sprout! Everyone Welcome

DECEMBER 2012 + JANUARY 2013

Holidays at the Co-op Renovation Recap 2012 SCF Grant Recipients International Year of Cooperatives FROM THE GM sprout! Seward Co-op will sustain a healthy community that has • Equitable economic relationships I can tell you from experience that we have, • Positive environmental impacts right here in South Minneapolis, one of the • Inclusive, socially responsible great miracles of the local, organic food practices scene in these United States: Seward Co-op. Board of Directors Greg Gustafson — Jack Hedin, in his foreword to David Hoffman-Dachelet Growing With Purpose: Forty Years of Leah Janus Sean Doyle Madeline Kastler General Manager Seward Community Cooperative Allison Meyer Dan Nordley Joe Riemann Mary Alice Smalls On Oct. 30, many of us gathered for our 2012 I want to thank everyone for your patience Angie Vasquez annual meeting at the Profile Event Center. It was over the past few months as we renovated General Manager Sean Doyle a great opportunity to meet with neighbors and the store. We hope that you appreciate the Editor Allison Meyer, friends, eat a great meal, and celebrate another results. Our goal is to better highlight perishable ameyer@seward.coop year of success at our co-op. At this meeting, departments, remove bottlenecks and improve Original Design Spunk Design the co-op launched Growing with Purpose, a the lighting. We hope this has improved your Production Philip Fuller book compiling tales of our 40 years in business. shopping experience. We only have one step Marketing Manager Tom Vogel It is a great book, now available for purchase left to complete, which is to polish the floor. This Proofreading Sid Korpi, at the store. In honor of celebrating our 40th will remove the shadows from where the former Proof Positive anniversary, we spent the evening sharing stories equipment used to be and will make the floor Sprout! is published bimonthly for the of our individual cooperative experiences. shine without chemicals. This is slated to happen member-owners of Seward Co-op. after the holidays. We will let you know well in Ads printed in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by Seward Co-op. The annual meeting is an important part of being advance of any disruptions that may occur; they Readers are advised the food, nutrition a democratic organization because it is the will be minimal compared to the renovation. and health information presented completion of our annual election cycle. This year, in these pages is for informational in addition to electing members of the board, we In January, we will celebrate four years in our purposes only; consult your healthcare practitioner for medical advice. approved significant changes to our articles and new home. The success that this relocation has Board Meetings bylaws. Mostly, these changes were designed brought to our co-op is truly remarkable. Our Member-owners are welcome to to make our articles and bylaws more consistent store is performing well beyond our greatest attend board meetings, usually held with our operations. For a complete listing of the hopes when we launched the expansion effort the last Tuesday of the month, 6:15 p.m., at Seward Co-op. Email the board changes please visit www.seward.coop/bylaws. in 2006. Our sales continue to grow, and early at [email protected] to let them in October, we reached a significant milestone: know you will be attending or to share One change in particular I want to call out is the 10,000 members. Because of the success of our your thoughts about the co-op. decision to make consistent the word we use co-op, I am frequently asked by people whether All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter may be used or reproduced for each of us who own the co-op. The articles Seward would ever consider a second store in any form or by any means without and bylaws previously used five different words in their neighborhood. While there is no easy prior written permission of the editor. to designate co-op members: member, owner, answer to this question, in the coming year, the Hours of Operation member-owner, stockholder and holder of stock. board and management will grapple with this Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily We recommended “owner” because it best question and determine how it balances with (612) 338-2465 defined the relationship each of us has with the the co-op’s Ends Statement. We will be creating International Cooperative Principles Voluntary & Open Membership cooperative. When we buy $75 of stock in the an engagement process that will start in the Democratic Member Control cooperative to become members, we own the new year with a member survey. If you want the Member Economic Participation stock that gives us rights to participate in the opportunity to participate in this survey, please Autonomy & Independence Education, Training, & Information democratic process and to have a proportional update your member contact information at Cooperation Among Cooperatives share of the profits of our business. We will Customer Service to include a current email Concern For Community continue to use the word interchangeably with address. We will certainly keep you apprised of Sprout! Printing policies the word “member,” but when it comes to our the results of this conversation. This issue of Sprout! is printed on FSC-certified paper, with at least 30% legal documents, we want the word that best post-consumer content. The dyes defines the relationship. are water-based and non-toxic. We encourage you to recycle this paper. You can always opt out of receiving the paper version of Sprout! by contacting [email protected]. Find Sprout! at www.seward.coop/sprout.

FPO

© 2012 Seward Co-op Grocery & Deli.

