2015 WINTER / SPRING Circumspice 906.482.2030 • www.keweenaw.coop Hancock, MI

The Lexicon of Sustainability™ Page 10 2 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 3 Ways to save at the Co-op... Co-op Staff Spotlight Co+op Deals change twice monthly. See the sales flyer in the store, on the website, in the Circumspice Mining Gazette, and look for signs in the aisles. Co+op Additional Co+op Deals coupons Deals are available six times a 1035 Ethel Avenue year. Coupon booklets are Hancock, MI • 49930 available at the Co-op. (906) 482-2030 www.keweenaw.coop

STORE HOURS The Co-op offers discounts on bulk or case Open daily 8am-8pm quantities of in-stock products, and case or smaller quantities of products the Co-op does Special not regularly carry. For case quantities, price Orders The Circumspice newsletter is calculated at 20% over wholesale cost for is published three times a Owners. Sorry, no discounts for non-owners. year for the Owners and customers of Keweenaw Co-op. The newsletter provides information about Once each quarter the Co-op celebrates its the Keweenaw Co-op, the Owners with an Owner Appreciation Day. cooperative movement, food, Owners in good standing receive a 10% discount nutrition, and community on their purchases (excluding all sale items). Just for Tom—Grocery Buyer Kari—Bulk Buyer Jay—Facilities issues. Views and opinions Save the dates: Owners I am pleased and excited to join Coffee, Spices, Bulk, oh my! I am the one that is seen walking expressed in this newsletter the Co-op's Grocery buying team. I am honored to be given the throughout the store leaving the do not necessarily reflect Tuesday, May 12 You'll find me working along side opportunity to purchase your customers and staff wondering: those of the Co-op Mon, August 24 • Sun, November 15 Beka and Jeff assisting in all coffee and spice selections, “What is that guy doing now?” I’m Management, Staff, Board, or aspects of the Grocery buying as we continue to provide the Jay, the older gentleman whose Owners. The next deadline department which includes best in Bulk foods. If there is position is the custodian and for submissions is May selecting, ordering, pricing, something you would like, please light maintenance person at the 15th. Refer submissions In-House Sales are a way of saying thanks merchandising and promoting ask, chances are it could be Co-op. It is a position that began and questions to faye@ to our customers (Owners and non-owners). items in accordance with the Co- available as a Special Order item. this past year. My goal is to keep keweenaw.coop. Look for rotating deals In-House op's Purchasing Mission. Let me And don't forget, bringing in your the store clean and I more ON throughout the store Sales know if I can be of assistance to own containers to refill is highly so to keep searching for ways to Editor: Faye Carr marked with a black you in any of your grocery needs. encouraged! improve store operations through Desktop Publishing: B.Hardy SALE and white sign. We love to help our customers out better maintenance and behind Printer: Book Concern Printers in every way we can. the scenes fixing things that need fixing. If you see something that The Circumspice newsletter needs my attention grab me and is printed on post consumer All students (including non-owners) who shop let me know. I will put it on my list. recycled paper. on Sundays receive a 5% discount on their purchase. Current student ID card required. Student The Circumspice newsletter is available on the web at & Senior All seniors 60 and over (including non-owners) www.keweenaw.coop. Day who shop on Wednesdays receive a 5% discount on their purchase. Now open 8am–8pm daily! 4 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 5

