Your co-op, November 2008

This article was originally published in November 2008

Talk to the board

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In the first Talk to the Board event at the new Edmonds store, trustee Buzz Hofford (l) met members, shoppers and staff, including cashier Shawn Holifield.

The board members have decided to continue their monthly member outreach. Kelly Horton, member relations committee chair, observes, “This program gives the trustees a chance to meet members, staff and shoppers in a comfortable, informal setting. The practice of posting a question for each visit helps us get feedback from members on a topic of ongoing board discussion.”

Over the next two visits, we’ll ask members:

Share why you think social responsibility is an important value for our co-op? What does it mean to you?

This also is the question discussed at the fall member meeting during dinner. Would you like to weigh in on this question? Please stop by one of these store visits or email us directly at
board@pccmarkets.com
You also may write us at the co-op office on this or any topic.

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Also visiting Edmonds PCC was trustee Julianne Lamsek, shown here talking with a shopper.

Upcoming “Talk to the board” dates

  • Saturday, November 15, 12 to 2 p.m.
    PCC View Ridge
  • Saturday, December 13, 2 to 4 p.m.
    PCC Fremont

Board meeting report

At its September 30 meeting, the board discussed the recruiting and nominating process that produces candidates for board election. The nominating committee reported that it will screen the applications submitted by the November 4 deadline and will begin interviews in early December.

The board also discussed plans for the October 28 member meeting. We’ll report on this member meeting in the December issue and on the Web site by November 12. The reports will include photos.

Next board meeting

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be Tuesday, November 25 at 5 p.m. at the co-op office. Member comment period is at 7 p.m.

Running to save farmland

Greenlake PCC staff member Nil Tilija will be running the 2008 Seattle Marathon to help raise money for the PCC Farmland Trust. Thank you, Nil, for your 26.2 miles of dedication to saving local, organic farms. 

To support Nil on his run, drop your donation in the jars at Greenlake PCC or visit PCC Farmland Trust’s calendar. All proceeds will benefit the PCC Farmland Trust’s future farm fund.

Advocating sustainable public policies

From time to time, PCC Natural Markets engages in advocating policies that support sustainable food and agricultural systems. Here are some of our recent activities:

  • Drafted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), explaining why its proposed “naturally raised” label would be deficient and misleading.
  • Supported efforts before the Pierce County Conservation District for a USDA Mobile Meat Processing Unit to support ranchers in the south Puget Sound area.
  • Signed on to a letter to the Health Subcommittee of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, advocating a phase-out of nontherapeutic antibiotics for livestock.
  • Drafted a letter to the Food and Drug Administration opposing the proposed final rule approving irradiation for fresh spinach and lettuce.
  • Supported a lawsuit filed by 15 California almond growers and sellers to overturn a year-old law requiring domestic almonds to be sterilized/pasteurized.
  • Submitted a declaration requested by the Organic Seed Alliance and the Center for Food Safety on the potential impact of genetically modified sugar beets to PCC products and customers.

Also in this issue

News bites, November 2008

Co-ops raise $30,000 for flooded farmers; The origins of Thanksgiving; American Thanksgiving; and more

Organic and sustainable: simple words, complex ideas

As encroaching development converts more of Washington’s farmland into houses and shopping malls, we at the PCC Farmland Trust strive to preserve farms for future generations. What exactly do we mean when we use the words organic and sustainable?

Insights by Goldie: Genetically engineered animals and drugs in food supply?

Election jitters and economic earthquakes have left many of us drained, begging for a break, ready for some time with family and friends during the holiday season. We recoil at having to face more malicious governmental mischief, yet to ignore what’s unfolding now is most unwise.