December + January | 02 WHAT'S NEW AT SEWARD CO-OP

IN THIS ISSUE Holiday Must-haves...... 3 P6 Featured Producers...... 5 In recognition of our 40th anniversary, we neighborhood. The book also features Renovation Recap...... 6 have published Growing with Purpose: 40 beautiful original photography by local SCF Grant Recipients...... 7 Years of Seward Community Cooperative, photographer Chris Bohnhoff. a commemorative book chronicling the co- Letter from the Board...... 9 op’s history. Researched and written by local Growing with Purpose makes a perfect gift, Annual Meeting...... 10 authors Kari Cornell and Patricia Cumbie, for Seward Co-op members, new and old, and IYC Quebec Summit...... 11 this account features interviews with many anyone interested in the cooperative natural of the individuals who have played a part foods movement. Purchase your copy in the Letter to the Editor...... 12 in the co-op’s four decades in the Seward store today! Classes & Events...... 13 Co-op News...... 14

On the Cover: Authors Pat Cumbie (left) and Kari Cornell display Growing New Seward with Purpose: Forty Years of Seward Co-op website! Community Cooperative, the new book We've refreshed commemorating the co-op's fortieth the co-op's look anniversary. To write the book, Cumbie online. Check out and Cornell researched decades' worth www.seward.coop of co-op records and interviewed more on your desktop than two dozen individuals involved in or mobile device. Seward Co-op's history. The redesigned site makes it easier to Back: This year's annual meeting find the information featured a chili dinner prepared by the you need about the co-op's Deli. co-op. We welcome your feedback on Photos by Chris Bohnhoff. the changes.

03 | December + January Holiday Must-haves Contributing writers: Chris Dick, Heather Eddy, Scott Heard, Sarah Longstreth, Amy Smith and Bill Williams

Deli Enjoy $2 off all pies from our Deli from Dec. 18 to 31. All of Seward Co-op’s pies are always fresh because they’re made in house, from crust to fillings, without preservatives or stabilizers. We also make our own poultry stock; find this item frozen in the Meat & Seafood department. Perfect for rounding out your own homemade soups, stuffing and gravies, our stock is made with Kadejan chicken, also sold here at the co-op.

Meat & Seafood In the co-op’s Meat & Seafood department you will find everything you need for the focal point of your holiday spread. We have intentionally sourced some fantastic values on Hill & Vale standing rib roasts; Grass Run Farm tenderloins; lamb from the Lamb Shoppe; and poultry, including fresh Wild Acres ducks and geese, as well as Ferndale Farm turkeys. Our 25+ varieties of local, homemade sausages, terrines and charcuterie are sure to impress any discriminating foodie. We will be offering our special holiday rope sausage, as well as smoked fish, pickled herring and cold-smoked salmon to help you entertain guests this year. Please discuss your goals for this holiday with our Meat & Seafood staff ahead of time to ensure availability of your favorite items.

Stumped for what to buy that discerning family member or friend? Consider a meat bundle. They come in many sizes and mean you always have local meats to roast at home when it’s cold outside. Prices start as low as $60, and if you are a member, you can use your quarterly discount on top of that. (Please allow one week lead time on meat bundle orders.)

Cheese The co-op’s Cheese department is featuring two classic winter cheeses this season: Gruyère, Switzerland’s most famous cheese, and Comté, the most popular cheese in France. These “mountain cheeses” are key ingredients in dishes such as quiche, French onion soup, and, of course, fondue. The flavor of Gruyère is nutty and caramel-y, while Comté tends toward a more buttery and fruity flavor.

This year, the co-op is receiving both cheeses in whole 75-pound wheels. By buying entire wheels, we get special pricing so customers can expect to see both products on sale this winter. In addition, when it comes to Gruyère and Our expanded Cheese department now offers even more Comté, there is nothing quite as delicious as a block freshly local and international artisan cheeses to choose from. cut from an intact wheel! For more on our expanded departments, see page 6.

December + January | 04 Produce WELLNESS Step out of the cold and dreary and into the This is a fun time of year in the Wellness green abundance here at the co-op. For the department. We have a number of great gift winter holidays, the Produce department will be options at a number of different prices that Welna II alive with the green growth and blooms from appeal to many different tastes. Indigo Wild locally sourced flowers and plants. Like last will again be supplying us with mini bar soaps Hardware year, poinsettias will abound! Keep an eye out in seasonally inspired scents, like frankincense for the popular Jingle Bell, Ruby Frost or Ice and myrrh, and spruce. Like other Indigo Wild Friendly, Helpful, Crystal varieties. To decorate your home for the soaps, the holiday soaps are made from goat’s holidays? Norfolk pines and Silver Fir wreaths are milk, which makes them lovely and moisturizing, Family Owned lovely seasonal choices. The Norfolk pines are in addition to smelling fantastic. If you prefer to

also favored as a fresh, eco-friendly alternative make your own soap or bath salts, Wyndmere

