June 2016 Newsletter

Co-op News June 2016

Changing seasons...
by Brad Salmon

It seems like just a couple of weeks ago I was wearing a sweater to work and all of a sudden I am having to water outdoor plants daily to keep them from looking quite sad. During this time, we have also experienced environmental changes at the co-op. Since last July our prepared foods department has been experiencing significant growth under the leadership of Deli Manager, Heather Schroeder. The reset that involved moving the baked goods into the case directly in front of the sandwich station plus moving the packaged food into the upright cooler across the aisle accelerated that growth. We found that our existing systems & procedures were no longer adequate for keeping up with the increased sales of those products.

At the same time, we were able to add even more talented cooks to our staff which has resulted in hot food sales increases due to the delicious new creations. To help us to take the deli to the next level we have to revamp our operations. Part of these changes include major schedule adjustments for our staff. Our new schedule has resulted in changes at the manager position. Heather has returned to her previous schedule as night baker, and Assistant Manager Stephanie Lewis has agreed to take on the lead role as Deli Manager. I am in Heather’s debt for her hard work and leadership in guiding prepared foods operations that have helped the co-op to continue its development.

And I too find that it is time for a significant change regarding my role within the cooperative. Since my arrival in late July we have been doing what I call foundation building. We have revamped all of our accounting, purchasing, front end, deli and cash management systems. We have a solid foundation in place upon which to take the next steps. The major portion of the work that I came here to do has been completed and my role has now shifted into one of mentoring the staff. The co-op has this opportunity to grow from within, we have a very competent and talented staff in place to oversee daily operations and I have phased back my role to part-time status. I have very much enjoyed working with the staff and board as we went through our construction phase and I look forward to further help with the development of this young cooperative.

Who Owns It?

We received several comments on this chart when we published the link last month so here it is again in case you missed it!

Here is a link to a chart that shows the results of decades of acquisitions of organic food manufacturers by conventional behemoths.

http://www.cornucopia.org/who-owns-organic/

Greetings from the Deli

As summer is fast approaching, remember to pick up our delicious prepared salads for your cook out or picnic. We have a new, fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad or a light and tasty Turkish Garbanzo Bean Salad that would be a perfect dish to pass around at your next pot-luck. If you don’t have time to mix it yourself, just call us at least 24 hours ahead of time, and we will be happy to prepare a special order just for you!
Thanks!
Your friendly Deli team!

Notes from the Front End...

June Newsletter

Notes from the Front End…
With longer and busier days here at the Co-Op we are once again looking to fill a part-time cashier position. The position requires availability on evenings and weekends up to 24 hours per week.
Please come by the store to pick up an application.
Thank you.

Vermont Act 120

Vermont’s new GMO labeling law takes effect in July. The first law of its kind, Act 120 requires that products made with GMOs using genetically modified ingredients must state “produced with genetic engineering” on packaging.

For years, shoppers have been demanding GMO transparency. In a 2015 ABC News survey, 93% of Americans stated they wanted GMOs to be labeled. According to CBAN, more than 80% of Canadians support GMO labeling. ABC reported 57% of those surveyed stated they would be less likely to purchase products that were genetically engineered. Fifty-two percent believed GE foods are unsafe, and 13% were unsure. This concern over GMOs crosses borders, political parties, and demographics.

The Non-GMO Project is approved “to verify that a food has not been produced with genetic engineering” under Vermont Act 120. To learn more about the Vermont labeling requirements, review these FAQs .

Another interesting GMO article from the Huffington Post....

Produce Notes

Hello from the produce department!

Summer might not be here quite yet, but with the weather heating up a great way to cool down is a berry smoothie. We have organic blackberries, strawberries, and bulk blueberries all from local farm, Papa Hanks. A great way to add hydration to your summer meals is salad, featuring the salad mixes we have from Mama Earth Farm. We also have organic, non-gmo corn; perfect for your summer BBQs! So, come check out our vibrant array of local, organic produce at competitive prices.

In addition, we are looking for a part-time employee for the produce team. Serious applicants only. Please come in and fill out an application.

Thank you,

Your Cooperative Produce Team