Your co-op community, January 2016

This article was originally published in January 2016

Food Bank packaging work parties

Food Bank packaging work party

Start the new year with a charitable spirit by packaging bulk foods into family-sized portions at our partner food banks.

Wednesday, January 6 at 7 p.m., FamilyWorks Food Bank

Thursday, January 7 at 7 p.m., Rainier Valley Food Bank

Monday, January 11 at 6:30 p.m., Kirkland Hopelink Food Bank

Wednesday, January 13 at 7 p.m., North Helpline Food Bank

Monday, January 18 at 7 p.m., Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank

Monday, January 25 at 7 p.m., Westgate Chapel Food Bank

Wednesday, January 27 at 7 p.m., University District Food Bank

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


Mister Rogers’ Sweater Drive

Monday, January 11 through Sunday, February 7, All PCC stores

Help neighbors in need feel warm and cozy this winter by donating new or gently worn sweaters, coats and cold-weather accessories during KCTS 9’s annual drive. Fred Rogers began the sweater drive and inspired its spirit of generosity and neighborliness for six years before he passed away in 2003. “All of us, at some time or other, need help,” said Rogers. “Whether we’re giving or receiving a sweater, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connect us as neighbors — in our way, everyone is a giver and receiver.”

Last year’s drive collected 7,947 coats and sweaters for local families in need. Collection bins will be located at all PCC stores or you can drop off your items at KCTS 9’s Seattle Center Studio. Donations will be distributed to Wellspring Family Services, Queen Anne Helpline and Northwest Center.


Give mason bees as gifts!

Our food supply depends on bees for pollination, but bees are in peril. Be part of the solution by renting mason bees! They’re native, non-stinging pollinators that live in nesting blocks you can hang in your yard or garden. You need a sunny spot to hang the kit, spring blooming flowers and mud for the cell walls in the nest. Order from Rent Mason Bees at rentmasonbees.com.


Kindiependent Rock Series

Mount Baker Community Club
2811 Mt. Rainier Drive S.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Start your Saturday morning with “Seattle’s independent kids and family music scene” that features some of the best, local children’s entertainment groups. Come rock out to two shows this month:

  • Saturday, January 2 – Caspar Babypants
  • Saturday, January 16 – Johnny Bregar

These events are part of the Kindiependent Kids Rock Series, an exciting set of shows running through April. Learn more about this organization and view all concert dates at kindiependent.com.


Blood drives

January is National Blood Donor Month. Bloodworks Northwest will be visiting five store locations during this month. If you’re able and willing to donate please stop by:

Friday, January 8:

  • West Seattle PCC, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Redmond PCC, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Issaquah PCC, 2 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, January 13:

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

Your donation can save up to three lives! Walk-ins welcome, and remember to bring your ID.

Learn more about donating at bloodworksnw.org.


PCC Cooks

What are you craving in the post-holiday calm? From cozy comfort foods to single-skill intensives and nutrition-focused classes, we think we have the perfect menu to start your new year off right. This January brings a selection of returning favorites such as Tamales and Salsas, Winter Soups and Salads, Knife Skills and Foods to Cool Inflammation, plus brand-new topics, such as Afternoon TeaDownton Abbey Style!, Cozy French Bistro, and Comfort Food Classics: Chicken Pot Pie, with KPLU Commentator Nancy Leson.

Settle in to the new year with kids’ classes for ages 2 to teen. Toddlers and their adult guests can explore the wonders of root vegetables in Root for Roots. Older kids have options from Fairy Tale Kitchen to Chili Party and The Science of Baking. Explore the full winter schedule at PccCooks.com.

Also in this issue

Soil & Sea: reports from our producers

Learn why beekeepers and cod fisherman are worried, why cows are flying on aircraft to China, the future of faux "shrimp" and more!

Tell FDA: what is "natural?"

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking your input as a consumer on how it should define "natural" for food labels. Please participate by February 10.

News bites, January 2016

Farmers used bees 9,000 years ago; Roundup and organ damage; EPA revokes herbicide approval; and more