Bright Times!

You’ve probably noticed that the Co-op looks a little different lately. No, we didn’t remodel the store(that’s coming next month). Instead, everything in the Co-op is a little brighter. It’s not just our sunny dispositions illuminating your life—we upgraded the store’s lighting! Not only can you better see every delicate spike on the rambutan, but the Co-op is saving a bunch of energy!

We partnered with PG&E on an “Energy Upgrade” for the store, replacing all our existing light fixtures with new, more efficient LED lighting.  We are projecting that the Co-op will use 49% less energy on lighting thanks to these upgrades! We are so excited that PG&E offered us a 0% loan to make such a major cut in our kilowatt hours consumption. The next time you’re in the Co-op, notice the new light fixtures—they’re saving money, reducing energy consumption, and shining bright!

Holiday Turkeys at the Co-op, 2023

The Co-op is pleased to announce that we will have an abundance of Diestel Family Ranch turkeys available for purchase for the holidays. CNFC has partnered with Diestel as our turkey provider for many years because they share our passion for sustainable agriculture and high standards of animal welfare. Learn more about these turkeys below, and don’t forget about our great turkey special this year: spend $175 or more in a single transaction between 11/13 - 11/23, and save 50% off your turkey!

We will be carrying three varieties of Diestel turkeys this year:

Non-GMO Whole Turkeys: $3.99/lb

Diestel’s classic, delicious, slow-raised turkey, raised on an entirely Non-GMO diet. It’s Non-GMO certified, so you don’t have to worry! Save an extra 50% on your Non-GMO certified turkey when you spend $175 or more at the Co-op!

ORGANIC HEIDI’S HENS: $4.99/LB

Treat yourself and your family to a humanely raised, organic turkey this year. The Heidi’s Hens line of turkeys from Diestel is USDA certified organic as well as Non-GMO project verified.  They are the popular Broad Breasted White turkeys, which guarantee ample amounts of white meat. Spend $175 at the Co-op, and get your Organic Turkey for half off—the best deal in town!

ORGANIC AMERICAN HEIRLOOM: $5.29/LB

Heirloom turkeys are prized by chefs around the world for their superior flavor. Diestel raises a mix of Auburn, Black, and American Bronze Turkey breeds. These breeds predate the Broad Breasted White which currently dominates the market. They grow slower, allowing them time to pack on the fat that enriches their flavor. Diestel’s Heirloom turkeys are also USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO project verified! This is a previously frozen bird. And don’t forget—you can save half on this turkey if you spend $175 or more at the Co-op!

WE BEGIN TAKING RESERVATIONS ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH 
CALL (530) 891-1713 or come in the store to place your turkey order.

No deposit is necessary at the time of ordering.

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Roasting intructions from Diestel Family Turkey Ranch: 
http://diestelturkey.com/roasting-instructions/

You Read What?

I bet we have all used the big grey recycled and recyclable bags that we are offered at the Co-op registers. My tofu-making friend had one years ago that he would actually get stickers from the cashiers to stick on the little squares to show how many times he used the bag. His bag was almost fully stickered, tattered and taped.

 The other day I decided to read my bag, which I had never done. I usually read every label that comes my way, ever since I was a kid practicing reading on cereal boxes.

 The grey bag is GREAT reading. Read it.

 Really. Every word. Don't skim. It is charming, informative and funny. My biggest surprise treat was finding out where they are made! I am definitely not giving that fact away here. Happily they still offer the bags at the register and I bet many of you have some at home, so you have a chance to find out all there is to learn on those bags.

 I wonder if they still have the stickers.

  Kathy Faith

Chico Natural Foods Board of Director

A work of art by the author

Justice For Farmers!

I just read some great news recently from NCBA CLUSA (National Cooperative Business Association). It's the kind of news that doesn't get reported in the wider world too often. 

The USDA is now accepting applications for $2.2 billion in financial assistance for farmers who can show they were discriminated against in the USDA farm lending programs. The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) is open to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. 

The free application process needs to show that the basis for the discrimination was due to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, retaliation for prior civil rights activity, etc. I imagine proving the basis for the discrimination might be challenging, so the USDA is providing free technical support throughout the DFAP process by partnering with cooperative organizations and coalitions that have experience with outreach to farm organizations. This means that a lawyer or legal services are not required to apply.

These groups appear to exist to harvest the power of the collective over individuals struggling on their own.  They include AgrAbility, the Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Federation of Southern Cooperatives,Intertribal Agriculture Council, Land Loss Prevention Project, National Young Farmers Coalition, and Rural Coalition.

The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2023 which is not that far away. For more information, visit 22007apply.gov or contact a designated cooperator listed above, such as the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/land assistance fund.

—Kathy Faith, Board President

The Board President loves trees.

International Day of Cooperatives!

Did you know that the first Saturday of July is International Day of Cooperatives?  It serves as a GLOBAL platform to recognize and celebrate the impacts of cooperatives on millions of people's lives.

“Cooperators around the world will unite under the theme ‘Cooperatives for Sustainable Development’. Rooted in our shared values and principles, co-ops are hardwired to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which range from gender equity and reduced inequality to climate action and affordable clean energy.”    

-Yaneidy Lora (NCBA-CLUSA and International Cooperative Alliance)

It's awesome, isn't it? We are a part of this. Be curious.  Be proud. Shop CO-OP!

-Kathy Faith
CNFC Board of Directors

Let's Go To Chico!

I am very pleased to have been recently initiated to the Chico Natural Foods Cooperative Board of Directors. I relocated to Chico in 2014 with my husband, Mitch, from the Hilo side of the Big Island where, as a registered architect, I had maintained a small but lucrative architectural office in the city of Hilo since 1998.

I met Mitch in Hawaii shortly after he moved there from Chico in 1999. Working in construction and playing music while attending the Music Department at Chico State, Mitch had forged and maintained many connections and had always spoken so highly of his many friends and experiences here over the 15 years he had lived here. So, when we had decided to return to California to be closer to family, Chico was a great choice for both of us. We feel quite blessed to be a part of this amazing community.

As we began to settle in, I started looking for opportunities to become involved with something meaningful here. There are so many wonderful organizations. It was during the latest Member-Owner Appreciation Day that I spoke at some length with current Co-op board president and members and was told about an opening on the board. I have been supporting local natural food stores my entire adult life, so naturally I joined the Co-op as soon as we landed. I am a huge fan of the store and all those who have made it what it is today. I see the Co-op as a major hub of the greater Chico community and I am excited to be a part of its continued development.

-Valerie Simpson
CNFC Board of Directors