YOUR COMMUNITY NATURAL FOODS MARKET

THE NATURAL ENQUIRER

A Publication of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op October - December 2019

Photo: Farmers Isa Pacheco (pink hat) and Foncho Cantillo of Coobafrio Cooperative learn how to properly cut bananas to prevent rot. The Benefits of Fair Trade Banana Farming by Ben Goe In the last Natural Enquirer, I To review, the basic principles of wrote about my trip to Colombia Fair Trade are: 7. No discrimination for any reason. 8. Promoting skill development, in March with a focus on banana 1. Creating opportunities for especially to the most production. Now, in honor of small producers in economically disadvantaged and vulnerable. October Fair Trade Month, I disadvantaged areas. thought I’d talk a little about what 9. Actively promoting the 2. Democracy, transparency, Fair Trade means for farmers and principles and values of Fair and accountability at all levels communities in Colombia, and what Trade at local, continental, and of business. the practices look like in person. international levels. 3. Freedom of association. Fair Trade Certified adds up to 10. Practicing and defending 4. Emphasizing the importance a lot more than an extra few bucks environmental sustainability at of people over profits. for the farmer. Did you know that all levels of the supply chain. 5. Paying a fair price to certified Fair Trade means always producers, agreed upon through These are probably all things non-GMO? And that there are far a participative dialogue. you’ve heard before, but I was fewer chemicals allowed than what surprised many times by what it is permissible for conventional 6. Absolute rejection of child U.S. crops? labor and forced labor. (continued on page 14)

in this issue page page page From the Board ∙ pg 2 3 6 8 Fall Workshops ∙ pg 4 Support Farm to School ∙ pg 9 Fair Trade Impact Index ∙ pg 9 New in the Co-op ∙ pg 11 Diggin' It with Wild Weed Healing One World Gifts History of Meatballs ∙ pg 13 Garden Jay from the board General Manager Here to Stay Announces Retirement by Beverly Faxon As I write, fall is still a tease in the morning fog, but in the blink of the ever earlier setting sun, September will curl its leaves and turn October. & Next Steps Ah, October. An orange month if ever there was one—crisp leaves, and pumpkins, and Halloween candy corn. And also, fittingly, Co-op Month. Fitting because October is harvest It has been a very busy few months on the Board of Directors! As time, and harvest has traditionally been about cooperation. Cooperation many member-owners are aware, Todd Wood, the Skagit Valley Food in sharing harvest equipment and in sharing the work. Cooperation in Coop’s General Manager (GM) announced his retirement in July. With the kitchen, both preserving and celebrating the abundance. deep gratitude for the leadership and guidance that Todd has provided over the past 41 years, the Board of Directors has been diligently working to ensure that the next generation of leadership at the Co- op ensures a smooth transition and a resilient, bright future for our community-owned business. Replacing a General Manager is one of—if not the most—important tasks that a Board of Directors can have at any co-op, and we greatly appreciate the trust that our member-owners have placed in us to fulfill this duty. Our GM search process has been under way since the beginning of the year, and we have brought in an outside consultant with years of experience working with cooperatives to facilitate. We are conducting a national-level search and have posted the position through many different traditional channels, as well as those that are more specific to co-ops. We have a clearly delineated process and timeline in place: by the time this goes to print, we will have evaluated applications received to date, developed our interview process, and decided our top candidates to invite for in-person interviews. This timeline is subject to change, but the goal is to make an offer to an outstanding candidate immediately after our Board Retreat in early October! At the same time, we have several parallel initiatives underway that will help ease the transition to a new General Manager. First, we are in the process of revising and formalizing our Board governance policies into a system known as, wait for it… Policy Governance! This is an established system used by many co-ops around the country and relates to processes and expectations for GM reporting on various aspects of fiscal and operational stewardship and risk management. But as I think about Co-op Month this year, I also find myself Secondly, we are conducting updated strategic planning for the considering the disheartening resurgence of an ungenerous slogan: Co-op, which will become our 2025 Vision. Steps include surveying “Love it or leave it.” Love it or leave it was a popular catchphrase in the member-owners and undertaking an iterative process to help capture mid-20th Century—the same time food cooperatives were forming in the our collective vision of the Co-op in five years time. Both of these United States. Loving “it” meant loving the whole package. In the case of initiatives will greatly inform the work and direction of our new GM as what went on the table, if you loved the purple mountains’ majesty, and they come onboard. the amber waves of grain, then darn it, you better love the Wonder Bread We have been fortunate to have over four decades of stability in our the grain became. GM, which has been integral to our success over the years while remaining Yet so many worthy ventures, from co-ops to countries, began financially sustainable, and true to our core values. With change comes because people were dissatisfied with the status quo—whether it was opportunity, and we are excited for the future of our Co-op! bread with the texture of cotton or an oppressive government. When our Co-op began, it was almost impossible to find brown rice on a grocery shelf. Honey? Maybe in a small, dusty jar on a top shelf. Fresh, local produce? Let’s just say I was well into my teens before I had green beans not from a can or broccoli that hadn’t first been frozen. Freshly roasted coffee beans? Why would you want those when you had Skagit Valley Food Co-op Mission Statement the convenience of Nescafé? Tofu? . . . What? And organically grown anything was flat-out subversive, possibly The Skagit Valley Food Co-op is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose un-American. Why question the goodness of chemically induced is to provide good food at a fair price. As stated in the Co-op By-Laws: abundance? “The Co-op shall promote member welfare by utilizing their united funds I’m glad that those who wanted to eat organic fruits and vegetables, and their united efforts for the purchase and distribution of commodities whole grains, and foods without additives and preservatives didn’t just in accordance with the following criteria: melt into the tree-hugging woodwork when they were ridiculed for A. Maintaining the non-for-profit status of the Co-op; seeking a new food system and an alternate economy. Because certainly, B. Offering high quality products which contribute to good nutrition; the mainstream groceries and growing agribusinesses wanted to send those agitators for good food back to wherever they came from—really C. Supporting a low impact, non-harmful approach to the environment; wanted them to just “leave it.” D. Supporting local suppliers and producers; When a side in power pressures those who disagree with them to E. A commitment to building a cooperative economy and leave, it stifles the potential for constructive change. It also makes clear supporting others who share that commitment; that those who are in power believe you only belong, you only get a say, F. A commitment to educational programs relevant to members if you are in power. and non-members in the community.” Building cooperative food economies did not come easily. (Although, to be honest, it was often fun.) The co-op movement and the food it offered were fringe for a long time. Now the food itself has been The Skagit Valley Food Co-op Natural Enquirer is a quarterly publication thoroughly embraced by the mainstream. The concept of a cooperative of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Opinions expressed are those of the writers food economy is still not high in the public consciousness, but it has and may not reflect Co-op policy. No articles are meant to be used for living models in our co-ops. Neither might have gotten on our radar diagnosis or treatment of illness. The Co-op does not endorse the products or if those interested in them had folded their cooperative tents and left services of advertisers. when told they or their ideas didn’t belong. Editor: Nicole Vander Meulen | Layout & Design: Emily Zimmerman So here’s a thank you to all of those who don’t just leave it when Staff Contributors: nancylee bouscher, Ben Goe, Jenny Sandbo, things get hard, whether “it” is the dream of a cooperative economy and Jay Williams, & Todd Wood | Board of Trustees: Brad Claypool, good food, a neighborhood in need of loving care, or the country they Kristen Ekstran, Mike Hackett, Casey Schoenberger, Rob Smith, live in. Here’s a thank you to those who keep working to create places Wayne Rushing & Tom Theisen (like the Co-op), where everyone who comes in good faith is welcome, Copyright 2019: Reprints with permission and everyone who joins in gets a say.

