrois Lager Bocks • Shiner Bock • Spaten Optimator • Paulaner Salvator • Lakefront Bock with grilled meats with BBQ bock include the doppelbock, an extra-strong, rich bock, and the eisbock, a doppelbock that is frozen and then the ice is removed resulting in increased alcohol content. Pilsners are lagers originated in the Czech Republic. They are well-carbonated, use Czech or floral hops, and have a bitter, crisp finish. The dunkel, or dark lager, is dark in color, with dry chocolate and licorice notes associated with the use of dark roasted malts. The Vienna style or Marzen has a Pilsners • Trumer Pilsner • Lammsbrau Organic Pilsner • Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils • Lagunitas Pilsner with grilled veggies & fish malty sweetness and toasted rich flavor—it’s better known as an Oktoberfest. Lagers are popular because they are refreshing and go well with all food. This summer try a pale lager with grilled meats; a bock with your next barbecue, as the malty sweetness pairs well with hearty barbecue sauces; and a pilsner with fish or grilled veggies. After your meal, raise a stein of eisbock and toast the invention of refrigeration. Cheers! Ready for Mama Jay’s Face Meltin’ Hot Sauce? By Chuck Marston, Downtown Grocery Assistant Manager What makes Mama Jay’s Lip Smackin’ Good barbecue sauces so darn good? To begin with, there are no preservatives, no added salt, low sugar content, and no meat by-products other than anchovies in the Worcestershire sauce. Besides, it is made right here in Bellingham. What else makes it so good? Mama Jay! Her childhood memories of piping hot barbecue ribs inspired her to make her own sauce for family and friends. After encouragement from her kids, she started selling her lip smackin’ sauces in 2005. Once you have a bottle of Mama Jay’s in your kitchen you’ll find many uses other than ribs—seafood dip, steak sauce, or served over rice, vegetables, tofu, salmon, or scrambled eggs. Choose your level of heat: Mildly Warm, Tip of the Flame, or Face Meltin’ Hot. Mama Jay’s kitchen is a warm gathering place for friends and family. “I don’t think there is anything so rewarding as seeing people truly enjoying the labor of my hands, and the desire of my heart to please,” says Mama Jay. Community Food Co-op • In Season • Summer 2013 Friends of the Lynden Public Library Community Shopping Day: Saturday, June 15 by Robin Elwood Downtown Deli and Co-op Staff Writer There is nothing more fun than bragging on your friends—especially when your friends are doing fabulously good work. So when I spoke with Sarah Foster, the branch manager of the Lynden Public Library, I got a glowing review of June’s Community Shopping Day group, the Friends of the Lynden Public Library (FLPL). Her enthusiasm was contagious, and as we talked I found myself pretty fired up about the ways FLPL helps to make Lynden one of Whatcom County’s coolest communities. I hope you get fired up, too! “Whatcom County is so lucky to have the friends of the library organizations,” Sarah told me. “Every branch has its own ‘Friends,’ including the Bookmobile. We don’t take it for granted at all. We truly appreciate such a great group of volunteers, and their support makes things possible at our library.” Sarah told me that the FLPL raises about $20,000 annually. Most funding comes from book sales. In addition to recurring 3-day sales, there is an ongoing book sale right inside the door of the library. The money FLPL receives supports the Lynden library in many ways. Their Community Shopping Day (CSD) application offers a succinct list: “The purpose of the Friends of the Lynden Public Library is to maintain an association of persons interested in books and libraries; to focus public attention on Lynden Library services, facilities, and needs; to support and cooperate with the library in developing library services and facilities for the community; to lend legislative support where needed; and to receive and encourage gifts, endowments, and bequests to the library. The organization is also dedicated to increasing the patronage of the library and to providing financial and Día de los Niños is a national event that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds. Clockwise: Aliana Boersma swings at the piñata. The organizing committee, from left, Brenda Ramirez, Sandra Rameriz, Tina Bixby, Amelia Martinez, and in front Alma Hernandez. Volunteer Dolores Esquivel helps kids choose a free book. Photos courtesy of Lynden Public Library. 12 volunteer support to the library in every way possible.” So FLPL does exciting work, and the funds they raise all go straight to supporting the library. But what will they do with funds raised on their Community Shopping Day? I learned from Sarah that the Lynden library holds an event every year in late April. The event is the Lynden Library Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros, and funds from the June shopping day will be applied to costs from the 2013 event. Día de los Niños is a national event that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds. It fosters a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures. For the Lynden library it is a chance to celebrate Lynden’s multicultural heritage, and to strengthen ties with the local Hispanic community. In 2012, the library’s Día celebration was planned and hosted by teen volunteers, their families, and library staff. More than 250 people enjoyed bilingual story times, snacks, ethnic crafts, and Latino music. Free children’s books were available for all ages—board books and up—in Spanish, English, and bilingual. A piñata ended the event with a flurry of festivity. I asked Sarah how the event has