to Christmas trees. For gifts to share, you’ll find has some great seasonally appropriate essential potted orchids, amaryllis bulb gardens and fresh oils available, like juniper and sweet birch. KEEP WARM & weekly stocks of seasonal bouquets. As always, One new option this year is Crazy Rumors lip don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance when balms. They are all-natural and vegan, made choosing the right plants for your home. with certified-organic ingredients and infused SAVE ENERGY with natural flavors and pure essential oils. They GROCERY smell fantastic and have some stevia for a little See our The grocery aisles are brimming with unique local sweetness. products for the food lovers in your life. Share complete your favorite delights with friends and family by Co-op Membership supply of gathering items together in a gift basket. Try a Giving your friends and family a membership to pound of fair-trade coffee, soothing tea, decadent Seward Co-op is giving them an investment in our chocolates and candies, and warm and cozy hot community. As member-owners of Seward Co-op, weather- chocolate. Some of our favorite drinks are the they will be able to take advantage of member- rich, dark, and slightly spicy Reanimator, a dark owner specials throughout the store all year stripping, roast from Just Coffee in Madison, Wis., and long. In profitable years, members also receive a herbal and caffeinated teas from Equal Exchange. patronage refund proportional to their spending. caulk, window kits For a kick in your cup this winter, check out Equal And with a 10 percent discount off the total of Exchange’s hot cocoa with chili and cinnamon. one shopping trip four times per year, they’ll and space heaters. Round out a gift basket with Prairie Flower quickly realize a return on the $75 investment. Honeycomb from one of the single-source Member-owners of the co-op participate directly numbered hives at Ames Farm in Watertown, in the local economy by supporting local farmers/ We recycle used Minn.; and Minnesota Bear Crunch, a delicious producers, and other co-ops as well. This season, mix of fresh caramel corn with lots of nuts give the gift of cooperation! holiday lights and covered in milk, dark and white chocolate. Local candy-makers Groveland Confections hand- also sell new ones! make the Bear Crunch in Minnetonka, Minn., as well as scrumptious sea salt caramel bars in both dark and milk chocolate.

Welna II Hardware

GIFT CERTIFICATES make great

presents!

2201 East Franklin Avenue 612-332-4393 Local | Small Producer | Cooperatively Owned

original crew of earnest students still hand-picks program (currently with 360 winter share the eggs every day, starting at 5 a.m. Harmony subscribers), and is signing others up for their Organics is dedicated to raising, nurturing, and summer 2013 season. distributing the best, all-natural product possible, and surpasses the industry standards for Serrv breakage—two people quality-inspect every egg Serrv is a non profit founded in 1949 following before it leaves the farm. Why are they putting World War II. It began as a small group of relief in all of this effort to make sure you end up with workers, working with refugees and selling their a perfect egg on the table? Because they know handmade goods. The organization has grown providing food is a very personal interaction. to work with thousands of artisans in developing “You’re inviting us to dinner,” they explain. “It’s the nations worldwide. Serrv guides in sustainable least we could do.” development and helps artisans become economically self-sufficient through grants, pre- Hope Creamery payments, teaching new skills and assisting in The Hope Creamery has always been a big deal. developing new designs to enhance their trade. As a mainstay of the Hope, Minn., community Serrv is also one of the founding members of the for more than a hundred years, it’s the venue World Fair Trade Organization and the Fair Trade for reunions, 4-H events, town meetings and Federation. holiday engagements. Some have even met their spouses under the eaves of the weathered old Grass Run Farm buildings at the creamery. Hope’s most important Our supplier of 100-percent grass-fed beef is Scott Patterson (left) of Equal Exchange and Eastside role is not a social hub, however. Its butter located just four miles across the border in Co-op front end employee Muad Abdulkadir at is known throughout the region for its sweet Dorchester, Iowa. Ryan and Kristine Jepsen Eastside's P6 launch event on Oct. 13. taste and pure origin. In the 1970s and ’80s, started the Grass Run Farm in 2005 and Hope butter was so popular that the creamery partnered with two neighboring farms to produce Together with Seward Co-op, these featured produced more than a million pounds annually. some of the Midwest’s finest grass-fed beef and Principle Six (P6) producers strengthen our local Recent production of the old-fashioned churned, pork. Seward Co-op was one of the first locations economy by building cooperative supply chains. Grade-A, small-batch butter has scaled back, but in Minnesota to carry their products, helping to To qualify for P6 designation, producers must the grand scale of its taste hasn’t changed a bit. bolster the success of their business. meet two of three criteria: local, small-scale and cooperatively owned/nonprofit. The name Featherstone Superior Herbals “P6” refers to the sixth cooperative principle: Featherstone Fruits and Vegetables started in After a hard day of work at her high-stress job, cooperation among co-ops. In 2012, three 1995 as Jack Hedin and Jenni McHugh’s five-acre Twin-Cities native Deb Dobbelman was looking consumer co-ops joined P6, bringing the total garden at the Zephyr Valley Land Co-op near for a way to relax. She started taking homeopathy number of participating co-ops to nine. Twin Winona, Minn. Since then, the farm has relocated classes and found that herbal mixtures were the Cities residents can now find P6 products at to land near the town of Rushford, Minn., and recipe for her relief. She joked that she would Eastside Food Co-op as well! Learn more about now employs nearly 40 people working on more leave the office for good and “just go home P6 on the resources page of our website. than 150 acres of optimal vegetable-growing to make soap instead!” What began as a silly ground. Beginning in late May with leaf lettuce exclamation became a thriving natural skincare As new co-ops join P6, we continue to work through a summer’s harvest of zucchini and business, when Deb actually walked out of the together to leverage the power of cooperatives cherry tomatoes into winter squash and carrots, office in 1999 and started Superior Herbals. to build a sustainable, alternative economy in there’s hardly a month that Featherstone isn’t She and her husband Steve strive to teach their alignment with our shared cooperative values. represented in the co-op’s Produce department. customers that what goes on their bodies is just The farm is certified organic and dedicated to as important as what goes in them. Her favorite Harmony Organics creating a truly sustainable agriculture system. part about Superior Herbals is blending scents In April 2004, four college friends hatched a plan That includes an electric tractor, geothermal from a mixture of plants she grows herself with to produce chicken and eggs with all-natural, heating and cooling for the packing shed, and high-quality essential oils. Deb purchases the wholesome, do-right-by-the-earth farming. That now a solar array that generates about 60 rest of her ingredients from female-owned, idea grew into Harmony Organics, a cage-free, percent of the farm’s energy. Featherstone also independent business growing organic products. certified-organic farm in Morristown, Minn. The operates a community-supported agriculture www.seward.coop/p6

