Community Food Co-op

Vote NO on Initiative 2117. I-2117 is a proposal to repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act, which funds crucial environmental and community programs across our state. At Community Food Co-op, we're deeply concerned about I-2117's impact on our local ecosystems and salmon populations: • It would cut funding for seven fish barrier removal projects right here in Whatcom and Skagit counties, directly impacting our local waterways. • It would eliminate $11 million in funding for programs that incentivize farmers to plant native vegetation along salmon-spawning streams, crucial for keeping water clean and at ideal temperatures for salmon. • It threatens over $216 million in future funding for removing barriers that impede salmon and steelhead migration, vital for maintaining healthy fish populations. • It ends funding for restoring Fisher Creek in Skagit County, a project important for local salmon habitat. These cuts directly conflict with our commitment to supporting strong local food systems and environmental stewardship. Healthy salmon populations are essential for our ecosystem, economy, and cultural heritage. Make your voice heard! Register to vote at votewa.gov. Ballots go out October 18, and the voting deadline is November 5. Together, we can protect our rivers, our salmon, and our future. #VoteNoOn2117 #HealthyCommunityMatters

Our new 2024-2028 strategic plan is not just a document. It is our north star, shaping every decision we make, from the products on our shelves to how we support our staff and community. This plan isn't created in a vacuum. It's born from conversations with you, our members, and reflects the hopes and needs of our diverse Bellingham community. It ensures we stay true to our cooperative roots while adapting to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Dive deeper into how we're building a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable Bellingham here: https://lnkd.in/gzdsA7da #FoodCoop #BellinghamWA #LocalFood #Sustainability #HealthyLiving #CommunityOwned

Vote NO on Initiative 2117. I-2117 is a proposal to repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act, which funds crucial environmental and community programs across our state. At Community Food Co-op, we're deeply concerned about I-2117's impact on air quality and pollution in our community: It would cut nearly $30 million from wildfire prevention programs, leaving our forests and communities more vulnerable to catastrophic fires. Over 1 million Washingtonians living in high-pollution areas would lose air quality monitoring, eliminating crucial health warnings on bad air days. It would cut funding for modernizing school buildings, including updates to ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems, directly impacting air quality for students and staff. Critical investments in public transit, walking, and biking infrastructure would be cut, reducing affordable and environmentally friendly transportation options for all. These cuts directly conflict with our commitment to community health, education, and accessibility. Clean air and sustainable transportation are essential for a thriving, connected community. Make your voice heard! Register to vote at votewa.gov (find the link in our bio). Ballots go out October 18, and the voting deadline is November 5. Together, we can protect our community's health, mobility, and future. #VoteNoOn2117 #HealthyCommunityMatters

There are less than two weeks left to apply for our 2025 Community Shopping Days (CSD) program! Through the CSD program, the Co-op donates 2% of sales to a local community organization on the third Saturday of each month. If you or someone you know works for a nonprofit or cooperative organization within Bellingham and Whatcom County, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be submitted via the form on our website by Friday, August 30. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/g3QdW3GV.

When you purchase Equal Exchange organic avocados from the Co-op, you make a difference! During the 2023-2024 avocado season, our customers purchased 28,514 avocados, which resulted in $21,127 being paid directly to small-scale farmers in Michoacán, Mexico. Additional dollars went toward providing necessary supplies to local homes and childcare centers, and supporting projects to generate organic soil inputs. Thanks for your support!

Are you a nonprofit or cooperative organization working in Bellingham or Whatcom County? Apply to our 2025 Community Shopping Days (CSD) program! On the third Saturday of each month, the Co-op donates 2% of sales to a local community organization. In 2023, we donated $29,610 to CSD recipients! We’re now accepting applications for 2025. All applications must be submitted via the form on our website by Friday, August 30. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/g3QdW3GV. #FoodCoop #SupportLocal #CommunitySupport #WhatcomCounty

This month’s Community Shopping Day recipient is Ferndale Community Services! There are two ways to support their cause this month: 2% Saturdays: Shop the third Saturday of the month, July 20. The Co-op donates 2% of total sales from this day to the organization. Donate the Difference: Round up your purchase at the register on any day and 100% of your donation is given directly to that month’s Community Shopping Day recipient. Stock up on groceries, wellness products, or anything else from the Co-op, while helping @ferndalecommunityservices fund their community gardens. Learn more about Community Shopping Days: https://lnkd.in/gYP4WDX2

Join us at the Pride IN Bellingham Parade this Sunday, July 7. We’ll be handing out candy and other goodies — just look for the fruit costumes! The parade starts at Waypoint Park at 11am and ends at Depot Market Square for the annual pride festival. We hope to see you there!

Meet Joe Hill, Downtown Assistant Kitchen Manager! His Co-op experience: Joe began at the Co-op 20 years ago, serving salads and drinks in the Co-op deli. He instantly fell in love with the culture of both employees and customers. Over time he’s created bonds as strong as family. “The overall level of compassion and care among both upper management and staff here is amazing,” he said. “If you want it to be, it can really be like a family. It’s gratifying beyond just earning a living, we’re building community.” The people may be the biggest highlight of working at the Co-op, but it isn’t the only one. Joe loves the creativity of working in the kitchen. “Food is beautiful, sacred,” Joe said. “We have an opportunity to take raw ingredients and turn them into something delicious. The food becomes a part of people’s bodies. Giving people good, healthy food is very rewarding.” If you’re a frequent customer of our deli, you’ve likely tried a recipe or two made by Joe! Have you tried our Vietnamese BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs? They’re an easy dinner staple, introduced to the Co-op by Joe. His recommendation: Joe loves our specialty cheese department! One of his favorites is Fromage d’Affinois French Brie. He pairs it with quince jam and a warm baguette. “It’s like butter from heaven.” #FoodCoop #SupportLocal #EmployeeHighlight

We’re seeking a Copywriter to join the Co-op’s Marketing & Outreach team! Craft compelling copy for digital and print advertising, email, social media, website and other marketing materials. Our ideal candidate has a passion for food and is willing to jump in and figure out the creative writing challenge at hand. View the full job description and apply at https://lnkd.in/gFs_wepR. #FoodCoop #CopywritingJobs #WritingJobs #GroceryIndustry #Hiring #Copywriting #WhatcomCounty