grown, and how she thinks the 2013 celebration will turn out, since the event had not taken place at the time of our interview. “It has definitely increased our outreach to the Hispanic community, and all these connections get made. Everyone, from every culture, gets involved. It really is an event for all Lynden,” she exclaimed. “This year we’re adding community resource booths, more healthy food choices, and planning to acquire more books in Spanish for the library and for families. Also, it seems strange to say it, To get involved with Friends of the Lynden Public Library contact Sarah. Foster@WCLS.org or 360-354-4883. • www.communityfood.coop • Bellingham’s Natural Grocer but it’s an event that doesn’t even fit in our library anymore. It’s been so successful the past few years that we are holding it in the elementary school this year.” FLPL’s CSD application makes a strong case for the event’s importance. Beyond being a fun time for the whole community, the organizers set the bar high for creating an inclusive event. “The goals of our Día project are to honor children, promote literacy and cultural diversity, to honor home languages, to promote library collection development and programming that reflects our plurality, and to involve parents as valued contributors to their children’s literacy. Many of the Latino parents who attended the event are local agricultural workers. Supporting these families, especially the literacy of their children, improves the lives of the families that grow and harvest food in our county.” FLPL is an all-volunteer organization. They are always on the lookout for new recruits, both short- and long-term. Several volunteer opportunities are currently open, and Sarah encouraged anyone in the Lynden area with an interest in supporting the library to get involved. If you love your library, there’s no better way to get behind a fabulous cause! Editor’s addendum: More than 180 people attended the 2013 Dia de los Libros, and the FLPL gave away 105 children’s books in Spanish and English. Community Shopping Day (CSD) organizations receive 2 percent of sales on the third Saturday of their designated month. Organizations were selected for their service to our community in the following areas: •community health •ecological issues •education •food and sustainable agriculture •health and well being •social justice, peace and human rights. Every year the Co-op invites local community organizations to apply for a CSD. The Co-op’s Member Affairs Committee reviews applications and recommends 12 organizations for final approval by our Board of Directors. For more information, see the Give Back page at www. communityfood.coop or contact Karl Meyer at 360-734-8158 or karlm@communityfood.coop. Vibrant & Crisp Perfect for Summer by Kristin Edwards, Downtown Deli Several months ago, I decided to shift my focus to a mostly plant-based diet. Armed with some good nutritional advice from a dear friend Hollie Levine, who also happens to be a naturopathic doctor, I created this kale salad. Vegan, raw, and grain free, it is one of my favorite dishes, and is now in the salad rotation at both Co-op delis. Kristin’s Kale Salad Servings: 4 to 6 For the dressing: For the salad: 2½ heaping tablespoons minced fresh ginger 6 cups shredded kale, packed 1 ounce water 1¼ cup sliced green onion 2/3 cup lemon juice 1 cup diced red bell pepper 2 tablespoons minced peeled garlic 1½ cup shredded carrot ½ cup sliced shiitake mushrooms ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ cup nutritional yeast ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1. Combine first six dressing ingredients. Slowly add olive oil, whisking vigorously to emulsify. 2. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well. 3. Add the emulsified dressing and toss to fully coat the salad with the dressing. About kale: Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. What makes kale so exceptional? One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15 percent of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40 percent of magnesium, 180 percent of vitamin A, 200 percent of vitamin C, and 1,020 percent of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Bonus—it’s delicious! Source: webmd.com 13 Community Food Co-op • In Season • Summer 2013 Grass-fed Beef: In-store tastings! What Beef Was Meant To Be by Matt Bernstein, Downtown Meat Assistant Manager Photos courtesy of Matheson Farms. Cows are ruminant animals, naturally adapted to digest grass, yet most American cattle are fed a supplemental diet of corn and soy. When presented with a grainfed diet, cattle can face serious health problems, including the development of harmful bacteria. As a result, they are often administered antibiotics, and lots of them. Grass-fed cattle, on the other hand, live a much healthier, more natural life, and are much less likely to experience bacterial infection as they graze on native grasses in open fields that are generally pesticide free. Feedlot cows are fed grain and soy in order to develop more marbled fat in their meat. In contrast, grass-fed beef is leaner and is much higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote better cellular and cardiovascular health, just to name a few of the many health benefits of choosing grass-fed beef. For omnivorous Saturday, June 15 Cordata: 11 am–2 pm Downtown: 3–6 pm Meet Shelly Muzzall, one of the three sisters from 3 Sisters Family Farm, and sample their juicy grass-fed beef hot dogs. Grass-fed cattle at Matheson Farms in Bellingham enjoy grazing native grasses in open fields. The farm’s philosophy is to “make holistic decisions that are socially, ecologically, and economically sound