From the Board board of by Samantha Gonzales-Flora – Director directors Carl Blair Staying Involved in the Co-op Preparing for... [email protected] President ooperatives Located on the bulletin board near the carts are flyers Term ending 2015 are rooted in with upcoming events. Attending Co-op sponsored Heather Dunne community. events is a fun and easy way to get acquainted with [email protected] CThe very purpose of the other Owners, Staff, the Board, and to get involved. Vice President cooperative model is to work toward common goals Term ending 2017 together. As Owners of the Keweenaw Co-op it is Take Action! important for each of us to support the Co-op and stay The Co-op is beginning work on a financial pro forma Samantha Gonzales-Flora engaged throughout the year. You get more out of the • Attend the Annual Meeting and vote. and market study to help focus our efforts on finding a [email protected] Co-op when you actively participate in it—this means • Get informed—learn about YOUR cooperative. future home. These are important early steps that will guide Director more than just shopping, it means pitching in. Luckily planning for and implementation of an expansion project. Term ending 2017 there are many ways to get involved. Here are a few: • Recommend a candidate for the Board of Directors. Pro forma financial statements are prepared in advance Mike LaBeau Become an Owner • Attend a Board of Directors Social. If you are of a planned transaction such as a new capital investment, [email protected] interested in understanding what it means to be If you aren’t already an Owner, we’d love to have or a change in capital structure such as new debt or Director on the Board and/or getting to know your current you. Ownership is a meaningful commitment and issuance of stock. The pro forma models the results of the Term ending 2016 Board Members, email the Board to find out how investment that allows you to be actively engaged transaction, with an emphasis on the projected cash flow, to attend our next Board of Directors Social. in the community and provides shopping benefits net revenues and taxes. Pro forma statements summarize MIke Mallow throughout the year. • Attend board meetings. The board is comprised of the projected future status of a business, based on the [email protected] Owners and is meant to serve the interest of the current financial statements. Lenders and investors will Director Owners. If you have questions, concerns or input, require such statements to structure or confirm compliance Term ending 2017 Serve on the Board of Directors attending a board meeting would be the ideal way with debt covenants such as debt service reserve and debt If you are an Owner who is looking for a way to get Libby Meyer to make your individual voice be heard. to equity ratios. involved with the Co-op, running for the Board of [email protected] Directors might be a great way to do that. As part of • Share your opinions. There are several ways to do Secretary The market study is intended to provide a strategic the Board of Directors you will have the opportunity this including attending a board meeting, writing Term ending 2015 evaluation of the Co-op’s long-term opportunity. It will to work on a wide range of issues within the Co-op. down suggestions in the notepad located at the center not only on the present store (facility, site, location These range from modifying our Ends, serving on checkout counter, and emailing the Board of Susan Serafini characteristics, trade area, and market performance), committees that help determine patronage refunds, Directors. [email protected] but also on the market at large. This evaluation relocation, and developing new ways to get Owners • Encourage others to come to the Co-op! Treasurer will consider the sales potential for a larger actively engaged in the Co-op. Should you be Term ending 2015 store in order to promote continued growth interested in this opportunity, please contact us at One of the most powerful parts of a co-op is that at the Co-op. The outcome identifies John Slivon [email protected] it is owned and operated by the community it serves, the optimal location (in terms of [email protected] making it a true reflection of the needs and beliefs of a “target” intersection, not a Director Attend Co-op Events its owners. A co-op thrives when all of its owners are specific building) where a Term ending 2016 The Co-op is always trying to be front and center in involved. There is truly an opportunity for everyone to site should be sought our community and we appreciate Owner engagement. become engaged. We look forward to seeing you soon! for the new store. Patrick Walls [email protected] Director Co-op Annual Meeting: Thursday, March 26 • 5:00-8:00 pm Term ending 2016 6 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 7 From the GM by Curt Webb — General Manager What would Gandhi say? Serving Quality and Quality Service “A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, t is busy at our local Co-op. By the numbers, To expand product variety and availability, each he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. sales were up 7%, our Owner roll grew by 10%, department is considering gaps in their offerings She is not an interruption in our work. She is and our customer count climbed 2.5% last year. and focusing on rounding out selections to become ThisI year, sales are nearly 10% above last January a primary store for more shoppers. The Deli is the purpose of it. She is not an outsider in our business. and we foresee reaching $3 million in sales and aiming to add variety while maintaining consistency. She is part of it. We are not doing him a favor 100,000 customer transactions by year’s end. Wow. Expanded offerings will be based on Organic But beyond the usual day-to-day running of a products industry data and customer feedback. Some by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us bustling good food outlet, we’ve been focusing on initial strides include extending the local produce an opportunity to do so.” your needs and how we can go the extra mile to serve season, adding another door of dairy, and sourcing you better within the broader context of bolstering more regional meat. – Mahatma Gandhi community health and well-being. Of course we can’t provide it if it’s not on the comparison is not apples to apples. In these cases, You gave us plenty to work with in last year’s shelves. Our second UNFI truck is helping with we see our responsibility to tell the story of a product Customer Satisfaction Survey (but mostly you like out-of-stocks, especially on the ever-popular Co+op and what factors into its cost, to help you make we’re committed to going the extra mile to provide us!). We set an operational goal to learn from you, Deals offerings. informed decisions with your dollars. excellent service to all. visibly respond to your feedback and aim for marked You recognize the value of locally grown and improvement. Here are a few of the ways in which produced food. To feed your need for local, we are Survey says: The Co-op space is old and Survey says: We can improve our we are responding to your feedback: focusing on the whole local story: from food miles outdated. The most-sited comments were communication with you. to seasonality, from the local economy to community about wear and tear, clutter and visual Survey says: Fewer than half of surveyed ties. We continue to build local farmer connections disarray. We started with some fundamental upgrades after customers use the Co-op as their main through purchasing and participation in the Western learning that our email listserve was not reliably grocer. Primary factors that guide customers’ U.P. Food Exchange. Our fresh departments are While we ultimately want to move, we are reaching everyone. We are embarking on a complete choice are quality and freshness, organic, committed to growing and expanding local offerings. committed to making the most of our current overhaul of our website to -to-date. New product variety and availability, local and For example, we’re excited to work with Cherry storefront while we prepare. Our planned store reset information brochures on food, recipes and more are price. Capital Foods out of Traverse City to expand will include a general facelift of worn and tired now available. In general, we’re taking a renewed our offerings of their wide selection of Michigan surfaces to enhance our ability to keep things clean. approach to telling the story, our story, about what We are working to improve quality and freshness products. Select new equipment will allow better product we’re doing and why it matters. We’re sharing the throughout the store. We are revisiting and fortifying Price, good old price. While Co+op Deals prices display and extended shelf life. Beyond that, look for story of our ties to community, of volunteerism, of the Co-op’s Purchasing Mission to help further vet rarely can be beat, we do not always compete in the a customer service station, new bulk flour bins, and good food and healthy lifestyles. From Food Day our product line. The Deli is actively seeking new rest of the store. We are building a pricing strategy the Cooperative Principles prominently on display! to the Canal Run, from celebrating our Owners to suppliers of high-quality ingredients. Recently, we based on the local market, core product offerings serving our community, we want you to know what added a second weekly delivery from our main and other elements to offer competitive pricing. We Survey says: We could be “more friendly” keeps us moving forward. supplier, UNFI, to tighten up ordering on perishables. are also stepping up negotiations with distributors and create a more “welcoming atmosphere”. Also in response to your feedback, we have In the Bulk Department, we’ve stepped up the to secure better wholesale pricing and deals as well extended store hours! We’re now open 8am-8pm rotation schedule to maintain quality. And, wine and as seeking out new vendors. As we grow, you will We’re doing just that: We just revamped our every day. And, the Deli is now serving up their fare beer offerings are being refined to ensure freshness. continue to see savings based on our volume. customer service training and are in the process of in recyclable containers. We’ve always focused on organics and will There will be times when we cannot compete. rolling out a new Customer Service Vision with Thank you for your suggestions! We look forward continue to make it a priority. Department buyers are Often times, our volume, overhead and other factors input from the entire staff. Our focus is on staff to taking an annual reading with this survey tool as ever in search of Organic options. An Organic and may not allow it, as we already operate on a fairly awareness, direct communication, courtesy, and we continue to enhance the health and well-being of sulfite-free section of wine is in the works. slim net margin. And there are times when the friendliness. We’re shifting our work patterns to our community with a smile and a story. Of course, provide more presence on the floor of the store. And we love to hear from you anytime. :: 8 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 9