December + January | 06 Renovation Improvements

In late summer and early fall 2012, we made significant renovations to the co-op’s sales floor to provide a more comfortable, simpler shopping experience. Thank you, co-op shoppers, for your support during the construction. Your patience and understanding were the most important factors in the success of this project.

One of the goals of the renovation was for co-op customers to leave the store feeling that they have products and information that connect them to the co-op’s mission and story. We hope you enjoy the expanded Produce, Cheese, and Meat & Seafood departments; the newly oriented and redesigned Wellness, Bulk and Bread departments; and the reconfigured self-serve Deli area.

Your suggestions to improve the shopping experience at Seward Co-op played a role in this change and are always welcome; please share your comments and feedback with us on a card at the Customer Service desk or by emailing [email protected].

ABOVE: A map of the newly renovated sales floor (copies also available at the Customer Service desk). LEFT: The Bulk department was one of the expanded area during the renovation. BOTTOM LEFT: The reconfigured Wellness department. BOTTOM RIGHT: The Deli now has wider aisles and an expanded Cheese department.

07 | December + January 1 2 3

Seward Community Fund 2012 Grant Recipients

4 5

December + January | 08 Seward Co-op launched the Seward Community training, equipment usage, supplies and expertise Seward Montessori PTA Fund (SCF) in 2005 as an endowment fund to through the Organic Field School’s partnership The Seward Montessori PTA is the fundraising which individuals may donate money that will, with Gardens of Eagan, an organic vegetable and parent leadership body that supports in turn, earn interest. The fund is sponsored farm operated by the Wedge Community Co-op. ongoing community building and extracurricular by Seward Co-op and administered by the Community donations subsidize these resources learning opportunities within the Seward Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation (TPCF). to local incubator farmers at a significantly Montessori K–8 Minneapolis Public School. Funds TPCF invests assets primarily in cooperative reduced price, so they can get started without the from the SCF grant will be used to expand the development funds, credit unions, and debt and financial risk of buying their own farm. school’s garden program. Specifically, funds will local, community-owned banks that support $5,000 go to building benches, shaded learning space cooperatives. and flagstone paths. The funds will also be used Little Earth of United Tribes to provide supplies to host community cooking The establishment of the SCF embodies Seward Little Earth was founded in 1973 to create and education events and community garden Co-op’s commitment to continue to grow not just affordable housing for a growing and greatly work days. as a business, but also as a resource that takes displaced urban American Indian community $4,000 the concerns of our community to heart and into in Minneapolis. SCF grant funds will be used action. for infrastructure improvements for the Little Seward Child Care Center (SCCC) Earth Urban Farm Initiative—a program helping SCCC is a nonprofit early childhood care Longfellow/Seward Healthy Seniors Program residents to grow their own affordable and center. SCCC promotes cooperative behavior, The Healthy Seniors Program has served the healthful food. The funds will be directly applied anti-bias skills, environmental awareness, greater Longfellow and Seward neighborhoods to improvements such as fencing and hoop and development of the whole child in a safe, for over 18 years with the purpose of promoting house materials, as well as the purchase of small nurturing environment. With the SCF grant, improved quality-of-life programs, geared toward farming equipment and supplies, and other Seward Child Care Center will be able to cover keeping seniors in their own homes as long as farmer support. the costs of planting the annual vegetable, possible. The focus of the SCF grant will be an $5,000 herb, and flower beds in and around the facility, informational program involving one-on-one, contributing to the nutrition of the SCCC children. in-home-meetings promoting good nutrition and Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Project $3,000 improved access to quality food. (SLRJP) $5,000 SLRJP provides conferences as an alternative Home and Away Ministries/Ruby’s Pantry to court appearances for youth referred by Home and Away Ministries (D.B.A. Ruby’s Community Child Care Center (CCCC) the Minneapolis Police Department or through Pantry) is a community outreach program that CCCC has the distinction of being the oldest juvenile court for low-level offenses in the 55406 distributes food to rural communities in northern nonprofit parent cooperative child care center zip code. The SCF grant will continue to support Minnesota and Wisconsin. The SCF grant will in Minnesota. Their mission is to provide high- the restorative conferences as a meaningful pay for equipment needed to increase safe food quality early childhood education in a warm, alternative to court for offending youth and will handling, storage and transportation of nutritional nurturing environment that encourages the be used to keep up the teen discussion circles at food to low-income rural families. development of the “whole child.” The SCF grant Mathews Park begun with the 2011 SCF grant. $2,500 will fund new equipment to