and balanced— and to help others do the same.” people who are avoiding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), eating grass-fed meat is a great way to go, as the vast majority of feed contains GMO corn and soy. The Community Food Co-op is proud to carry two excellent local options for grass-fed beef that would be a great addition to your summer grilling line-up. For a great summer burger try ground beef from Matheson Farms, located on Smith Road in Bellingham. In addition to their delicious ground beef, we also carry a number of steak options from Matheson Farms in our freezer section. Style your Summer by Sandy Hanson, Downtown Mercantile Department Head Add beauty to your outdoor space with a wind chime from Woodstock Chime, a family-owned business located in New York’s Hudson Valley, and enjoy the sound sensation of a gentle summer breeze. Chimes shown: Grapes Capiz (left) and Victorian Garden (right). Available Downtown only. No summer barbecue would be complete without a juicy beef frank. 3 Sisters Family Farms, located on Whidbey Island, has been providing the Co-op with juicy grass-fed beef hot dogs for the last two years. They come in both regular and quarter-pound sizes. When you light up the grill this summer, remember to do your taste buds, your body, and the environment a favor and go grass fed. Learn more about the farms at mathesonfarms.com 3sistersbeef.com Courtesy photos. 14 Available at both stores. Whether you are going on a picnic, heading to the beach, taking a day trip to your favorite getaway, or shopping at the local market, why not carry your essentials in a beautiful one-of-a-kind hand-woven basket from Baskets of Africa. Not only a piece of functional artwork, these Fair Trade baskets contribute to the preservation of African culture and help the weavers, mostly women in rural Africa, become financially independent. • www.communityfood.coop • Bellingham’s Natural Grocer Owner Appreciation Coupon VOLUME DISCOunT 5 when you spend % OFF 0 - 74 $ $ 99 10 % when you spend OFF $75 - $14999 15 % when you spend OFF $150 and up Valid June 1–15. Must present coupon to receive discount. Limited to one coupon per owner. Must be presented at time of purchase to receive discount. May not be combined with other coupons or discounts or be applied to special orders. Valid only for Co-op member-owners. Not a Co-op member-owner, yet? Everyone’s welcome Shop our community-owned natural grocer. 5 % OFF when you spend $ 30 or more Valid June 1–September 30. Not valid for Co-op member-owners. Must be presented at time of purchase. May not be combined with other coupons or discounts. Acme—The Height of Delicious by Laura Steiger, Publications Coordinator Being of a certain generation, when I think “Acme,” I used to think Wile E. Coyote, and all those ingenious Acme products he purchased that invariably backfired on him. But, now when I think “Acme,” I think ice cream! Although Acme Ice Cream is now made in Bellingham, its birthplace was the small town of Acme. Their website explains that, “acme means the highest or summit of achievement, and we think Acme is the perfect name for our ice cream.” Though in business for little longer than one year, Acme Ice Cream has already developed a devoted following—our stores alone sell nearly 100 pints of Acme Ice Cream every week—and deservedly so. Gabe Tucker, general manager, explained that Acme strives to include “as many local ingredients as humanly possible,” and that includes milk from hormone-free Whatcom County cows, strawberries from local grower Curt Mayberry, and coffee from Hammerhead Coffee, among many others local suppliers. Additionally, it is made in small batches of only 50 to 100 pints at a time, so the ice cream in the store today was guaranteed to have been made in the past month, or more likely the past week or two. That freshness results in peak flavors that are fresh on the palate. When you’re talking to an ice cream maker, you just have to ask how much ice cream he eats in a typical day, right? Gabe says he eats a spoonful of each flavor every day, as quality control (uh-huh). With about a dozen flavors, and new flavors always in development, that seems like a sensible RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of ice cream. 15 The newest Acme flavor to hit the freezer case is Boundary Bay Oatmeal Stout— rich and smooth. By the way, you can submit a suggestion for a new ice cream flavor at Acme’s rather adorable website (acmeicecream.com). No guarantees, but perhaps Acme Ice Cream can make your ice cream fantasy come true! Save the date Community Food Co-op’s 16th annual Community Party July 28 at Maritime Heritage Park The location has changed, but the good time will stay the same. Due to a major renovation project at Boulevard Park this summer, the party will move to the site of many great community events—Maritime Heritage Park. We are extremely fortunate to have The New Old Time Chautauqua lined up to entertain us. A knock-yer-socks-off show by nationally known and talented upand-coming performers featuring acrobatics, juggling, music, dance, magic, comedy, and more. Chautauqua tours annually with an ever-changing troupe of approximately 60 members (many of them local), bringing a brand of new vaudeville to entertain, inspire, educate, and support local community organizations. They will also host workshops on juggling, acrobatics, mask-making, magic, clowning, and health education. The ever-popular kids parade, $3 burritos, and RE Store Recycled Art Station will be part of the event as always. And, dance to hot gypsy blues by Hot Damn Scandal. Sharing the love at last year’s community party… www.communityfood.coop •