Miracle Grow for the Brain “So how do we create more BDNF in our brains so that we by Micah Stipech — CrossFit Hakkapeliita can learn more, retain more, combat stress and feel better?”

hat if Gretchen Reynolds in the New York Times. treadmill session demonstrated higher increases in and help guide nutrition and reach goals. there was How it works: BDNF binds to receptors in BDNF than non-sprinters. Not only that, the sprinters For children, CrossFit Hakkapeliitta in Hancock a Miracle synapses that connect the neurons in our brains. It learned vocabulary words 20 percent faster than non- offers weekly classes that are aimed at kids’ windows GrowW for the brain? increases the voltage of those electric connections. In sprinting exercisers. It seems even a small amount of of trainability. At all ages, class activities are Something we could other words, it boosts their signal strength. high-intensity exertion can have a profound effect on structured to improve proprioception, bone density sprinkle on and poof Inside the cells, BDNF goes to work activating your brain! and a surge of BDNF—all in a fun environment. we are able to learn genes that create more BDNF, other important proteins BDNF production is most crucial in children. A Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, a fancy name more, perform faster and neurotransmitters. One of those neurotransmitters, child’s brain is rapidly creating connections enabling that tells us what humans have known for ages; a and age slower? What if there was an easy-to-achieve, serotonin, is critical to mood regulation and well them to learn at a staggering rate. By adolescence, healthy body, mind and spirit are inseparable. Include scientifically-proven way to make yourself smarter? being. Pharmaceutical companies that create anti- their brains are already going through neural pruning, some hard physical work in your day and sprinkle It turns out this is exactly what happened when depressants target serotonin, attempting to artificially cutting out those connections that are not being used. Miracle Grow on your brain. :: researchers sprinkled a protein called Brain Derived improve mood and curb depression. It is critical that young humans utilize these windows Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) on brain neurons in a So how do we create more BDNF in our brains of trainability and create neural connections that will Micah Stipech has a MA in Counseling Psychology, is a petri dish. Similar to fertilizing a plant, the neurons so that we can learn more, retain more, combat stress last a lifetime. When children are sedentary, looking school counselor at Houghton Elementary, a Coaching Education Instructor for USA Hockey and owner of sprout new branches, make new connections and and feel better? The answer, researchers agree, is at screens and not moving or playing, they are missing CrossFit Hakkapeliita. Visit www.crossfithakk.com for literally take off. free; daily exercise, in particular, bursts of high- out on tremendous cognitive development. more information. A massive amount of research is highlighted by intensity exercise. Those who exercised vigorously CrossFit programming specializes in this type of Dr. John Ratey, a clinical professor of psychiatry at for short bursts of 3-5 minutes create more BDNF physical activity for people of all ages. For adults, Resources: Harvard Medical School in his book SPARK: The than individuals doing something like a moderate daily classes include smart levels of high-intensity http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/ how-exercise-could-lead-to-a-better-brain. Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the 40-minute jog. interval training balanced with development of other html?pagewanted=all Brain (Little, Brown, 2008). Since the publication, In a recent German study volunteers who did physical capacities such as strength, endurance even more research has been conducted around the two, three minute sprints (separated by two minutes and mobility. Classes take place in a supportive SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise world. Some of that research has been summarized by of lower intensity) during the course of a 40-minute environment where coaches teach proper mechanics and the Brain (Little, Brown, 2008).