enhance CCCC’s $5,000 hands-on science program and motor play for Seward Neighborhood History Committee their outdoor learning center. Permaculture Research Institute (PRI) Cold The Seward History Committee has existed $5,000 Climate in some form since 1977. Over the years, the PRI is an organization that fosters an committee has collected print, photos and other Organic Field School abundant, restorative culture by designing and memorabilia and is now in the process of creating The Organic Field School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit demonstrating permaculture systems for living a Seward neighborhood history book. The SCF dedicated to transforming our food and farming sustainably in colder climates. The SCF grant grant money will help pay for the writing and systems by providing practical education in will support PRI’s Urban Farming Certification production of the history book. organic methods to farmers and to teaching the Program with training resources for the $1,000 public about the benefits of organic farming. next generation of urban farmers in organic, The SCF grant will be used to leverage other sustainable and high-production agriculture for fundraising efforts to expand the farm incubator communities most in need. program. Incubator farms receive access to land, $4,500

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: (1) A historical photo from the Seward History Committee showing children playing at Seward School. (2) Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Project volunteers at an event in Longfellow Park. (3) Seward Montessori children participate in a healthful cooking demonstration. (4) Smiling children at Community Child Care Center, Minnesota’s oldest nonprofit parent cooperative child care center. (5) A child at Seward Child Care learns about making meals from scratch. Submitted photos.

09 | December + January

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D 25 0 2 E ST C 1 Another annual meeting of the members of The meeting ended with the announcement 5 th N 2012—JA Seward Co-op has come and gone. I’d like to of the board election results. The co-op take this time to recap the meeting for those welcomes three new faces to the board; not in attendance and to refresh the memory Mary Alice Smalls, Joe Riemann and Angie of those who were there. The evening started Vasquez. Incumbents David Hoffman-Dachelet with a very hearty and delicious meal prepared and Allison Meyer were re-elected, as well. by the Seward Co-op Deli. There were three We also say farewell to Miriam Holsinger. different kinds of chili. There was cornbread, Her deep knowledge of governance and a beautiful salad, and an assortment of other dedication to Seward Co-op's board will truly treats and beverages. be missed.

After dinner came the business portion of the Additional elements of this election were the meeting, during which, among other things, we numerous proposed changes to the articles approved last year’s minutes. Then, we broke of incorporation and bylaws. The proposed into small groups at our dinner tables and changes were all approved, and the wording shared with each other what makes Seward can be read at www.seward.coop/bylaws. Co-op so special to us and why we believe it to be such an asset to the community. After I’m proud to work for and serve on the board members had a chance to talk with each other, of an organization governed by elected the facilitators (Brian McDermott and Gerry directors. I’m also amazed that such talented Sexton of GrowthWorks) passed around a people are willing to volunteer their time and microphone and gave those who wanted to serve on the board of directors. Besides a a chance to share their stories with the entire small discount on their purchases in the store, room. And share we did. I was struck by the there is currently no other compensation for spectrum of experiences from members who those who serve. I also want to thank all those spoke. There were those who have been who ran in the election. Your willingness to coming to Seward Co-op for decades and volunteer your time for an organization you those who only recently moved to Minnesota believe in does not go unnoticed. and became members. Every story seemed to elicit either a laugh or a chorus of agreement. By the time you read this, the holiday season It really felt like one big community. will be in full swing. This is a special time of year at Seward Co-op, as the store always A short video followed the discussion. In seems to be extremely busy, but everyone it, several staff and members answered is in such a good mood. So, happy holidays questions in the same vein as those we to you and your family from everyone on the discussed at our tables: What makes Seward board here at Seward Co-op. See you next Co-op so special, and why is it such an asset year! to the community? It was a wonderful end to our discussion, and it contained some very Committed To Delivering The World’s moving and engaging moments. Safest, Most Effective Omega Oils™ nordicnaturals.com

December + January | 10 2012 Annual Member Meeting

Congratulations to the members elected in Seward Co- op’s 2012 Board of Directors election: David Hoffman- Dachelet (incumbent), Mary Alice Smalls and Joe Riemann (three-year terms); Angie Vasquez (two-year term); and Allison Meyer (incumbent, one-year term). Farewell to board member Miriam Holsinger, and thank you for your six years of service on the board. Thank you as well to all 16 candidates who took the time to run for the board this year.