2 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 diggin’ it with garden jay

a delayed gratification issue since you've got about six If You Can't Nuke 'em, Join 'em: months between planting and bloomtime but not much else about them is Embracing the Tulip distressingly un-American. Most frequently asked by Garden Jay question: how deep do Thirty-odd Aprils ago my paternal grandparents you plant them? In my came to visit me for the first time since I'd relocated here experience, you won't go from eastern Washington. They'd heard about the tulips, wrong with most bulbs if you too, so of course we went out for a tour. plant them 4x as deep as they A stern, hard-bitten old Mormon dirt farmer, my are “tall.” Your average tulip grandfather's only visible emotion like, ever, was a bulb is maybe 1.5”-2” from perpetual grumpiness that radiated from him even when base to tip so if the base rests he tried to be complimentary or in any way pleasant. Not on the bottom of an 8” deep a bad man, but you had to know him before you could planting hole, you've got appreciate him. So I was startled when I looked at his face as it. It's fine if you don't go as he stared into a vast field of screaming red tulips and saw... deep, they'll still bloom and tears? Seriously?! Maybe his retinas died looking into the be pretty but there are some throbbing, hypersaturated color without eye protection? potential issues: it's easier for No. He said in a low, almost reverent voice that it was the squirrels and other critters to most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. dig them up, they're not as We're easily jaded when we live here, anger boiling over well insulated in the winter, when we're caught in festival traffic or tourists crowd us out and they may fall over in wind of our Co-op's parking lot, and we lose our appreciation for or heavy rain if they're not as this internationally renowned marvel of spring we get to live deeply anchored. with. Duuuude, have you even SEEN the rest of the country? They look best in odd- Okay, there are probably a few places even more beautiful numbered groups of 5 or than the Skagit Valley but mostly not, and nothing quite like more, or multiples of three what we've got here, especially in enchanted April. which makes 6 or 12 okay, Ever wonder how it happened, why our little valley is too. More is better, 5 should be the minimum I think. I'm the sweet spot for growing them in the US? Where are they Photo by: Garden Jay from originally? Hint: not the Netherlands. not sure why this is true, it Wild species tulips that all our flashy modern hybrids just delays blooming a bit). If you misplace the bulbs but just is. Don't overthink it like derive from are mostly native to high elevations throughout find them again in February and they still look good, plant I just did. In containers, just much of the Middle East, especially Turkey, where they get them! They'll still bloom but as with the frozen sprouts, a stuff 'em full and don't fuss as chilly and fairly wet winters followed by dry, dry summers. few weeks later than first planned. If you wouldn't dream much about planting depth. Sound familiar? Other temperate parts of the US have of buying them from a box store, your Co-op will have a Finally, if you hate that wetter summers that can rot them and keep them from nice selection in stock by the time you read this. they peter out after the first going fully dormant, while much of the South can't provide Planting is really easy. You don't need to work the soil year and in a not-too-distant adequate winter chill. So, we won the contract. much, just dig the planting holes, drop them in, cover, spring sprout just a few They made it to Europe in 1554, a diplomatic gift from the water once, and you're done. No further maintenance leaves and no flowers at all, Sultan of Turkey and the Ottoman Empire to the Holy Roman needed before you enjoy them in spring. Of course, if the Google and YouTube Emperor in Vienna. They soon made their way to Holland, you WANT to make it more work, you can... can guide you through the Europe's newly-risen economic powerhouse, and the plant- Adding fertilizer isn't really necessary, as the whole tedious process of digging, geek Dutch were captivated by these new dainties. Breeders point of bulbs is that they're a “deluxe” seed that contains dividing, curing, re-planting soon created varieties with bigger, bolder blooms and not just a plant but the food it needs to begin life and and repeating all these steps managed to build a lucrative industry around them, with new beyond. Okay, so what about the bulb food you see for for several years if you're so hybrids fetching prices that escalated from high to very high sale, even at the Co-op where Jay puts out boxes of fish inclined, but I'm not, and I'm to crazy. “Tulipmania” was all fun and games until their futures bone meal and extols its virtues for great root and flower guessing you're not either. market crashed in 1637, leaving many unlucky peeps in financial development? Yeah, it's great but not needed for tulips You'll find some types, ruin. You're short on cash, you trade 12 acres of farmland for a since most people treat them as an annual and just expect notably the Giant Darwins single tulip bulb...what could possibly go wrong?! the one season from them (more on that in a bit – it ain't and the fosterianas (aka The Dutch stoically refused to fall out of love with them, always so). What I really push the bone meal for is almost all Emperor tulips), come back though, so the hybridizing continues there to this day, and the other bulbs we sell that are more reliably perennial and strongly for more years than tulips are still synonymous with Holland. In the early to mid-20th prolific or edibles like garlic and shallots, where multiplying the others do. Just enjoy century Dutch immigrants brought them to the Valley, Mount and good individual clove size are important. Tulips as them while you have them. Vernon launched the Tulip Festival in 1984, and now it’s the most most people grow them are truly plug-and-play. There's Just enjoy them. popular festival in Washington state. You don't need the likes of me to go all Chamber of Commerce on you and remind you that they pump a gazillion dollars into our economy, but maybe I can convince you to be proud of this thing we're known for and grow some of the madness for yourself? Plugging in a few bulbs now will bring spring splendor and might even help Essential Points ACUPUNCTURE you grow some love, if love is what you need but never had, or have and want to share. Love the tulip. Embrace Elsa Del Toro, L.Ac. the tulip. Become the tulip. Chop Doctoral Candidate, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine the tulip's little head off when it's no ACUPUNCTURE • HERBS • NUTRITION • TUINA longer pretty. There! Feel better? Step one, buy some bulbs. The box Personalized Healthcare stores have them as early as August Patient and Community Education and you can plant them then if you Holistic and Preventive Approach like, but pros recommend October to Home Visits December to avoid early sprouting (360) 399-7467 that could damage them when a hard, sustained freeze hits (though it 613 W Division Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 www.essentialpointsacupuncture.com should be noted, they'll recover, this

Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 3 Co-op Workshops

Co-op Workshops are held on the Co-op’s third floor (Suite 309) and are free—unless otherwise noted. Please pre-register for these classes online at skagitfoodcoop.com/event. You can also pre-register for classes with Nicole at 360-336-5087x136 or [email protected]. You may enter the building through the double glass doors on the southeast end of the building to access the elevator or stairs. Or, come in through the Deli mezzanine and take the stairs to the third floor.