Welcome New Co-op Owners! Shop cooperatively Joined September 30, 2014 – February 29, 2015 Bank cooperatively Mo Anton Victor Frohmader Paul LaBine Sarah Schulz Lynn Benda-Sherman Dr. Lloyd Geddes Jeanne Lampela Amy Spahn ATM conveniently Tonia Bickford Lynn Gierke Michael Leer Amber Leonard Thome located at the Co-op Jeff Brookins Jill Heikenen Jon Lehtinen Gretchen Tolksdorf Arlene Coco Buscombe Wendi Heikka James B. Malosh Andrea Tuthill Credit Unions are co-ops Jarad Butala Ben Jinkerson Isaac Michelsen Lena Wilson too! Cooperatives serve their Chris Clark Emily Kenny Pieter Nieuwenhuis Thomas Yeoman members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative Kay DeLoach Lynn Kisul Carolyn Peterson Lynn Zoiopoulos movement by working Lori Dunstan Austin Krautheim Elizabeth St. Pierse together. Become a member! Jason Engler Cassie Kyllonen Jane Reoch 10 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 11

Lexicon Pop Up Show “What began as a Sustainable Conversation Bringing Sustainable Insights To Our Community has led to a Good Food Revolution.”

he Keweenaw Co-op is honored to host a Lexicon of Sustainability™ Pop Up Show at this year's Annual Meeting on March 26. The Lexicon project invites community leaders, students,T farmers, activists, gardeners, cooks … anyone to host a pop- up show in their community, spurring dialog about how individuals and communities can work together to strengthen local food systems. “What began as a Sustainable Conversation has led to a Good Food Revolution,” says Douglas Gayeton, co-founder of the project. “It isn’t happening in galleries and museums; it’s happening at our local supermarkets, at our corner stores, at farmers markets and roadside food stands and grange halls and school gardens across the country, so it makes sense that the Lexicon traveling show appear in those places, curated by the very people trying to build more resilient food networks in their communities.”

The Keweenaw Co-op has access to this show thanks Lexicon of Sustainability™ is a crowd-sourced project, a beautiful and connective to the Marquette Food Co-op who was one of 100 which means they rely on people, not only across the tool that illustrates clearly the applicants selected (annually) to receive a traveling show USA but around the world, to gather the sustainable ideas concepts of food sustainability and and become a curator for our region. Each new curator we’ll all need to build a more responsible future. They encourages visitors and co-op members to is responsible for hosting shows that involve their local encourage people to suggest new terms for The Lexicon, live and share these concepts in their own lives communities, and acting as a “lending library” so that advise them on new ways to display the work, spread the and with their neighbors.” other schools and community groups can use the show word online and in the real world. All the Pop Up Shows are printed on 100% post If you're interested in hosting your own Pop for their own initiatives. Curator Rachel Luster says: “The Lexicon of consumer waste paper from New Leaf. New Leaf Paper’s Up Show, contact Abbey Palmer, Special Projects Each traveling show includes 24 information Sustainability has offered us a tool for community goal is to inspire a fundamental shift toward environmental Coordinator at the Marquette Food Co-op. :: artworks focusing on food and farming topics. The outreach that has been invaluable. It continues to provide responsibility in the paper industry. 12 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 13