This year, co-op members also approved several amendments to the articles and bylaws. (You can read the amendments at www.seward.coop/bylaws.) The vote count will go to the November board meeting for confirmation. This will become part of the minutes of that meeting. When these minutes are approved at the January meeting, they will be posted in the store for members to review.

Nearly 300 member-owners attended this year’s annual meeting, which was once again held at the Profile Event Center on University Avenue. Following the dinner, members engaged in sharing their personal co-op stories with one another. The evening concluded with a new 10-minute video featuring the stories of several individuals who, in one way or another, have been affected by Seward Co-op during its 40-year history. The video, produced by Pilcrow Partners, is posted on our website www.seward.coop.

Photos by Chris Bohnhoff.

11 | December + January 2012 International Year of Cooperatives

By Seward Co-op board members Miriam Holsinger, Allison Volunteers at the International Summit of Cooperatives in Quebec City, Canada, welcome Meyer and Dan Nordley conference attendees. Submitted photo. As 2012 comes to its close, we wrap up the International Year of Cooperatives, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly. International years are declared by the United Nations to draw attention to and encourage action on major issues. At Seward Co-op, we took this opportunity to promote our robust, human-scale business model, and specifically, the economic and social benefits of cooperative grocers.

In the store, we offered product samples, as well as visits from co-op producers and displays of co-op products throughout the year. Along with articles in the newsletter and website and social media posts about cooperatives, we hoped to raise awareness that cooperatives are all around us—in the U.S. and around the world. In June, Seward Co-op sponsored a night of trivia at Republic bar, with questions focused on food and co-ops. The party continued throughout the summer as we hosted a free community gathering on Aug. 4, with music and food to celebrate 40 years of Seward Co-op. Another highlight for the co-op was participating in an online video focusing on the long-term as they collectively shape an institution. The series hosted by Kevin Gillespie, co-owner and executive chef at the speakers we heard were hopeful about co-ops building a new economic Woodfire Grill Restaurant in Atlanta and a finalist on the Bravo TV series growth model, one that is community-based and uses the resources of the “Top Chef.” Gillespie took viewers through farm fields and grocery aisles planet in accordance with their capacity to renew. nationwide showing the unique role co-ops have in building local food systems and their impact in their communities. View the video online that Among the 2,800 participants from 91 countries at the Quebec summit, was features Seward Co-op at http://s.coop/11fsg. Dame Pauline Green, who is the president of the International Cooperative Alliance. Her words sum up our purpose quite well, “Cooperatives are a In October, five directors from the co-op’s board, along with General business model that puts people at the center of the economic model rather Manager Sean Doyle and Store Manager Nick Seeberger, traveled to than at its mercy.” Truly, we have an amazing business model that shares Quebec City, Canada, to attend international, multisector cooperative wealth and empowers the community. At Seward Co-op, 100 percent of conferences. The UN’s acknowledgment of the value of cooperatives was our profits go back to our community—either through patronage dividends, part of the inspiration to hold these two gatherings, which focused primarily community grants and donations, or through building our commonwealth on cooperative economics. We discussed sustainable development, (currently manifested as a grocery store). membership and citizenship, the importance of growth, and wealth generation. The cooperative model is people-led and operates in an Once again, Happy International Year of Cooperatives! As the world economy that is dominated by stockholder-led businesses. One example of continues to face degradation in social, economic and environmental this is that 60 percent of the activity on the stock exchange is comprised of conditions, we can all be proud of how Seward Co-op is a working model of high-frequency trading, in which ownership is determined in milliseconds. the cooperative solution. Contrast that with cooperatives, where members will often remain for years,