Be Calm Now: A Holistic Approach to Anxiety Pain Reduction with Hypnosis with Kathleen Boehm, RN & Stress with Isabel Castro Saturday, October 19, 1:00 pm Monday, October 7, 6:30pm Naturally reduce pain intensity and have a more comfortable life using Feeling overwhelmed? Stress is a normal part of life. self-hypnosis. You will learn how to open your potential to retrieve your Ayurveda can change how you deal with it. Using wisdom natural endorphins and calm your nervous system for natural pain control. and practical tools from this ancient healing science, you'll learn to reorient your mind, body, and spirit toward ease, and you'll leave with Holistic Dental Practices with Dr. Janette Carroll a beginner's toolkit. Isabel Castro is an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, Monday, October 21, 6:30pm passionate about empowering others to take charge of their health. Come hear it straight from the doctor’s mouth…Dr. Janette Carroll’s mouth, that is. As a local holistic dentist, she understands how the Community Building Through Foster Care with Youthnet mouth relates to the overall health of the body. You’re invited to Tuesday, October 8, 6:30pm learn more about holistic dentistry and its impact on your wellbeing. Interested in supporting your community by becoming a foster parent? Meet Youthnet's foster care team for a presentation and Q&A. Learn about The Gut-Brain-WholeBody Connection with Karl Mincin Skagit's current foster care issues; how kids and teens enter foster care; what Tuesday, October 22, 6:30pm it looks like to be a foster parent or respite provider; and how to get involved. Most disease begins in the gut; heal your gut, heal your whole body. Get a better understanding of the GI tract; the digestive process and Aromatherapy for the Spirit with Michelle Mahler interconnectedness of the gut, brain, heart, liver, and immunity; and how Wednesday, October 9, 6:30pm • Free, optional supply fee to best select the remedies for your gut ecology. Experience a hands-on aromatherapy workshop and learn to blend your own mental and spiritual support aromatherapy roll-on. Therapy From Fatigued to Fantastic with Regina Zwilling massage oils can be applied to the chest (heart) and back of neck Wednesday, October 23, 6:00pm (brain) to support spiritual growth and help to energize and motivate. In this workshop, Regina will share how adrenals get Class is free—optional fee of $10 to make an organic 1/3 oz roll-on. drained, hormones get out of balance, and how this can lead to weight gain and zap energy. You’ll leave with a plan Peripheral Neuropathy: What It Is & What to Do About It to restore your adrenal health, balance your hormones, with Dr. Cameron Bigge and learn how to feel great again! Thursday, October 10, 6:30pm Peripheral Neuropathy involves the nerves and blood vessels of hands Life Under a Bag Ordinance with Skagit BagBANd Wagon and/or feet. Symptoms may include weakness, numbness, pins and Thursday, October 24, 6:30pm needles, bunching, pinching, cramping, tingling and pain from nerve What happens under a ban of single-use plastic carryout bags? What and blood vessel damage. Come learn about what can be done to goes, what stays, what replaces carryout bags? How can we be better manage and care for peripheral neuropathy. recyclers? Not sure if something belongs in recycle or landfill? Bring it! Learn ways to move towards a Zero Waste lifestyle with this group of Bhatki Path of Yoga with Swami Tulsidas Master Composter/Recyclers. Friday, October 11, 6:30pm “Bhakti Marga” comes from the Sanskrit language, meaning “the Path of MELT for Hands & Feet with Caryn Boyd Diel Devotion.” Learn about the path of Bhatki Yoga, and please come with a Monday, October 28, 6:30pm sincere desire to learn and speak about Love. Get an intro to the MELT method of self-care, and how rehydrating the connective tissues in your hands and feet can relieve common aches and pains. Health Benefits of Bathing with Essential Oils & Bath Salts! with Shepard Moon Concoctions Benefits of Hemp-Derived CBD with CV Sciences Monday, October 14, 6:30pm Saturday, November 2, 12:00pm Explore the healing powers of essential oils and the health benefits of taking Hemp-derived cannabidiol, or CBD, has been receiving a lot of Epsom salt baths with Shepard Moon’s owner Makena Phillips. Learn the attention for its health benefits, and hemp CBD supplements are even basics of blending and how taking baths (not showers) can help with ailments being recognized as a key supplement to improve quality of life. Come such as diabetes, chronic pain, anxiety, and digestion disorders. learn more about hemp CBD and what exactly there is to know! Connection & Belonging: An Intro to Family Enjoy Peaceful, Grateful Holidays with Reiki Meditation Constellations with Verena Giebels with Valerie Rose Tuesday, October 15, 6:30pm Monday, November 4, 6:30pm The connection we have as families with our ancestors is Can the holiday season be peaceful instead of stressful, grateful instead often beyond our consciousness. Learn how unresolved of resentful? Yes! Learn a Reiki meditation and some easy breathing issues can travel through generations; how they’re brought meditations to bring calm and joy into your holidays. to light in Family Constellations; and how to receive strength from your ancestors. Verena Giebels, LMP, CCSP was certified as a Facilitator for Family The Science of Gender with Skagit PFLAG Constellations in 2004 by the Human Systems Institute. Tuesday, November 5, 6:30pm We’ve been taught that gender is a product of culture and have learned Cohousing – Fostering Sustainability and Resiliency how to behave consistently with our sexual anatomy. Science is helping us through Community with Skagit Cohousing understand that gender is very complex and has a great deal to do with Thursday, October 17, 6:30pm fetal development. Expand your knowledge to help better understand the People are talking about cohousing. Why? Because it’s an antidote to world of transgender people. our culture’s loss of connection and community. In this workshop, learn how Skagit Cohousing is developing a cohousing community to foster Thanksgiving: CLOSED sustainability and resiliency here in Skagit County with its new project. Christmas Eve: Co-op: 8am-Close C·SQUARE: 7am-Close Third Street Cafe: 11am-4pm Co-op: M-Sat 8am-9pm Sun 9am-9pm Christmas Day: CLOSED New Year's Eve: Co-op: 8am-7pm Third Street Cafe: M-F 11am-Close C·SQUARE: 7am-4pm Sat 9am-Close Third Street Cafe: 11am-4pm Sun 9am-9pm

holiday New Year's Day: Co-op: Closed C·SQUARE: 7am-7pm Daily HOURS C·SQUARE: Closed

HOURS Third Street Cafe: Brunch 9am-4pm

4 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 Co-op 101 en Español with Rob Smith Wednesday, November 6, 6:30pm We're inviting the Latino community to an introduction of the Skagit Valley Tokens For Tomorrow Food Co-op! Co-op Board Member Rob Smith will lead an interactive Meet the 4th Quarter Tokens for Tomorrow groups! With Tokens for discussion in Spanish on basic co-op information and principles: what a Tomorrow, every time you bring in a reusable shopping bag, we co-op is, who can shop here (everyone is welcome!), and why we believe honor your commitment to reducing waste with a token worth 5¢ healthy food is the building block of a strong, healthy community! Free that you can give back to one of these local organizations. snacks and children's activities will be provided. Introducción a la Cooperativa en Español con Rob Smith Viva Farms Miercoles, 6 de Noviembre a las 6:30 pm Viva Farms is a non-profit Farm Business ¡Invitamos a la comunidad latina a una presentación de la Cooperativa de Incubator and Training Program Alimentos de Skagit Valley! Un miembro de la mesa directiva de la cooperativa, established in 2009 to preserve Rob Smith dirigirá una discusión interactiva en español sobre información y sustainable farming by creating a strong principios básicos de la cooperativa: ¿qué es una cooperativa, quién puede and just local food system. It operates comprar aquí (¡todos son bienvenidos!), y por qué creemos que la comida saludable es el base de una comunidad fuerte y saludable! Se proporcionarán two locations in Skagit County, and one bocadillos gratuitos y actividades para niños. in King County. Viva lowers the barriers for beginning farmers, and creates Simple Remedies with Essential Oils with Michelle Mahler the opportunity for success. Viva has Tuesday, November 12, 6:30pm • Free, optional supply fee educated over 700 small farmers (150+ Learn how to blend and use a topical therapy massage oil to affect all levels of Spanish speakers) in sustainable organic farming, and is currently your being! Discuss some of the most common essential oils with the widest incubating 24 independent farm businesses (7 Latino owned). range of effects. Optional $10 supply fee to make a roll-on. Skagitonians to Preserve Electro-Smog 101 with Regina Zwilling Farmland Wednesday, November 13, 6:00pm Electro-Magnetic Frequencies (EMFs) are everywhere; our wireless Skagitonians to Preserve devices and networks are creating an environment that makes nearly Farmland (SPF) exists to ensure unavoidable. Regina will explain how EMFs damage your health; why the economic viability of Skagit they’re especially damaging for children; and how to minimize the County agriculture and its required dangers of electro-pollution. infrastructure through farmland protection, advocacy, research, Stress Reduction & Refocusing with Hypnotherapy education, and public awareness. with Kathleen Boehm, RN Farming is valued and economically successful in Skagit County. The Saturday, November 16, 1:00pm community understands the importance of protecting Skagit County’s Learn a natural way to decrease stress and increase the quality of life by farmland base and the farmers who depend upon it, and it looks to bringing your life and body back into balance through hypnotherapy. SPF as a thoughtful and articulate voice of conscience and pragmatism. Hypnotherapy helps you refocus on beneficial thoughts and quickly Through SPF’s efforts, a legacy of successful farmers and protected calms the nervous system. farmland will be guaranteed for present and future generations. Own Your Power… Go Solar! with Banner Power Solutions Thursday, November 21, 6:30pm Skagit PFLAG As Northwest Power Solutions Experts, the Banner Power Solutions team PFLAG provides opportunities for will be on-hand to answer questions about solar for the home, business, or dialogue about sexual orientation farm. Learn how solar power, generators, and retrofit lighting work and can and gender identity. It works to create cut down your energy bill; and how to lower the cost of your solar project through State and Federal incentives. a society that is healthy and respectful to human diversity. PFLAG Skagit The Bliss & Bummers of Lactation with Morghan Milagrosa exists to provide support, education, Monday, December 2, 6:30pm and advocacy for LGBTQ people and Join an interactive learning session on breastfeeding: initiation, common their loved ones who live here among concerns, myths, tips, tricks and techniques, social challenges, and us, in our own neighborhoods and balancing breastfeeding with the demands of daily life. Morghan towns, in beautiful Skagit County. Milagrosa is a certified nurse-midwife, women's health nurse practitioner, and internationally board-certified lactation consultant who has been in Neighbors in Need clinical practice since 2005. Babies, children, and partners are welcome. Skagit Valley Neighbors Make & Take Aromatherapy Gifts with Michelle Mahler In Need has been open Thursday, December 5, 6:30pm • Free, optional supply fee since 1972 and has Learn how essential oils can have a profound and immediate effect on served Skagit Valley your emotions, mind, and physical health. You’ll discuss simple blending of continuously ever since. essential oils to create therapy massage roll-ons for a multitude of health and Neighbors in Need wellness needs. Optional $10 supply fee to make an organic 1/3 oz. roll-on. is the second largest food bank in the region Community Building through Foster Care with Youthnet serving about 2,000 Tuesday, December 10, 6:30pm families, totaling about See October 8 Description. 8,000 people a month. In 2018, Neighbors in Need distributed over 1,322,000 pounds of food through its various services: regular How Stress Affects Your Health, Digestion, & Weight distribution days, Mobile Food program, Backpack programs, and with Regina Zwilling support of local mental and sexual health units. Wednesday, December 11, 6:00pm Regina will explain how chronic stress affects the digestive system, overall health, and weight. Gain practical action steps to help reduce and manage CLOSED stress and which foods are best to stay healthy under stress. Tokens for Tomorrow Recap April – June 2019 Co-op: 8am-Close Sleep Apnea in Children & Adults with Dr. Janette Carroll C·SQUARE: 7am-Close Monday, December 16, 6:30pm Third Street Cafe: 11am-4pm Learn about sleep apnea and why many people are undiagnosed (especially CLOSED children). Dr. Janette Carroll will discuss what sleep apnea is; how it’s 26,907 $1,345 developed; common indicators; treatment options; and the many medical Tokens collected at the registers Dollar amount given to local Co-op: 8am-7pm and dental conditions associated with obstructive sleep disorder breathing. and paper bags saved. organizations. C·SQUARE: 7am-4pm Third Street Cafe: 11am-4pm The Co-op welcomes community use of its classroom space. While we do choose which workshops to host with discretion, the Co-op Co-op: Closed enjoys hosting a diverse selection of wellness, nutrition, and holistic living C·SQUARE: Closed classes. Classes hosted at the Co-op do not necessarily reflect the beliefs Third Street Cafe: Brunch 9am-4pm or opinions of Co-op Board members, staff, and/or all owner-members.

Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 5 from wellness are doing anything wrong. It’s just all the pressure of living takes its toll. In some way—everyone that I talk to as I work in the Wellness Department Wild Weed Healing essentially is looking for their own Malva neglecta. What will loosen me up? How can I shake off this crust of dust that has settled in my bones and clouded my vision? What can I do that will remind me what joy smells like? by nancylee bouscher Yes, I can show you the Vitamin D that you are probably in need of and If you look outside right now can you remember summer? There’s will help you fight off viruses. Sure, we have Valerian tincture so you can a place your eyes fall and imagine some secret bliss. The ways nature sleep on the lumpy couch you find yourself on so your Mom can sleep in changes through the seasons—we all find some pleasure there. What I am your bed while she visits from Minnesota or Michigan. We have over 100 remembering is slow growing strange plants popping up in our gravel items for pain relief, and one of them will help your tense neck. However, the driveway. I liked their fat stalks and wiry leaves, and as the sun grew hotter, remedy that you need most no matter what is bugging you is for you to BE the round heads, blooming petal-less polka dots: Malva neglecta. She likes Malva neglecta. Yeah, I just told you to become the pineapple weed. the dry, compacted soil where nothing else can initially thrive but where, Think back to a time when you were content. Seriously, give yourself after she brings some moisture and loosens things up a bit, other plants will permission to remember everything about that moment. The sights, the stretch into slowly like a morning yawn. Yes, neglecta as in “ignored,” yet you sounds, the smells. Maybe it was a day at Rosario Beach throwing rocks have seen her no doubt. But have you plucked one of her pom-poms and into the water as your kid hunted for agates. Maybe it was holding hands squeezed it slightly as you inhale? Pineapple. Straight up. with your wife as you drove to the airport realizing you would miss the Because I had such an abundance of this “rayless chamomile” I started way her hair smells most of all. Maybe it was eating the first bite of a meal to get curious. Not just curious about what this plant could do for me, prepared for you on backyard grill by your favorite uncle who has since but why this plant had found me (or maybe why I had suddenly stopped passed away. You have had moments in your life when you felt like your ignoring her). Turns out, she does everything those big fancy chamomiles heart would burst with love. What an incredible gift. do. You can drink her in a tea if you are restless or have an upset stomach Now think about what you can do to give that healing feeling of love or even if your kiddo is teething. She’s not pretty though, and many call her to someone else. Pick any person in your life and decide to help break a weed, ripping her out of their yard, tossing her in the compost—or worse up the gravel that’s keeping them stuck. Start slow if you need to—plant buying a chemical poison spray to wither her at the root. a seed of a potential, shifting things with your smile, your arms lifting them up inches as you hug them. See their struggle and remind them of the many ways they have been your Malva neglecta when you needed it. It takes surprisingly little to accomplish this. For example, when I was sick my mom would cradle my face in her hands and kiss my forehead. She usually couldn’t take off work to stay home with me, so she’d tuck me in and then run to the corner store to buy Verner’s ginger ale. She’d pour it in a glass and tell me to drink it when it was flat. Then she’d rush off to work and call throughout the day—the strain of worry in her voice something I didn’t hear until I had my own kids sick on the couch. My simple plan is to buy her a single bottle of every type of ginger ale we sell and give her a note that says: Thanks for always wanting me to be the strongest I could be. Your love was the best medicine. Your love is also the best medicine. Share it. Find a way to do it, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. If it involves buying some jewelry, or ingredients for cookies, or a box of tea, or a bottle of cough syrup—I really hope you decide to come here to buy it. Not just because in a very real way my income is based on you spending money here (it’s called Profit Sharing and one of the perks of working at this cooperatively owned business), but because this cool thing happens when you shop here. You come in and you tell us about your day, your life—not just with your words but with how you shop, what you buy. Your kids make us laugh as they shop into those Here she was, greeting me like so many dots for me to number in a tiny carts, whisking around with a rainbow of food that delights them. You string of bright yellow from my front door to my car—for days without fail, mispronounce weird herbs and teach us about ones we can’t pronounce. without water, without any tending. One day my youngest son sat in the You share recipes and ask us how to cook celery root. And sometimes we gravel and used scissors to fill a bowl with her tropical-scented heads and get to see these tiny sparks of love erupt from your smile as you thank us we made a hydrosol that has a thin film of her essential oil floating on for doing this very sweet job of helping you to be your strongest self while top. I screw open the jar and breathe in the essence of this weed, and it you vote with your money for organic and local. When my days get hard brightens my mood, lightens my heart and gets me thinking… and compacted with the crusty bits of life—YOU are my Malva neglecta. We all have gotten compacted and dried out a bit. It’s not because we Keep on blooming, you glorious wild weed.

Whether you’re focused on giving meaningfulGive gifts & or takingTake a little more time for yourself this season, these Co-op favorites are sure to bring a little joy to whoever needs it most.

Wild Carrot Host Defense Gift Republic Kavu WANDERLUST FOOT CREAM MYCOBOTANICALS BRAIN & ANIMAL ADOPTION ORCA TIN ORCA SOCKS Let the Wanderlust carry you and this BODY POWDER Help safeguard the future of orcas with a Wear cool socks, save the whales! cream restore you. Slather on weary feet, Mix this blend of Lion’s Mane, turmeric, 12-month adoption! This pack contributes Featuring rad killer whale patterns, 20% cracked heels, and dry legs. Oregon reishi, and ginger into your favorite fall food to ORCA to protect killer whales and is of profits will benefit the Center for peppermint revitalizes the skin, and organic, or drink to support brain, heart, digestive, brimming with facts and figures about Whale Research, the leading voice for virgin cocoa butter softens and rehydrates. and whole body health. this beloved species. our endangered resident killer whales.

6 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 Almost Turkey Time

It’s Autumn and soon we will be taking your holiday turkey orders! At the end of October, we will have Turkey Q&A Info Sheets available at the front registers. The FAQ sheet will provide the necessary information to select your perfect turkey, as well as order and pick-up times. If you’ve been here during Thanksgiving week in years past, you probably saw cashiers running around with festive headgear, name tags, and big turkeys in their arms. We call this “turkey running” time, and it is a fun time of year. The aisles are full of holiday food and treats, carts are overflowing, and everyone is preparing to cook up a storm. Turkey orders start Friday, Nov. 1st. You can order your turkey from any frontend cashier or phone in your order. You pay a $5 non-refundable deposit when you place your order and pay the remaining balance when you come in to pick up your turkey. Ordering Size Ranges: When you come in to We also have ham, prime rib, duck and other meats. We will have several different size ranges for both the pick up your turkey, just let If you prefer one of these options, the folks in the meat Original and Organic Turkeys. Due to nature, we can’t any cashier know that you department are here to help you out. guarantee exactly how large a turkey will grow. If you have a turkey to pick up, Our turkeys come from Diestel Family Farms in order an Organic 6-10 lb. turkey, for example, it could and we will get it for you. Sonora, CA – delivered fresh, never frozen, and directly weigh any weight in that range. So, if you really need at It is helpful if you bring in to us the week of Thanksgiving. All Diestel turkeys least a 10 pound turkey, we recommend that you purchase your turkey order receipt are 100% vegetarian fed, raised without antibiotics or the next size range up: an Organic 10-14 pound bird. and/or know the last name of the person who ordered growth hormones and contain no preservatives, gluten You can pick up your fresh turkey: or artificial ingredients. We will have the following your turkey. · 9am-9 pm Sunday, Nov. 24th available for order: Original Diestel Turkeys, Organic Visit skagitfoodcoop.com · 8am-9pm Monday - Wednesday, Nov. 25th-27th Diestel Turkeys and if available, the Diestel Organic for more turkey information. American Heirloom Turkeys. · We are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28th.