Practical Wellness VEGAN MACARONI & CHEESE Ingredients: The Surprising Ingredient You Don't Know You Love—Yet! • ½ cup Nutritional Yeast • ¼ cup warm water by Dr. Kemmy Taylor — Superior Family Chiropractic • Lots of olive oil • Salt and pepper • Warm, cooked pasta he first time I encountered this delightful powder. Both are great, so it depends on your personal ingredient, I watched in bewilderment as it preference which one to buy. I’m biased toward the Simply mix Nutritional Yeast with warm water. Add was sprinkled atop , on a cold winter’s powder but have enjoyed flakes in the past as well. lots of olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over your pasta night,T in the warmth of my husband’s childhood home More good news: your children will love it! In and enjoy! For a richer dish toss your pasta with the NOOCH POPCORN in Herman. What was my mother-in-law thinking my own home, my girls won’t eat popcorn without cashew cheese sauce (below). putting this mystical ingredient on my precious it. I’ve literally let them have popcorn alongside their Ingredients: bowl of popcorn?! After she was finished, she kindly breakfast due to the nutritional benefits the added RAW CASHEW CHEESE SAUCE offered me a bite, and so began my love affair with yeast provides. I’ve put it on their mac n’ cheese, • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels Ingredients: this amazing ingredient of which I am never without scrambled eggs, buttered toast, vegetables, pizza, • 1/4 cup Organic Extra Virgin coconut oil in my home. When I travel, I actually ship this to my casseroles, sliced avocados etc. I’ve even added it • 2 cups raw cashews soaked in filtered water for 2 – (or any other high flashpoint oil) destination if I feel it may be difficult to come across. to my dog’s food over the years to add flavor and 4 hours (soaking is optional) • 3 tbsp butter, melted (or more butter if you prefer!) No kidding. nutrition. Added to soups and sauces, Nutritional Yeast • 1/4 cup – 1/2 cup filtered water as needed for • 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast (again, more if you What is this magical ingredient I speak of? Let enhances flavors and adds creaminess, too. desired consistency prefer!) me introduce you to Nutritional Yeast (aka Nooch). With 18 amino acids, Nutritional Yeast is a • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Some of you are surely familiar with this, some not. complete protein. It is considered to be 55% high • 1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast • 1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt, or to taste Please don’t get this wonderful yeast mixed up with quality protein. Just 2 tablespoons of yeast provides • 2 to 4 cloves fresh garlic minced (depending on other yeasts in the same 8-10 grams of protein preference) Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. After the family, such as brewer’s “I’ve put it on mac n’ cheese, depending on the brand. It is • 1 tsp sea salt oil is hot, add kernels and shake the pot or baker’s yeast, the other also naturally low in fat and • 1 tsp granulated garlic (optional) to gently toss the kernels until they are all coated with two varieties of edible scrambled eggs, buttered toast, sodium and is free of sugar, • 1 tbsp freshly chopped flat leaf parsley (optional) oil. Cover with a splatter screen or a lid that is placed yeast. Grown mostly on vegetables, pizza, casseroles, dairy, and gluten. In addition slightly ajar to allow the steam to escape. a mixture of cane and to that, it has 15 minerals! Place the cashews, Nutritional Yeast, 1/2 of the water, beet sugar, nooch is then sliced avocados…” Yes, 15. It is a rich source of 1/2 of the lemon juice, garlic and sea salt in the food Cook until the popcorn popping frequency slows to fermented, harvested, vitamin B complex which processor and pulse until roughly blended. Gradually several seconds between pops. Remove from heat, washed, pasteurized and dried at high temperatures. helps in managing stress levels, maintains a good add in more lemon juice, garlic and salt to taste. I have allow a minute or two for any final pops, and then pour Nutritional Yeast is inactive yeast, consumed primarily metabolic rate, amongst many other health benefits. In listed granulated garlic as optional. I find this is a nice into a large bowl. for its nutritional value and flavor. Since this particular fact, vitamin B12 which is deficient in most vegetarian touch if you like a garlicky cheese. yeast is inactive, it means it is generally considered foods, is also added in certain varieties of Nutritional If the butter isn’t melted yet, add the butter into acceptable in moderate amounts for those following a Yeast. This vitamin is produced separately from Transfer the cheese to a bowl, and stir in the parsley the still hot pot and melt. Drizzle over the popcorn diet designed to manage Candida albicans. As always, bacteria and then added to yeast to increase its health if using. The more water you add, the creamier and and season with Nutritional Yeast and salt tossing if you have a specific intolerance or food allergy, be benefits. thinner the cheese will become. Add less water for a occasionally as you butter and season the popcorn. sure to do your homework about different food sources Nutritional Yeast consists also of a trace mineral— thicker, more rustic cheese. and brands. Also, if you do decide to incorporate this chromium, which is known to be beneficial for dealing into your diet on a regular basis, introduce it slowly. with diabetes, low blood pressure and fluctuating Resources: Like with anything else we consume, we all react blood sugar levels. It is also rich dietary fiber and Bose, Debopriya. "Nutritional Yeast Benefits." Buzzle. Greger, Michale. "Why Athletes Should Eat differently. various minerals such as zinc, magnesium and copper. com, 05 July 2012. Web. 05 Jan. 3015. Nutritional Yeast." Nutritionalyeastfacts.org. 04 Sept. Nooch is often described as having a cheesy, Although there are many brands available, Thomson, Julie R. "Nutritional Yeast: The Surprisingly 2014. Web. 06 Jan. 2015. nutty flavor and better yet, it can be found right here Frontier, Bob’s Red Mill and Red Star Vegetarian Tasty Health Food." TheHuffingtonPost.com, 04 Apr. Masters, Tess. “Basic Raw Cashew Cheese”. Cashew at our local Co-op. It comes in two forms: flakes or Support Formula are amongst the best. :: 2012. Web. 07 Jan. 2015. Cheese. The Blender Girl, 2014. Web. 07 Jan 2015. 14 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 15