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December + January | 12 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I am writing to share a story that I forgot to share at this year’s annual Now about the mistake in the book. There is a sentence that says, ”I moved meeting and to clarify an error in my profile in the new Seward 40 year to Minneapolis to work at People’s Warehouse.” That is not the real story. book. The real story is I came here for personal reasons from Sioux Falls, S. D. in the midst of the Co-op Wars (which has already been written about in the Let’s start with the member number story: book Storefront Revolution by Craig Cox). I got a job at Whole Foods Co-op, When I served as Membership Coordinator at Seward Co-op and helped which existed down in the basement on First Avenue South, in Minneapolis. to start the new member system, there were some factors in “what should Let me be very clear here—I was not fond of the People’s Warehouse and we start the numbers with?” For starters, we had tons of members who the politics that came into the food co-op movement at that time. It was a had paid $3 to be members over the years; so how would we set up a new very stressful, not-fun time. Thank goodness we have survived and continue system and not confuse them with the old numbers? Another factor was to bring good, healthy, local food to the people. I personally didn’t want to have someone be members 1 or 2. And then I remembered that when you open a checking account, they tell you not to Annie Young start with 1 either. So in the end I just picked a number, out of my head, with Member #2036 no reason at all, and that number was 2,000. So when you are in line and give your number and you hear someone else’s number you won’t hear one that is below 2,000. And now you will hear 12,XXX as we have over 10,000 members. Who would have ever thought we would get that big and wonderful?

YWCA of Minneapolis Health and Fitness Centers www.ywcampls.org Downtown 1130 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 Phone 612-332-0501

Midtown 2121 East Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407 Phone 612-215-4333

Uptown www.vinelandtree.com

2808 Hennepin Avenue S. TM Minneapolis, MN 55408 The Power to Soar Phone 612-874-7131 612.872.0205

Family Law & Divorce With us, “law cooperative” Estate Planning & Trusts Business & Cooperative Law Bankruptcy – Chapters 7 & 13 is not an oxymoron. Probate Administration Criminal & DUI Defense We are a worker cooperative and we work closely with clients—offering the respect, quality of Restraining Orders service and transparency we would want if one of us or a family member needed a lawyer. Real Estate & Contracts If you would like to know more about our legal services and our unique approach, we’d love to talk with you. Please feel free to contact us.

Stillwater | Minneapolis | Saint Paul • (612) 326-5954 and (651) 430-9700 • www.atticuslaw.coop

70-45-0-0 00-53-72-0 40-0-100-30

13 | December + January December & January Classes

December January Food Is Medicine: Improving Your Cooperative Energy Futures Adrenal Fatigue: Stress-Handling Immune System Community Solar and Insulation Bulk- Glands Thursday, Jan. 17, 7–9 p.m. Buy Program Saturday, Jan. 5, 10 a.m.–noon Andrew Litchy, ND Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6–8 p.m. Rhys Preston, Doctor of Chiropractic $12/$8 members Timothy DenHerder-Thomas, Cooperative Energy $20/$15 members Explore foods and eating plans that can balance Futures Have difficulty getting up in the morning? Need immune function and help your body respond to Class is free to all. Preregistration at Customer that cup of coffee in the afternoon? Learn how stressors and illness. General advice for dealing Service is required. adrenal fatigue results in decreased energy and with colds and flu will also be discussed. If you are interested in solar and home insulation, stamina. and want to save money, then this workshop is The Natural Path to Thyroid Health for you. Sausage-Making Basics Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.–noon Wednesday, Jan. 9, 6–8:30 p.m. Rhys Preston, Doctor of Chiropractic Conor Dolan, Seward Co-op’s sausage maker $20/$15 members $35/$32 members The thyroid gland regulates digestion, oxygen Learn the basics of sausage making from start consumption and mobilization of fat from storage to finish, including the proper materials and and has a primary effect on overall energy levels equipment to use; work-area preparation; and casing, stuffing, and linking styles. Leave with Food Is Medicine: Beyond the Anti- your own hand-made sausage. inflammatory Diet Thursday, Jan. 24, 7–8:30 p.m. Spice It Up! Andrew Litchy, ND Thursday, Jan. 10, 6–7:30 p.m. $12/$8 members Jesse Haas, Jesse Haas Massage & Nutrition, LLC This course will explore approaches to eating $20/$15 members that are nonrestrictive, delicious, and anti- Cooking with spices refreshes the cuisine, inflammatory. inspires the palate and increases the nutritional value of a meal. Get a taste of some warming Healthy Living through Whole Grains, spice blends and explore their health benefits. Vegetables and Seaweeds* Featured Instructor Two-part class: Saturday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jesse Haas Dispel the Myths About Cholesterol Feb. 16, 2–4 p.m. Using a combination of bodywork, nutritional Saturday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.–noon Estela Lerma, Radio La Mera Buena, 107.5 FM counseling and whole foods education, Jesse Rhys Preston, Doctor of Chiropractic $20/$17 members (includes both classes) Haas helps her clients learn new ways of $20/$15 members Select and cook food that will nourish your body integrating self-care and good food into their Learn 10 simple steps to raise your “good” as well as your values. Menu: vegetarian paella lives. Her goal is to help you discover what cholesterol and lower your “bad” cholesterol with seitan, seaweed salad and sweet tofu your body needs and how to make sustainable levels, as well as how to decrease your body fat. mousse. changes in your everyday life to support these *These classes will be conducted in Spanish. needs. And to find joy along the way because Home Remedies for Wellness food tastes delicious and taking care of our Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7–8 p.m. The Joy of Legumes, Nuts and Seeds bodies feels good! Learn more about Jesse at Nathan Horek, ND Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6–8:30 p.m. www.jessehaas.com $10/$5 members AmyLeo Barankovich Aspects of a daily wellness routine are often $35/$32 members under-utilized, yet they act as the foundation for Learn about the joy of cooking vegan the old- Important Class Information proactive and preventive medicine. Engage in a fashioned way! If you do not like the idea of using Please preregister at Customer Service. Prepayment discussion on easy, safe, and effective techniques meat analogues (substitutes) or other processed required. No refunds given for cancellations received for detoxification, improving digestion, and proteins, you will love the versatility of legumes, less than 48 hours before a class. Questions? Please reducing stress. nuts and seeds. contact Claudia Rhodes at [email protected]. For an updated listing, visit www.seward.coop/classes.