the physiologic benefits that facilitate the natural digestive the saying that “all disease process. I do, however, have a Digestion Support packet begins in the gastrointestinal Essential Gut available with details and examples. tract.” Most of this relates · Limit fluid/water intake to less than 4 ounces with, and for to the intestinal flora, or Health one hour after, meals. Too much fluid with a meal dilutes microbiome. Suffice it to say enzymes and interferes with digestion. However, a full cup that if you are not having at by Karl Mincin of water 20-30 minutes before a meal aids digestion. least one full, complete, easy bowel movement each and · Most of us have been told to chew our food well Consider a therapeutic trial of digestive enzymes (fancy every day, it might be time because digestion begins in the mouth. term for let’s take some enzymes and see what happens), to listen to your gut: I’ll be Yes, chewing thoroughly is very important, but did especially if you have any bloating, acid reflux, or other leading a digestion workshop you know that digestion actually begins in the mind? indigestion. More importantly, perform a Hair-Tissue-Mineral on October 22nd! See page 4 Close your eyes and visualize biting into a lemon, notice Analysis to identify and correct underlying deficiencies of for description and details. how your mouth waters with salivary amylase, a starch minerals, which are the building blocks of digestive enzymes. digesting enzyme. With just a thought you have turned In other words, an enzyme deficiency may be secondary to Karl Mincin is a functional on the digestive process! Interestingly, this process also a mineral deficiency; correct the mineral deficiency and medicine nutritionist and works in reverse: what goes on in the gut very much affects the body regains its ability to produce adequate enzymes – natural health educator in our mind, mood, and thought process. without ongoing supplementation. practice locally for 30 years. Let’s take a quick tour of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract These tips can go a long way to profoundly improve your and its two distinct parts: the Upper GI tract includes the digestion and also potentially resolve serious digestive 360.336.2616 stomach and 30 feet of small intestine, where enzymes disorders, and even reduce or eliminate medication. www.Nutrition-Testing.com work their transformative power on macronutrients, and Look to the next issue of the Natural Enquirer for more Instagram: MincinNutritionist where micronutrients are absorbed. The colon, bowel information on the Lower GI, including pre- and pro-biotics, Facebook: NutritionTesting1 or large intestine, is the Lower GI. This is where healthy as well as the gut-brain connection. There is much truth to bacteria work their magic and water is absorbed to form a stool. These two distinct parts are so functionally different that they really should be classified as two separate organs making up one amazing system. My top tips to improve your digestion: · Eat only when hungry and relaxed. · Chew thoroughly – and then chew some more! This really is important. Proper food combinations can make a profound difference not only for digestive health, but also energy and weight management. The first of two guidelines is especially important: eat fruit alone, either on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before, or two or three hours after any other food. No need to get complicated with head-spinning food charts, arrows pointing every which way; the simple principles are sufficient to achieve

Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 7 Fair Trade is about making the right choices the most obvious A Look Ahead to One World ones, based on the simple idea that the products we buy and sell are connected to the livelihoods of & the Holidays others. Fair Trade is a way to make The Joy of Meaningful Gifts a conscious choice for a better world. When you choose Fair Trade Certified™ goods, you’re choosing to support responsible With fall fresh upon us, the handpicked, hand companies, empower farmers, hustle ‘n’ bustle of the holiday wrapped… or workers, and fishermen, and season probably hasn’t entered something not protect the environment. your mind quite yet, but it won’t wrapped at all, or linger in the periphery for long. rather, you wrapped • Community Development. So as you’re savoring these crisp in a blanket sharing One World began when the Co-op mornings, a gentle steam rising quality time with first started carrying TOMS shoes, from your coffee as you reflect on s someone you love, or i n a pioneer of the buy one, give the year and welcome a changing a wine with yourself. Some m one movement. TOMS’ One for of the seasons, maybe you’re also lk eschew the pressures of o F One gives back in a huge way, : pondering the state of the world, holiday gift giving by not y b matching every purchase with your place in it, and what you can to giving any, or by escaping to a ho donation to communities in need, change to make a difference—if P tropical destination far away from and while TOMS kicked off with only in your own headspace or it all: dreaming of a white sand puppet your human voice), or to giving shoes, its programs have your home. Because that’s where Christmas qualifies as a favorite watch a partner’s eyes well up at expanded to eyewear, equality, change begins, isn’t it? An idea for thing. And in a season that can be an unexpected gesture—those are safe water, shelter, mental health, you as you lean into the possibilities viewed as carelessly consumptive, joyous moments. and ending gun violence. TOMS and the holidays approach: a future landfill of “stuff,” buying If you, like many, find joy in the is a big company with big giving transform your quandaries, your gifts just for the sake of it can process, you also have the power numbers, but we realized, we work thoughtfulness into a gift giving feel performative. Yet, there is to turn your holiday purchases with so many other companies season with real meaning. also something inherently joyful into a force for good, under whose missions align with the That meaningfulness is in giving—to watch a child’s the tree and around the globe cooperative spirit of community yours to decide. Holiday gifts universe light up as you give her with the Co-op Mercantile’s giving. These brands contribute can be handwritten, handmade, a new puppet (and then give that One World program. One World to their communities in obvious showcases over 120 and impactful ways, from funding companies who give back schools and protecting orcas to to life-changing initiatives working with reclaimed goods when you purchase their and cutting down on plastic products. These companies waste. are committed to tackling Like Fair Trade, One World is some of the world’s intended to encourage a different problems, and contribute to type of abundance: by highlighting causes you care about such the social responsibility of these as the empowerment companies, we hope to influence of women and girls, the marketplace by encouraging environmental protection, more and more vendors to give clean water rights, and bully back and to inspire you to vote for prevention. All One World good with your dollars. companies meet one or Many of these One World both of these distinctions: gifts are one-of-a-kind and only • Fair Trade Certification. available at the Co-op, which Fair Trade is a global makes Mercantile something like movement made up of a treasure trove and much more a diverse network of exciting than the fluorescent glow producers, companies, of a big box store. There are a few shoppers, advocates, and items though, that you might be organizations putting able to one-click directly to your doorstep, and yes, the pull of Photo by: Matr Boomi people and planet first. convenience is strong, especially when the days are dark and time is short. But as you look ahead to the holidays and the gift-giving season, you as a Co-op shopper already know that where you purchase goods matters, too. A gift from the Co-op gives back in ways an online transaction can’t: a friendly human interaction with our helpful staff and all the warm- fuzzies of intentional gift giving. When the holidays do finally roll around, keep an eye out for our 24 Days of Facebook Giveaways for a chance to win One World products every day before Christmas and a One World in-store giveaway! The list of One World companies, and links to how they give back, can be found on our website: www.skagitfoodcoop.com/shop/ mercantile.

8 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 Dig In to Support Farm Tales of Fair Trade Index to School Programs Recycling