From the Produce Deparment “GAP Certification ensures a standard level USDA Group GAP Certification Pilot Study of Food Safety has been met from before Denina Kaunonen—Produce Manager planting to after harvest of crops.”

very exciting program called the Group potatoes and tomatoes for that particular grower. farmers was to implement their Food Safety Plan and randomly selected farms passed their inspections GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Pilot Ten farms and countless volunteers from across keep detailed documentation of their practices. A Food and the entire group of farms was awarded GAP Study was underway in 2014 across the the Upper Peninsula participated in the pilot study, Safety Plan is a collection of documents and policies Certification. Everyone's hard work paid off and the UnitedA States. Eight states participated in the study including two farms from the Western Upper that specify how a farmer goes about their daily work. Group GAP Pilot Study was a success! including Michigan. The U.P. Food Exchange was Peninsula, Anya Farms and Wintergreen Farm. Ray Some of the items included in a Food Safety Plan The Group GAP Pilot program is a two year selected to partner with the United States Department Sharp (Western Upper Peninsula Health Department) are: Farm and Field Maps to identify crop production program which means participating farmers who of Agriculture (USDA) to be part of the pilot study and Denina Kaunonen (Keweenaw Co-op Produce areas; policies on worker training accompanied by received certification in the year 2014 are certified for to address farm food safety certification for small Manager), participated in the study as Internal training documentation; logs documenting cleaning, the 2015 growing season. Continued education and farmers. Inspectors for the program. pest-control, and deliveries (to name a few); and participation in the program is required for farms to The Group GAP Certification Program is a group Farmers and Internal Inspectors received intensive harvest logs that document the precise location and maintain their GAP Certification. certification process where a group of farmers share training to ensure the program's success. Internal time an item was harvested, ensuring traceability Why would a grower want to pursue GAP the cost for a USDA Inspector to audit a significant Inspectors for the program received training on Good of crops. It was the Internal Inspectors' jobs to Certification? sample of the group participants (selected randomly) Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices interpret the farmer's Food Safety Plan and ensure • GAP Certification ensures a standard level of with the intention of awarding the entire group of (GHP) as well as specialized training to perform a policy compliance and necessary documentation was Food Safety has been met from before planting farmers GAP Certification based on the performance federal-level farm safety audit. Representatives from included. to after harvest of crops. of the selected farms. If the randomly selected samples the participating farms were also given intensive Internal Inspectors made three visits to the farms pass their inspections, then the whole group passes. training on GAP and GHP as well as focused training during the growing season: an initial site visit; the • GAP certification may be a requirement of GAP Certification can be crop specific or size on implementing and using a Food Safety Plan which audit of the site; and an unannounced site visit during certain organizations looking to purchase food specific depending on the farmer's preference. For is requirement of GAP Certification. Both GAP and harvest of crops. After all participating farms passed from local growers. example: A farmer can elect to certify only their GHP focus on Food Safety from before crops are their audits given by the group's Internal Inspectors, • GAP Certification provides shared liability potatoes and tomatoes regardless of what other crops planted to after the crops are harvested. farms were then randomly selected by the USDA between the grower and the purchasing they may be growing. The audit will then only cover After completing the training the next step for the for an official USDA audit by a state auditor. All organization.

