Your co-op community, August 2015

This article was originally published in August 2015

Food bank packaging work parties

Help our partnering food banks by donating your time to pack our bulk foods into family-sized portions. Join us:

Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30 p.m.,
Redmond Hopelink Food Bank

Monday, August 10 at 7 p.m.,
West Seattle Food Bank

Wednesday, August 19 at 7 p.m.,
Greenwood Food Bank

Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m.,
Chicken Soup Brigade Food Bank

For more information, including addresses and future dates, see pccmarkets.com/foodbank.


Subaru Kids Obstacle Challenge

Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(check-in is at 9:30 a.m.)
Marymoor Park in Redmond

PCC Healthy Kids encourages you to try this challenge designed for kids! It’s a great way to have fun and get fit at the same time. The Kids Obstacle Challenge was inspired by all the “grown up” mud runs taking storm around the nation but designed for kids ages 5 to 16. They like to play in the mud, too! Parents are encouraged to take part (at no extra cost) in the adventure and make it a family affair. The PCC TasteMobile will be there and PCC is also the official fruit sponsor. For registration and other information visit kidsobstaclechallenge.com.


Lynne Vea at Farestart Guest Chef Night

Thursday, August 13,
7th and Virginia, Seattle

People helping people make great food and build better lives. What’s not to like? Take part at FareStart’s Guest Chef Night featuring PCC chef Lynne Vea, celebrating students graduating from the 16-week culinary training and job-placement program. Come early (5 to 6 p.m.) to meet Cate Hardy, PCC CEO and FareStart board member, and stay to enjoy a three-course dinner provided by PCC in support of FareStart training programs. Dinner reservations required. Cost per person is $29.95. For more information and to book a table go to www.opentable.com/farestart.


Windermere Summer Splash at Green Lake

Saturday, August 15,
Green Lake (southwest corner of the lake, boathouse, parking lot)

In partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, Windermere is hosting this free, day-long event featuring a Corporate Cup Regatta at noon with some iconic Seattle companies facing off while supporting low-income youth boating programs. Other highlights include food vendors, live entertainment, giveaways, and a host of kid-friendly activities. If you’re game, you and your kids can try your hand at rowing, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Come cheer on the PCC rowing team and stop by the PCC tent so the kids can build their own trail mix. For more info visit WindermereSummerSplash.com.


Rainier Valley Heritage Parade and Festival

Saturday, August 15
Rainier Avenue, Columbia City in Seattle

The Heritage Parade is from noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by the Heritage Festival until 4:30 p.m. Join in the family-friendly fun with live music, a pie-eating contest, backyard games, police picnic, Bikecitment and much more! The TasteMobile will hand out treats along the parade route, running along Rainier Avenue South from South Brandon Street to South Alaska Street in Seattle. The TasteMobile also will be in the festival immediately following the parade. Come find us next to the newest PCC on Edmunds Street. Find more information at www. facebook.com/RainierValleyHeritageParade.


Summer food drive

August 1 through 31

PCC is collecting contributions for our 12 local food bank partners during the month of August. Cash donations will be used to purchase healthy bulk foods at wholesale prices. To make a donation, visit your local PCC and look for our donation cards near our registers, choose your donation amount and have a cashier ring you up. Learn more at pccmarkets.com/foodbank.


Blood drive

Thursday, August 20
Fremont PCC, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
View Ridge PCC, 3 to 6 p.m.

Did you know that about one in seven people entering a hospital need blood? Help your local community by donating blood to Bloodworks Northwest at the PCC locations listed above.

Walk-ins are welcome. Remember to bring your ID.


Big Truck Day

Friday, August 21, noon to 3 p.m.
Ferril McWhirter Park
19545 Redmond Rd., Redmond

Kids can learn about dump trucks, backhoes, concrete mixers and other large vehicles found in the community at this event. The TasteMobile will be there with all the other cool trucks! $15 per child, one parent free for up to two kids. Register in advance at redmond.gov.


Seattle Marathon 10K race and kids fun-run

Saturday, August 22, 8 a.m.
Gas Works Park

This year’s summer 10K race will start and end at Gas Works Park and will use Ballard and Wallingford streets, as well as the Burke-Gilman Trail. You’ll love this beautiful and iconic location and neighborhood route. This is a dog-friendly and stroller-friendly event! For more info, see seattlemarathon.org/seattle-marathon-10k-race.

For the kiddos: Kids ages 5 to 14 are invited to run the 1-mile course (with shorter options for the little ones). Kids will receive a t-shirt, goody bag and medal for participating in the fun run. There will be games and other fun things to do, along with activities promoting eating right, reading, fitness and doing good deeds. The TasteMobile will be there to hand out healthy snacks. For more info, see seattlemarathon.org/seattle-marathon-kids-fun-run.


PCC Cooks

At the height of Seattle summer, we know coming indoors can be a challenge — but we think we have just the right recipes to entice you! Savor the hands-on fun of making Handmade Tacos from start to finish with fresh, tender corn tortillas and three tasty fillings, perfect for outdoor dining. Summer Vegetables: Wrapped and Stuffed offers creative methods for utilizing summer’s bounty and making vegetables the centerpiece of your table. If baking is more your speed, you can amaze everyone at your next summer gathering with beautifully constructed Fresh Fruit Tarts. College students gearing up to live on their own in the fall will love Cooking 101 for Young Adults, covering knife skills, basic culinary techniques and tips for make-ahead meals.

Space also is available in favorite classes such as Knife Skills, Gnocchi Workshop and Canning 101. Plus, August brings the first round of classes at our newly opened Columbia City location. Find information on classes and locations at PccCooks.com.

Also in this issue

Soil & Sea: reports from our producers

Drought is bearing fruit for Washington's wineries, while warm temperatures are threatening salmon, tea and shellfish. Learn also about the impact of the bird flu on eggs and what's disgruntling halibut fishermen.

PCC Board of Trustees report, August 2015

June board meeting report, 2015 CCMA, Ends Policies, and more

Student debt a barrier for beginning farmers

Young farmers with student loan debt are having a hard time making student loan payments, and some haven't pursued farming as a career because their salary as a farmer wouldn't be enough to cover their student loan payments. A bill introduced in Congress would categorize farming as public service and would forgive payment on student loans of public servants after 10 years in the field.