Skagit Valley Food Co-op & National Cooperative Grocers By JoMarie Jensen, As a Skagit Valley Food Co-op shopper, you’ve helped support several Grocery Manager local farm-to-school efforts over the years: Anacortes Middle School Garden In July 2018, we started taking to Kitchen Classes, Clear Lake Elementary Visions Garden, Concrete Farm to 30-gallon bags of shrink wrap and School, Communities in Schools, and Camp Korey Garden Program to name plastic film to Sanitary Services a few. But did you know, when you shop at the Co-op, you’re also advocating Company, Inc. in Bellingham to be for a nationwide farm-to-school movement? recycled as part of our continual Fair Trade USA empowers Your Co-op is part of the National Co+op Grocers (NCG), who earlier this effort to minimize our impact on farmers and workers to fight year donated over $77,000 to the National Farm to School Network (NFSN) the environment. Based on the poverty in ways that to help increase kids’ access to healthy, local food all across the U.S.! Similarly first few months of recycling, improve lives and protect to how shopping at the Co-op can give children a better idea of where their we anticipated recycling 2,000 the environment. food comes from, school gardens are an amazing way to connect kids to gallons of film in one year. That the food they eat and to the community around them. Giving kids hands-on seemed like a lot, but after 6 experience in the garden not only promotes healthy eating, it also increases months, the Produce Department the understanding of classroom science, encourages play, and builds an started bagging up their plastic awareness and appreciation for the natural world. film, too. So in our first year we NCG led the NFSN fundraising effort as part of its annual grocery and recycled over 3,000 gallons of 1.6 wellness conference and tradeshow, Co+nvergence. A leader in U.S. farm to plastic film! MILLION school movement since 2007, NFSN enriches the connection communities I had a funny experience one Number of farmers and workers have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by enhancing food time when I was dropping off the around the world who are part purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education plastic film. A PSE (Puget Sound of the Fair Trade movement settings. The money raised at Co+nvergence will be used to fund NFSN’s Energy) truck was parked in the new equity learning lab, a project aimed at advancing equity within the farm entrance to the SSC, Inc. recycling to school movement. area) to make a quick electrical “Food co-ops believe that everyone should have access to good, healthy repair to one of their lines. I was food and we are excited to support NFSN’s work to impact food access by parked behind their truck waiting $441,000,000 advancing diversity and inclusion within farm to school programs,” said C.E. to get in and the driver told me that Amount Fair Trade producers Pugh, CEO of NCG. “It is an honor to support this important grassroots work.” he would only be a few minutes; have earned since 1998 "NCG and its partners’ generous donation will have a big impact at an I said that was no problem. Then to enable sustainable especially critical time,” said Helen Dombalis, Executive Director of NFSN. I overheard the driver jokingly livelihoods across “Advancing equity has been a core value of NFSN since our founding. In telling some of the SSC, Inc. the globe recent years, on a strategic level, our partners and staff have identified employees that he’d better hurry, advancing racial and social equity as a key priority for the next phase of our because he had a recycler on his organization. This donation will help us train farm to school leaders from ass. I could hear them laughing, across the country to increase their knowledge of equity principles and and I laughed, too. strategies and to ensure we maximize impact towards addressing inequities I’ve been asked by some and injustices in our food system." of our customers where I go to 70 Industry partners joining NCG in the fundraising initiative include United recycle the film so they can also Countries where Fair Trade Natural Foods (UNFI), which contributed $15,000 and Alter Eco, maker take their plastic film there. It’s the products are sourced. of fair trade and organic chocolate you can find in the Co-op, which also Sanitary Services Company office contributed generously to the effort. at 1001 Roeder Ave in Bellingham. “Alter Eco is proud to partner with values driven organizations like NCG They charge by the bag, so I in supporting National Farm to School Network,” said Mike Forbes, CEO at recommend packing the bag as Alter Eco. “It’s critical that our kids understand where their food comes from full as you can when you go. Yeah, and why it matters!” and don’t let anyone get between As a community-owned grocery store, we have the amazing opportunity you and the recycling bin. to protect our food system and planet by connecting our children to real, Coffee is the leading Fair fresh food through education and outreach programs here in Skagit Valley Trade category, with 142 and beyond. So, next time you dig in to a bite of healthy food from the million pounds imported by Co-op, let it be a delicious reminder that together we’re growing healthy the U.S. and Canada in 2016. communities at home and around the country!

$44,000,000 Community development funds earned in 2016 to invest in schools, medical clinics, child care, and other community projects around the world

6,600+ Items in the Co-op that are Fair Trade Certified or made using Fair Trade ingredients

Based on Fair Trade USA’s 2016 Annual Report and Anacortes Middle School Garden to Kitchen Students 2019 SPINS Report.

Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 9 Photos: Courtesy of 4% Friday recipients

4% Friday Community Shopping Day Every time you shop at the Co-op, you help support our local economy and community. 4% Friday is another easy way to do your weekly shopping and contribute to organizations you care about. You shop, and together we give 4% of the Co-op's sales on the 4th Friday of each month to a non-profit community organization. Together we gave: June July August $2,632 $2,490 $2,320 Communities in Million Waves YMCA Oasis Schools Project Teen Shelter

Helping Hands Food Bank October 25

The mission of Helping Hands Food Bank is to nourish the community with kindness and respect with no judgment. The purpose is to fight hunger insecurity in Skagit County. Helping Hands Food Bank had over 16,000 unduplicated clients in 2017 alone. It serves the community through several programs including food distribution, mobile food delivery, and CHOW “Cutting Hunger on the Weekends,” a program that serves children who are on reduced or free school lunches when school is closed. Helping Hands Food Bank will use 4% Friday funds to increase the client load in its Mobile Food Program. Currently, it serves 33 people, but so many more need help. These people are clients who need the food assistance, but are physically incapable of making it into the Food Bank to get services. Instead, Helping Hands Food Bank delivers food to them.

La Leche League November 22

La Leche League USA helps parents, families, and communities to breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies through parent- to-parent support. LLL USA encourages, informs, educates, supports, and promotes the use of human milk and the intimate relationship and development that comes from nursing a child for as long as mutually desired. La Leche League provides support to breastfeeding mothers and their nursing children. It holds monthly support meetings, has an online discussion group, makes presentations, holds playgroups, and answers help calls. La Leche League is made up entirely of unpaid volunteers. Materials are either purchased by leaders or received through donations and fundraisers. 4% Friday funds will be used to pay dues to the greater organization; purchase books, materials, and toys for meetings; pay rental fees for meeting spaces; and save the excess to cover the same recurring costs each year.

Skagit Adult Day Program December 27

It is the mission of Skagit Adult Day Program (SADP) to provide high quality, compassionate care in a safe environment to those who have diagnoses of a dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The activities and social interactions are designed to stimulate cognition, improved or maintain mobility while meetings the social needs of the individuals. SADP provides respite, support, and education to the caregiver. The Skagit Adult Day Program provides homecooked meals at both Bradford House and Gentry House, cooked by its staff. It also provides the same for various support and educational groups for client’s caregivers throughout the region. 4% Friday funds would be used to help sustain these efforts.

10 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 vendor spotlight Photos by: Boldly Grown Farm New & Notable Boldly Grown Farm Hello, fellow Co-op members! This is Amy and by Jenny Sandbo Jacob from Boldly Grown Farm in Burlington. We’ve been supplying tasty, certified organic veggies to the Skagit Valley Food Co-op since we started our farm in 2015. Starting on one acre, we’ve since expanded our production to 12 acres, primarily focusing on fall and winter crops to feed our community through our wet Northwest winters, but our cut flowers and Roma tomatoes are also available at the Co-op in the summer months. We are currently Drinks & Snacks located at Viva Farms, a local farm incubator program, Waterloo Sparkling Water. Let’s start with the nos: no while we look for a farm here in Skagit to call our own. calories, no sugar, no sodium, no caffeine, no GMOs, no BPA. We love selling to grocery stores (and especially our local, hometown Co-op!) because Now for the yeses: bold flavor yes! natural fruit yes! refreshing it’s where most people buy their produce, and we feel like it gives us the greatest chance yes! bubbly yes! Whole 30 approved yes! Waterloo is based to make an impact on our food system. We are certified organic because—although it’s in Austin, Texas where many bold revolutions have taken not a perfect system or guarantee of sustainable practices—we think it’s the best standard root, and we think these guys are going to give LaCroix we’ve currently got, and that it’s important to be part of the organic movement and work some serious competition. A new Co-op favorite, there are toward improvements. lots of excellent flavors, but we especially love watermelon, Winter squash is one of Boldly Grown’s products you’ll see at the Co-op in the fall grape, and grapefruit. We don’t have space for all the flavors and winter months. We grow many varieties, including butternut, delicata, kabocha, red on our shelves so we will have all flavors on display in store kuri, acorn, spaghetti, blue hubbard, carnival, pie pumpkins, and more! while we figure out which are your favorites. Delicata squash is one of our favorites because it tastes great and is just so easy—no peeling required! We love hearty fall and winter salads, and this recipe below features Bob's Red Mill Oat Bars. This employee-owned, Oregon- based natural grain milling company is known around the one of our other favorite veggies—radicchio (look for it at the Co-op now!). world for quality, whole-grain foods, so it’s no surprise We so appreciate the Skagit Valley Food Co-op, and you, for supporting the many fine, that they are mixing up their own batches of hearty local purveyors just like us in Western Washington. Happy eating this fall and winter! whole-grain oat bars. Made with gluten-free, Non-GMO Roasted Squash and Radicchio Salad with Buttermilk Dressing oats, peanut butter, and organic honey, they provide a (adapted from Melissa Clark, New York Times) tasty balance of protein, fat, and high-fiber that fill your belly and level your blood sugar. Satisfying like a cookie, • 2 medium delicata squashes, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut nutritious as a bowl of oatmeal. In the snack bar aisle. into 1/2-inch slices • 1 tablespoon honey • 11/2 teaspoons kosher salt • ¼ teaspoon smoky chile powder, such as New Mexico or chipotle • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil •/ 1 3 cup buttermilk • 2 teaspoons lemon juice • 2 teaspoons finely chopped tarragon • 1 large garlic clove, grated Delicious Dinner Ideas • 2-3 heads radicchio, cored and shredded (8 cups) Kite Hill Dairy Free Ravioli. Soft pillows of pasta filled •/ 2 3 cup chopped toasted pecans with creamy almond milk ricotta. Vegan, soy-free, dairy- •/ 1 3 cup thinly sliced scallions free, and Non-GMO. Kite Hill is one of the innovators in the 1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss squash with honey, 3/4 teaspoon salt, plant-based diet movement, and we are pleased to see chili powder and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast, them expand beyond yogurt. Easy to prepare, just drop tossing occasionally, until tender and golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. in boiling water, wait a few minutes, drain, then top with other stuff you enjoy like sauce, pesto, sautéed veggies, 2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, lemon juice, tarragon, remaining olive oil, and pine nuts. Choose from mushroom ravioli, 3/4 teaspoon salt and the garlic. Whisk in remaining 4 tablespoons (1 cup) oil. spinach ravioli, and original tortellini. In the freezer. 3. In a large bowl, combine radicchio, squash, pecans, and scallions. Toss in buttermilk Capello's Grain Free Pizza. Made with hearty real food dressing; taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. ingredients like almond flour, cage-free eggs, coconut oil, whole milk mozzarella, natural pork sausage, and Note: The original recipe calls for 1 head/4 cups of radicchio and 4 cups arugula, but turkey pepperoni, these tasty pizzas are also gluten- we like the bitter flavor of radicchio on its own. Feel free to swap out or adjust ratios as free, grain-free, soy-free and yeast-free. Crisp crust and desired. It would also be great with some dried cranberries thrown in! a brain-satiating amount of healthy fats and protein. 11 grams of protein per serving. 3 servings per pizza (that’s up for debate). In the freezer.