2½ Tons 2014 700+ Lbs. 2,500 Lbs. of Potatoes 1 Ton of Lettuce 1,248 Lbs. of Winter Squash 1,000 Lbs. of Cabbage Local Season of Kale of Tomatoes

It is always amazing to see all the local produce previous year; winter squash was up 15 percent; growers were: crinkle-cut carrots, shredded From apples to zucchini, and everything in that comes into the Keweenaw Coop during our tomatoes were up almost 60 percent from the cabbage, edible flowers, purple daikon radishes between, our sixteen local growers provided short U.P. growing season. The 2014 season was previous year; cabbage was up almost 60 and Italian Chicory from Wintergreen Farm; us with a bountiful array of delicious fruits and no exception. Despite the low temperatures this percent; and sweet corn was up 235 percent! zucchini blossoms from Ransom Farm; Napa veggies in 2014. The availability of local produce past growing season, we saw growth in product cabbage and Primavera spaghetti squash from hasn't ended with the change in seasons; purchases from our local growers. Along with increased purchases of produce, our Gagnon Farm; Asian Tempest Garlic from Anya cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, squash, local growers introduced new items this past Farms; and Cippolini onions from Over The rutabagas, and garlic were all available well after Potato purchases were up 35 percent from the growing season. A few new additions from our Fence Farm. the snow had settled in for the winter! 16 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 17

Join us at the viewing party! Webcast Speakers & Topics TEDx Manhattan – Changing the Way We Eat Saturday, March 7 • 10:30am–6:00pm Saturday, March 7 • Webcast LIVE from New York City Portage Lake District Library (Order is subject to change.) The Co-op and the Portage Lake District Library are teaming up again this year to give you front row seats to the TEDx Manhattan, “Changing the Way We Eat”, a one-day conference featuring a dynamic and diverse group of speakers addressing issues in the sustainable food and farming movement. SESSION 1 – (10:30am – 12:25pm) SESSION 2 – (1:35 – 3:35pm) SESSION 3 – (4:15 – 6:00pm)

We’ll be streaming an exclusive LIVE webcast from Times Center in New York City giving Introductions Marcel Van Ooyen – Scaling up Henry Hargreaves – How end-of- you free access to some of the most exciting ideas happening in sustainable food. If you local food distribution to take it from the-world doomsday preppers are care about what you eat and where it comes from, you’ve got to see this…these ideas are Nikiko Masumoto – Legacy of niche to mainstream thinking about their food definitely worth spreading! three generations of Japanese American family farmers Robert Graham – Teaching doctors Film clip: Anna Lappe – Real Food about the importance of food to Media Project winner Whether you drop in for a specific speaker or topic, come and go throughout the day, or Anim Steel – Food justice health stay for the long haul, you’ll be glad you came. It will be a great opportunity to bring our Shen Tong – The impact of venture community together to stimulate and start conversations on the sustainability of our local Ali Partovi – What’s the real reason Stefanie Sacks – How small capital money and investment food system. organic food costs more? (Hint: It’s changes in eating can make big dollars in the food system not because it’s more expensive to differences The Co-op Deli will be preparing ‘good food’ for us to enjoy all day. We'll also be serving produce) Kendra Kimbirauskas – The rift coffee (donated by Keweenaw Coffee Works), tea, and juice. Visit the Co-op’s and Joel Berg – The only real way to between the good food movement Library’s websites and social media pages for the latest event information. Stephen Reily – How do cities end hunger in America and the explosion of factory farms in build platforms to help the local food the U.S. economy achieve sustainability and Dana Cowin – The power of ugly scale? vegetables. Why ugly, bruised Film clip: Regina Bernard-Carreno vegetables are the future of food and Alison Cayne Film clip: The Meatrix – Re- make and re-launch of the hugely Stephen Ritz – Green Bronx Danielle Nierenberg – Why the Change the Way You Eat successful 2003 viral phenomenon Machine. School. Kids. Community. food system will fall apart without Based on Change Food’s Guide to Good Food Food. The educational community women farmers View the detailed guide at www.tedxmanhattan.org/ Michele Merkel – What is legal is center Steve is building in a school not always right – fighting for justice in the Bronx. Danny Meyer – Fine dining and resources/change-the-way-you-eat in rural America chain restaurants – the evolvement DJ Cavem – Health education and overlap of the two LUNCH 12:25 – 1:35 (Webcast through art and hip hop music offline/break) 6:00 WEBCAST OFFLINE/END 1. Educate yourself 6. Grow your own BREAK 3:35 – 4:15 (Webcast offline) 2. Shop sustainable 7. Cook

