The Natural Enquirer

YOUR COMMUNITY NATURAL FOODS MARKET THE NATURAL ENQUIRER A Publication of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op October - December 2020 The Co-op's new mural is fun, bright, and meant to spread joy. Painted by Co-op Graphic Artist, Emily Zimmerman (pictured). Over $10,000 Donated to Fight Hunger Thank You! We start with gratitude because this distribution center for all of the food Food Distribution Center also announcement would not be possible without the banks in Skagit County. Each year, makes opportunity purchases: when amazing generosity of the Co-op’s member-owners. SFDC works tirelessly to provide a farm has a buyer for produce, but 1.5 million pounds of food to 15 At the outset of COVID-19, we received the same the deal falls through, SFDC steps local food banks and four hot meal in as a buyer so farmers can cover question from several of our member-owners: “How programs that serve 45,000 Skagit their costs, while still allowing SFDC can we help?” In response, we made it even easier County residents. Beyond its role to obtain top quality produce at a for Co-op member-owners to donate as the distribution hub, SFDC discount for distribution. Because their annual patronage refunds to has worked to serve vulnerable produce’s shelf life is much shorter the Skagit Food Distribution Center. populations by coordinating healthy than shelf-stable products, SFDC And wow, did you show up! We food delivery to homebound seniors must store and deliver this produce and weekend lunches for school were able to donate over $10,000 quickly to ensure freshness. It is a children. joy to know that not only will our to support the Distribution Center’s SFDC buys produce whose donation help relieve hunger, it will ongoing work to feed the hungry in high demand is rarely matched help provide food that is healthy our community! by donation, including beets, and fresh while supporting local The Skagit Food Distribution cabbage, carrots, green beans, (continued on page 8) Center (SFDC) is the centralized tomatillos, chilacayotes, etc. The in this issue page page page General Manager 4 6 14 Update ∙ pg 2 Unique Co-op Strength ∙ pg 5 Staff Appreciation ∙ pg 9 New in the Co-op ∙ pg 11 Changes in Produce ∙ pg 16 Victory Garden 2.0 Getting Back Up Vendor Spotlight: Finnriver Cidery from the board Board Happenings An Update from the Many of you are already aware of our most recent Board member selection, Britta Eschete. Thank you to all who voted. Britta will be a General Manager valuable asset to the Board. A few words from Britta: Dear Skagit Valley Food Co-op Members & Shoppers, Serving on the board has been an aspiration for almost two decades, I wanted to take some time to let you all know that even in the midst and now that it's happened, I'm learning the distinction between of this wild year, our Co-op is healthy and strong. We are fortunate to be operations and focusing on ensuring that the Co-op meets our a financially sound and stable organization able to withstand the many established bylaws and mission. What exactly does that mean? It uncertainties businesses are facing during this pandemic. Although sales are might take a few more months for me to have a succinct answer! down slightly from 2019, they remain steady. In fact, the majority of our sales decline is a result of temporarily closing Third Street Cafe and the reduction When I am not contemplating any of the above, you'll find me working of Deli offerings in our store. in the virtual Career Services Center at Western Washington University Thank you for the continued support you’ve shown toward your Co-op and redefining community engagement since many traditional volunteer over these past few months. It has been a stressful, challenging time; we’re activities remain on hold. However, what’s relatively unchanged is our in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Many places are at least partially shut agricultural landscape, and I'm in my eighteenth year participating down, and others are struggling to reopen safely. We are located in an area in a CSA workshare at RiverSong Farm. I enjoy baking, swimming, where the virus is demonstrating its staying power and making us all wonder, reading, visiting co-op grocery stores, and am the parent to Noelle and “When is this going to end?” And the truth is, we don’t know. grandparent to two future co-op shoppers. I've lived in Mount Vernon for I think the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to the past twenty years, was born in Bremerton, and I look forward to a time handle. With so much sensational COVID-19 news dominating the headlines, when we can all come together in person. it is easy to live our lives fearful of what is around the corner. Living with this Virtual Board Meetings during COVID-19: fear has brought a lot of tension to our daily routine. A simple trip to the grocery store may now be filled with worry, concern, and even confrontation. The Board would like to remind owners that the Board meets via On a daily basis, we are dealing with our own personal concerns as workers Zoom at the same time and day as our past in-person meetings. While and shoppers. That on its own can be trying enough, however, we also not perfect, the business of our Co-op does get handled. We miss our encounter a steady number of confrontations throughout the week. Co-op occasional visitors though, and are hoping that at some point we will members and staff have varied opinions and viewpoints that are sometimes see some smiling faces tuning in to join us. Put it on your calendars: the in opposition. This has become especially clear in 2020. Our ability to 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:45am. You can find the Zoom meeting appreciate and respect a viewpoint that is different than our own can be very link on the website (under Co-op Board) and in the weekly e-news prior difficult during this highly charged emotional time. to each month’s meeting. We are all tired of having to navigate the concerns and restrictions of the pandemic, and our tolerance is low. This collective fatigue has led to some An Update on the Member & Community Engagement heated exchanges when individuals encounter someone whose perspective Committee (MCEC): differs from their own. The triggers vary: it could be opposing views on our The Member & Community Engagement Committee has been meeting mask policy, the temporary suspension of consuming food on our premises, or to "relaunch" the committee in light of the difficulties presented by a dozen other issues. No matter the trigger, what is concerning to me is how we COVID-19. We have been reimagining what this committee could look sometimes treat each other during these interactions. We can do better. As a Co- like while in-person meetings are not an option. We have narrowed in op community, I believe we can, and should, find a way to treat each other with a on some exciting ideas that we feel will be meaningful for our members higher level of compassion and decency when facing someone whose position and help our Co-op to make stronger connections within our community. is in direct opposition to our own. I know at times that this can be really hard to do. The first of which is a Community Conversation (via Zoom, of course) As the pandemic drags on, I hope we can all pause when something triggers our with the Co-op’s General Manager and the Director of the Skagit Food emotions and try to be courteous, polite, and gracious to one another. Perhaps Distribution Center. You’ll find event details below. by demonstrating our best selves at our own Co-op when shopping or working, it will encourage more of the same in our community. Okay, now for some COVID-19 and general updates about your Co-op: Community Conversation: As a result of COVID-19, so much has already changed, and the many Skagit Food Distribution questions and unknowns will certainly drive future changes as well. Here are Center & Local Food Resiliency some changes that have happened, or are on their way, due to COVID-19: • C-SQUARE & Third Street Cafe were closed early in the year. We Hosted by the SVFC Member & reopened Third Street Cafe for takeout in July and then for a new Community Engagement Committee version of dine-in service in August. You can visit us online at www.thirdstreetcafe.coop or stop in for more information on Thursday, October 22, 2020 · 12pm - 1pm · Via Zoom current services. As for C-SQUARE, there are no immediate plans Join your fellow co-op members and neighbors in a conversation to reopen that part of our business. However, our baked goods, ice about food insecurity and food system development in these times cream, and coffee are still available in the Co-op. of change. We will hear from Cole Bitzenburg, the Food Manager • In the Co-op, we shut down the hot bar, salad bar, made-to-order of the Skagit Food Distribution Center, about how they are serving sandwiches and the Mezzanine in March. Unfortunately, until our community, and ways that people can help. Our General restrictions are lifted on the number of shoppers allowed in our Manager, Tony White, will then share highlights about what the building, the Mezzanine will remain closed.

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