I Peanut Butter Cups Alden's Organic Ice Cream "Squatch On". I do not like the name, but I looooooove what’s in the pint. Formally known as Sasquatch Tracks, this is Alden’s version of Moose Tracks. Creamy vanilla ice cream, fudgy swirls and salty-sweet peanut butter cups. Ooooooh yeah. In the freezer, of course.

Lily's Sweets Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups, Baking Chocolate, & Chocolate Chips. Fair trade chocolate sweetened with stevia, inulin, and erythritol. We’ve carried Lily’s Chocolate Bars for many years and recently added more varieties. We are very excited to see sugar-free peanut butter cups and expanded options for baking. Cups in the candy aisle. Chips in the baking aisle.

Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 11 12 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 staff profile Cloudy with a Chance of A Brief History of this Much-Beloved Rosemary Meatballs: Round Protein by Sarah Stoner Carter Sing the words, “On top of spaghetti…” to (former) Cashier Manager most any child of North America, and I’ll bet Co-op Employee they can sing the next few lines of the ditty: Since May 2008 On top of spaghetti all covered with cheese I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed By the time this reaches your mailbox, Rosemary will be on her way to the East It rolled off the table, it rolled on the floor Coast, but we wanted to take the time And then my poor meatball rolled out of the door… to thank and recognize her for her hard - 1963 Children’s Song by songwriter Tom Glazer work at the Co-op over the years! When the weather turns, I turn to the kitchen. And what better food for gloomy skies than round balls of meat that might mythically roll off your plate and out the door to grow a giant meatball tree… meatball songs and meatball movies. We Americans dearly love our meatballs! As you might guess, Italian-American immigrants in the United States are to thank for today’s meatballs on top of spaghetti. But make note: U.S. meatballs are completely different than the ones found in Italy. First of all, we roll ‘em big. I’m not sure how our meatballs slowly grew in Italian-American meatballs are much larger than magnitude after landing on our shores – and how they the Italian version, known as polpettes which ended up being served with pasta and red sauce. even sound small. Depending on the region of Maybe these immigrants unknowingly tuned in to a Italy, polpettes can be small as marbles, and ‘food field’ from long ago, where ancient origins of this made with anything from turkey to fish. food were served in simmered sauce. Food historians’ And don’t go looking for meatballs on any best guess is that meatballs were first rolled up in menu in Italy – they are considered a home- Persia as far back as the 4th century, as a dish called cooked food. One more difference: Italian ‘kofta’ (translation: ‘pounded meat’). Kofta today can meatballs are eaten plain or in a light soup broth. be found rolled like a cigar or into tiny balls (much like Serving meatballs with pasta and tomato sauce is the polpettes of Italy). distinctly American. (continued on page 16) Favorite Customer Moment: You know...I like the family feel in our store and how we all share the positive and the negative and get through it Customer Comments all with understanding and patience. I've never worked at a business where Is our bakery’s baguette made of who connect with our mission. It’s inspiring to feel the smiles and hugs are the norm. Thanks to Non-GMO grain? community’s support while also reducing the use of everyone to allowing me to be a part of it. Co-op Response: Great question! We make our single-use shopping bags! This contribution will help breads at CRUST & CRUMBS using Shepherd’s us to continue to offer and expand our range of all-ages What Rosemary Will Miss Most community programming in service to the Forest Lands. Grain. All Shepherd’s Grain flours are Non-GMO About Co-op Customers: Verified. Additionally, each grower is certified by Thank you! Food Alliance™ for sustainability and adheres to Our Co-op customers are unique in strict standards for land improvement and soil Co-op Response: Thank YOU for continuing to protect so many ways. I'll miss seeing folks regeneration. and maintain our forest lands! We are as moved by our who genuinely seek belonging to customers’ commitment to reducing waste and protect- such a wonderful venture as their local Dear Skagit Valley Food Co-op, ing the environment as you are. It’s our great pleasure Co-op. They care about our growth, the Thank you very much for including The Friends (and duty) to offer programs like Tokens for Tomorrow well-being of our staff, and keeping of the ACFL as one of the Tokens for Tomorrow that help empower our shoppers to give back in a mean- the Co-op strong and accountable to Program recipients. We were blown away by ingful way each time they shop at the Co-op. Every bag the environment. And our wonderful the outcome and the generosity of shoppers makes a difference! customers even bring their carts back in the store after loading their cars.

Favorite Item in the Co-op:

Are you kidding!? I've been here 11 years and some of my favorites are: our organic homemade ice cream - coffee flavor! Mineral Fusion makeup in wellness, the beautiful jewelry selection in mercantile, our meat department's sweet Italian sausage - makes a yummy omelet! The gorgeous greens in produce and Iron Horse Beer!!

Outstanding Customer Service Celebration (a shout-out from a shopper):

Good day, bad day she goes out of her way to help!

Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 13 (continued from page 1) The Benefits of FairTrade ORGANIC PRODUCE Banana Farming ∙ Non-organic Brussels sprout trees — from Pioneer Potatoes ∙ Assorted varieties of garlic — from Oroville Farm looked like on the ground. Fair Trade encourages minimal ∙ Chard, assorted bell peppers, assorted chili peppers, yellow and red onions, use of dangerous agricultural chemicals as well as the pink and red shallots, beets, winter squash, Jack-o-lantern pumpkins development of alternatives. A cooperative of smaller — from Hedlin Family Farm Fair Trade farms decided that research and development ∙ Purple cabbage, green and red dandelion, bunched, bagged, and bulk of biofermentation, a process developed in Japan, was a carrots, kale, leeks, bunched spinach, parsnips — from Ralph's Greenhouse promising use of Fair Trade funds: biological products like ∙ Turnips, green tomatoes, assorted winter squash, bunched and bulk beets, chili peppers, garlic, seaweed, vinegar, sulfur, seawater, and salad greens — from Well Fed Farm annatto are fermented with bacteria from local mountains. ∙ Gala apples, early Fujis, Honeycrisp apples, Pinova apples, Granny Smith They developed two mixtures, one for use as a fertilizer, apples, red and green D'anjou pears — from Brownfield Orchard and one for use as a natural pesticide. The farms found that ∙ Assorted eggplant, assorted melons, Seckle pears — from Edible Acres not only did both products work better than they’d hoped, ∙ Taylor's Gold Comice pears — from Gary Moulton but the pesticide was effective against fungal infections ∙ Sunflower sprouts, Brussels sprouts, tomatillos, bunched purple daikon plaguing the banana trees. The cooperative decided radish, bulk white daikon radish, Padron peppers, Shishito peppers, to fund a fairly large-scale biofermentation plant and is Hungarian hot wax peppers, celery root, bulk turnips, assorted winter squash, sharing its products and knowledge with fellow farmers. squash ground cherries (AKA cape gooseberries) — from Moondance Farm I was able to visit several schools and projects funded ∙ Garlic, broccoli, radicchio, assorted herbs — from The Crows Farm partially or entirely by the Fair Trade premium. There is a ∙ Green onions, beets, fennel, potatoes, kale, Brussels sprouts center for developmentally disabled children and adults. — from The Highwater Farms The families of the adults pay a small attendance fee, but ∙ Red Russian garlic, broccoli, Hot Banana peppers, Pascilla peppers, Guajillo there are scholarships available to ensure they can. The peppers, globe eggplant, Napa cabbage, radicchio, gourds, mini pumpkins, center provides safety, social interaction, vocational and life cauliflower, winter squash— from Boldly Grown Farm skills, and an opportunity for play that many of the individuals ∙ Garlic, winter squash — from Blue Heron Farm otherwise lack; most of the people at the center would have been kept locked at home most of the time for their own ∙ Shiitakes, oyster and shiitake kits, dried reishi, petite shiitakes — from Cascadia Mushrooms ∙ Gallon, half gallon, and pint cider — from Cedardale Orchards ∙ Pea shoots, spicy mix microgreens, mild mix microgreens — from Dahlia Depot ∙ Dragon mix microgreens, broccoli microgreens, fava shoots, Napa cabbage microgreens — from Tops and Bottoms Farm ∙ Quince, Karmijn de Sonneville apples — from Willowrose Bay ∙ 1lb cubed Sugar Hubbard squash — from Sherman's Pioneer Farm

managers, owners, husbands, wives, and children, as they told me what they’d been able to accomplish and what they were going to accomplish. Any worker or farmer in a co-op can suggest projects that should be researched and funded. Bridges are being built, solar generating systems installed in villages with no paved roads, community distribution centers that double as community centers are being established. When there’s a disaster, Fair Trade Produce Ben making friends with a student at one of the organizations can immediately Fair Trade school visits in Colombia. pull funds to help. Farmers who safety. The center also has a state-of-the-art commercial have slaved away for others for bakery, a new shipment of computers, art supplies, and most of their lives can purchase large grounds with gardens and space to run and ride bikes. their own land and not only I also visited two elementary schools funded by the Fair make a fair wage, but have Trade premium, one of which had nearby low-cost housing a voice in their community. also built with Fair Trade contributions. Employees and You can help continue these their families were able to take very low interest loans to efforts by purchasing Fair Trade purchase their own houses within walking distance of the Certified food. school, and as they repaid the loans they were able to expand the houses by building additional stories onto them. The schools provide education to children who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. There is also a music and dance school funded jointly by Fair Trade and the Japanese consulate. I met young athletes, musicians, dancers, and scholars who would never have been able to find or afford the facilities available without the Fair Trade system, and these athletes, scholars, and performers are making good on their gifts. Children from small, poor villages are able to compete and win medals on a national and international level, towns where kids frequently turned to crime and drugs because of a lack of options. I drank many small cups of hot, sweet, cinnamon-flavored coffee with impassioned farmers, workers,

14 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 Classifieds Dependable House & Dogsitter Available any time. Call Marlee Mountain: 360-317-3353

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Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019 15 (continued from page 13) oil in a bowl. Add the scallions and set aside. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 4. Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Stir the sauce, then drizzle the meatballs with a like a meat cookie. Makes sense little of the sauce. Serve the meatballs with the that cultures around the world love remaining sauce on the side. their meatballs. Two of our family’s favorite Moroccan Kefta (Meatballs) recipes are included here, one Serve kefta with triangle-shaped slices of from my life as a mom and one Moroccan bread. This dish is also traditionally from my childhood. Another recent served with several soft-fried eggs laid gently over favorite can be found with a quick the meatballs. For a true Moroccan experience, internet search for ‘One-pan ginger serve this dish in a tagine platter—eat sitting in a chicken meatballs in peanut sauce.’ circle on the floor, around a low table. Be warned: it’s not particularly kid friendly - unless you remove the Meatballs: spice or their palates are advanced/ • 1 onion conditioned enough to appreciate • 5 green onions (tops only) the diced jalapeños in the meatballs • 2 eggs and the sriracha in the sauce. This • 3 tsp. salt dish is comfort food with a kick. • 3 lbs. ground chuck (lean, coarsely ground) Asian Turkey Meatballs with • 1 cup parsley Lime Sesame Dipping Sauce • 2 tsp. white pepper A kid and parent favorite in • 1/3 cup water our house. We’re all about the Sauce: Did you grow up eating meatballs? My family sesame-lime dipping sauce tang plus that ginger may not have Italian ancestry to claim, but I meatball bang. Four servings (12 meatballs, roll • 30 oz. tomato sauce can tell you this: there sure is an unmistakable em big): • 1 stick butter (sub. 3-5 tbsp. olive oil, delight burned into my kid memory, the delight if preferred • 1 cup panko crumbs of biting into round balls of meat. • 1/2 tsp. black pepper • 11 lbs 93% lean ground turkey As an American who lived in Morocco as a • 1/2 tsp. salt child, I’ve gobbled up my fair share of kofta. And • 1 large egg one bite can tell you everything you need to know. • 1 tbsp. ginger, minced 1. Grate the onion on a cheese grater, finely The decadent yet simple red sauce, shimmering • 1 clove garlic, minced chop parsley, chop green onion tops, and press with just the right amount of fat, moves your taste the garlic. Mix together with the ground chuck in • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt buds back in time along the trade routes through a large bowl. • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro Greece, North Africa, and Spain. 2. Make a well in the center of the meat mixture. • 3 scallions, chopped “Perhaps pinpointing the exact origin of the Add the eggs, white pepper, salt and water. • 1 tbsp. soy sauce of Bragg's meatball is less significant than acknowledging its Knead like bread with hands until well mixed. Set global popularity,” says an article from The Atlantic, • 2 tsp. sesame oil aside for one hour or for as long as overnight in ‘A Food That Transcends Culture: The History of the refrigerator. the Meatball.’ Nearly every major culture has its For the Dipping Sauce: 3. In a large stock pot, add tomato sauce, butter, own version of the meatball: Spanish albondigas, • 3 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce Danish frikadellar, Dutch bitterballen, Chinese black pepper and salt. Stir. Bring to a boil. Simmer • 11/2 tsp. sesame oil lion’s head, Vietnamese bo vien found in pho or without stirring for 15 minutes. • 11/2 tbsp. fresh lime juice fried up at a street stall. And kofta is served up 4. Roll meat mixture in the palm of your hands into everywhere from Morocco to India. • 11/2 tbsp. water small balls, about the size of a U.S. quarter. The Turns out, meatballs can be made with just • 1 tbsp. water chopped fresh scallion balls should be fairly compressed. Add to sauce about any meat – fish, pork, beef, ostrich, chicken, one by one as you make them. Do not swirl, stir, Preheat oven to 500°F. you name it – combined with spices, fillers like or shake pan to make more space for meatballs. bread or rice, and maybe egg. Cultures used what 1. In a large bowl combine the ground turkey, 5. Simmer for 30 minutes—covered if you want to meat was in abundance: China’s abundance of panko, egg, salt, scallions, garlic, ginger, cilantro, have lots of sauce, uncovered if you don’t. pork meant plenty of pork meatballs while early 1 tbsp of the soy sauce and 2 tsp sesame oil. 6. Serve on a tagine-style platter if you are lucky Roman eaters rolled up peacock, pheasant, and Gently mix with your hands until combined well. rabbit meatballs. Cheap cuts of meat (or scrap enough to have one, or borrow one from a friend. leftovers before meat grinders came on the scene) 2. Shape meatballs 1 cup in size and transfer to Sarah Stoner grew up in Uganda, Morocco, can be transformed into something delicious. a baking sheet. Bake until cooked through and Belgium, and Thailand and lived in the U.S. for the Across the world, meatballs vary widely while browned, about 15 to 18 minutes. first time at age 18. Catch her rolling along in the

they all share one feature: they are easy to eat. Food 3. For the dipping sauce: mix the lime juice, Skagit or at [email protected]. that you can pick up and pop into your mouth? It’s water, soy sauce, and remaining 2 teaspoons of 

16 Skagit Valley Food Co-op • The Natural Enquirer • October - December 2019