3. Ask questions 8. Drink Local What is TEDx? In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx (x = an independently organized TED event). TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people 4. Eat Less Meat 9. Get Involved together to share a TED-like experience. At TEDxManhattan "Changing the Way We Eat", TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. 5. Eat seasonal 10. Enjoy! 18 CIRCUMSPICE ~ WINTER/SPRING 2015 KEWEENAW CO•OP MARKET & DELI 19

The Bring-a-Bag Campaign is one of the ways the Co-op gives back to the community. Every Help us choose 2 recipients for 2015-2016 bag the Co-op saves because shoppers bring Who's in the running so far… in their own reusable bag earns money for the community. A different recipient is awarded every 6 months. Child and Family Services – Green Film Series Housing Resource Center lakesuperiorstewardship.org

Child and Family The goal of the Does your organization Services of the Green Film Series Upper Peninsula Marsin Nature Retreat is to enhance is a non-profit Improvements Project the ability and or project need funding? keweenawlandtrust.org/ that provides motivation of special-marsin.php Applications Due by March 16th programs that local residents preserve the dignity and enhances Marsin Nature Retreat to understand and act on the the well-being of families and Improvements is a special project environmental issues facing the Every year at the Co-op Annual Meeting, Co-op Current Recipient their individual members, of the Keweenaw Land Trust economic, social and natural Owners select two local organizations or projects to honor which are provided in a caring, environment in the Keweenaw, the (November 2014-April 2015) intended to provide facilities and a as Co-op Bring-a-Bag recipients. compassionate and professional natural setting to build community Upper Peninsula, the Lake Superior To be considered for this honor, participants must be manner. and raise awareness about region, the Great Lakes watershed, C.A.P.E. is a community group of a local organization with a 501c3 non-profit status, and environmental conservation and and globally. parents and community members in the must demonstrate how the majority of the donation will be Sustainable Keweenaw stewardship. invested locally for one or more of the following causes: Houghton/Hancock area working to Resource Center broaden educational opportunities for SKRConline.net Keweenaw Green • To provide food for people in need. the children in our community. Their Burial Association goal is to found a public charter school www.facebook.com/ • To educate people to produce self-sufficiency and The SKRC in Houghton County which provides a KeweenawGreenBurial improved lifestyles. exists to inspire high-quality, individualized education and connect The Keweenaw Green Burial • To educate people on environmental issues and that moves at each child’s own pace, individuals, Association is a non-profit, concerns, or to assist in clean-up or preservation of the and educates the whole child. groups, volunteer-based organization environment. organizations, Rainbow Kids working to provide and promote • To support educational programs for children. businesses, institutions, and green burial and conservation governing agencies with regionally • To provide supportive services or emergency shelter of Rainbow Kids is a non-profit cemetery options in the Keweenaw appropriate solutions and those in need. program started by the Hancock Peninsula. Green burials promote resources for creating sustainable Public Schools to help parents land conservation, stewardship and • To promote social change in the areas of peace, human communities in the Keweenaw have an option for preschool and restoration; utilize eco-friendly rights, and human needs. Peninsula. Their resource center childcare for their children. All burial techniques and tools that located in the Jutila Center in children in any community are minimize the use of natural Pick up an application at the store or online (http://www. Hancock is free and open to the welcome. The goal of Rainbow resources; and encourage family keweenaw.coop/bring-a-bag.php) and send to: community. The SKRC operates Kids is to give each child a and friends to actively participate primarily on volunteer labor and warm and safe environment that in the burial process such as Attn: Faye Carr, Marketing & Outreach community donations. Funds Keweenaw Co-op encourages the development of digging the grave, lowering the 1035 Ethel Avenue received will go towards expanding 9519 Bags Saved from May–September 2014! socialization skills, independence, body, and filling in the grave. Hancock, MI 49930 their resource collection and diversity, and positive self-image. 482.2030 Amy Zawada (left) and Melissa Maki of 31 Backpacks accept a Bring-a-Bag donation from outreach services. [email protected] Co-op General Manager Curt Webb. Keweenaw Co-op PRESORTED STD Natural Foods Market & Deli U.S. Postage 1035 Ethel Avenue PAID Hancock, MI 49930 Houghton, MI www.keweenaw.coop Permit No. 9

2015 Keweenaw Co-op Annual Meeting

Thursday, March 26 • 5:00-8:00 pm Dinner at 5:00 pm Call to Order at 6:00 pm First United Methodist Church • 401 Quincy St. in Hancock

• Community Dinner CO-OP OWNERS Build • Childcare Your Own Fajita Bar! • Door Prizes • Lexicon Pop-Up Show (p. 10) OTE

Note: The 2014 Annual Report will be available prior to the Annual Meeting