December + January | 14 Co-op News

Seward Winter Frolic Scorecard to building successful and sustainable community Join us for a holiday fair at the co-op on Saturday, At this fall’s annual meeting, member-owners gardens and mentoring the gardeners that Dec. 1. Sample holiday foods and browse the received Seward Co-op’s 2012 Annual Report make them grow. With funds raised through aisles for gift ideas. Live music, hot beverages, and Scorecard. The Scorecard was created in the SEED program, Gardening Matters will local art and prize drawings will warm you up for 2006 to share the effects of our business in four create scholarships for trainings on compost bin the holidays. This year’s Seward art crawl—“Art areas: workplace culture, environmental impact, workshops and provide memberships in the local in the ’Hood”—kicks off Friday, Nov. 30, and runs financial performance and customer commitment. food resource hubs network. through Sunday, Dec. 2, throughout the Seward neighborhood. See schedule of events below; When Scorecard data is collected, we essentially more details at www.sewardarts.org. are reviewing the co-op’s operations and Store Holiday Hours demonstrating our progress in achieving the co-op’s Ends. Two of the Scorecard’s Christmas Eve 8 a.m.–6 p.m. goals are to provide a source of direction Christmas Day Closed towards meeting our Ends Statement and to increase alignment throughout the co-op, from New Year’s Eve 8 a.m.–8 p.m. member-owners to the board of directors to New Year’s Day 11 a.m.–7 p.m. the general manager to the staff. Throughout the year, check out the Scorecard online at www.seward.coop/scorecard, where we update Update Your Contact Information the data quarterly. Seward Co-op reminds you to update your contact information. You can us send your email Upcoming SEED Recipients address at [email protected] or fill out a form at December: Brian Coyle Food Shelf the Customer Service desk. The co-op frequently Located in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of sends event news and special announcements, Minneapolis, Brian Coyle Food Shelf serves the such as product recalls, via email. Additionally, residents of the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, this winter we will conduct a member survey, Friday, Nov. 30 providing thousands of families with food and and we want to hear your opinions. Making sure 6:30–9:30 p.m.: Festival kick-off at the household necessities. we have your up-to-date email address ensures Playwrights’ Center, 2301 E. Franklin Ave. that you receive all Seward Co-op updates Cost: $15 donation to the Seward Neighborhood January: Kaleidoscope Place and communications. For up-to-the-minute Group. For tickets to the kick-off, call 612-338- Kaleidoscope Place’s mission is to provide a news from the co-op, follow us on Twitter at 6205 ext. 119. creative, educational, and nurturing environment www.twitter.com/sewardcoop. for children to learn and grow in character and Saturday, Dec. 1 community for success in a changing world. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: Art Crawl at designated gallery With funds raised through the SEED program, spaces throughout the neighborhood (as well as Kaleidoscope Place’s in private homes and participating churches and urban garden program businesses). During this time, enjoy specials and will be supported and activities at local businesses, too. improved. One hundred Noon: Art Car Parade students who participate 5 p.m.–6 p.m.: Lighting Ceremony at Triangle in the urban garden will Park, 26th and Franklin avenues. Free. nurture their own garden 7 p.m.: Hot Metal Pour and Party at the Bottle plot while learning about Rocket Building, 3530 E. 28th St. biology, nutrition and

other aspects of growing 3 9 5 4 0

Sunday, Dec. 2 food. 0 C B #

Noon–5 p.m.: Art Crawl and Winter Frolic e s n e c i l continues at designated gallery spaces, February: Gardening N private homes, and participating churches and Matters M businesses throughout the neighborhood. Gardening Matters is an organization dedicated

15 | December + January 2823 E. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55406 612-338-2465 EVERYONEwww.seward.coop WELCOMEChange service required EVERYONE WELCOME EVERYONE WELCOME EVERYONE WELCOME EVERYONE WELCOME