October 2016
On Saturday, October 8 from 2-5pm the Medford Food Co-op is throwing itself a 5-year anniversary party. There will be music from Blades of Grass, family-friendly activities, and samples from some of their favorite vendors. The event is free and open to the public.
The Co-op actually first incorporated in 2006, and thanks to the perseverance of leaders within the local cooperative community, the second effort to open a store was a success. By August of 2010, the fundraising goals were surpassed through co-op member-generated loans, and in August 2011, Medford’s only community-owned grocery store dedicated to organic and natural products opened its doors.
“The co-op exists today because the community asked for the co-op,” said Halle Riddlebarger, Marketing Manager. “The community worked hard to make the co-op a reality, and the community continues to support the co-op each time a new owner buys a share or customers vote with their dollars by shopping here. We are here to serve the community, and we would not be here without it.”
There are over 3,000 households that make up the Co-op. “Co-op owners come from all different backgrounds – which is one of the exciting things about co-ops and community ownership,” Halle continued. “Ownership is voluntary and open to any individual or household group, and ownership is rewarding – with owner-only coupons, voting rights, and so much more. New owners who join during our October Owner Drive will receive extra incentives, like the chance to win a gift basket full of goodies!”
That said, everyone is welcome to shop at the co-op, and ownership is optional.
The Co-op features organic produce from local farmers whenever possible, and a variety of local and regional products from bulk goods to beer and wine. They offer affordable, everyday low prices on organic and natural products in their Co+op Basics program, as well as weekly Fresh Deals specials and bimonthly Co+op Deals for even greater savings.
They also have an excellent selection of bulk goods and spices; sustainably raised meats; gourmet cheeses; natural, organic, vegetarian/vegan, and gluten-free grocery selections; as well as house-made sandwiches, soups, salads; and fine wines, beers and ciders.
“We are currently designing a café for the long building alongside the parking lot,” Halle said. “In addition to sandwiches, wraps, and hot soup, the café will also offer a salad bar and hot food bar.
“We also collaborate with others in our local food system through participation in the Rogue Valley Food System Network and THRIVE (The Rogue Initiative for a Vital Economy). In addition to their support for local and regional food producers, they also give back to our community through monetary and in-kind donations to non-profit organizations and events promoting local, organic food, food related issues, or community health concerns.
“Last year we worked with over a hundred local vendors and food producers and we donated over $3,000 to community organizations. Our impact on the community will continue to grow along with the success of the co-op.”
Their friendly, knowledgeable staff is available daily from 8am to 8pm and is happy to assist with your food and health-related questions. The Medford Food Co-op is located at 945 South Riverside Avenue in Medford. Call 541-779-2667 for more information.
