COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Our Vision
We’re on a mission to change the world. By 2030, the Ashland Food Co-op will be a living model of cooperation with the laws of nature in all our a airs.
Sustainable Relations
We will model sustainability, justice, and equity in all of our relationships with employees, vendors, community, and other co-ops.
Carbon Neutrality
We will be carbon neutral, conserve energy, and 100% powered by renewable energy.
Zero Waste
As a zero-waste facility, we will minimize waste intake and maximize beneficial reuse and diversion from landfill.
Eliminate Toxic Chemicals
We will use no persistent chemicals.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Dear Ashland Food Co-op Community,
We’re thrilled to share our 2024 Impact Report, a deep dive into how AFC’s core values and cooperative principles shape everything we do This report showcases our unwavering commitment to fostering a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving community for everyone . It’s an invitation to see the tangible results of our collective efforts and understand the vision guiding our path forward .
I’m especially honored to present this year’s report as AFC’s first full-time Sustainability Manager Our General Manager, Nick Hardee, created this vital position in April 2024 during his first full year leading the co-op This strategic move truly highlights AFC’s deep commitment to putting focused resources behind our ambitious environmental and social sustainability goals, ensuring dedicated leadership for crucial initiatives .
Within these pages, you’ll find stories and data that highlight our efforts in key areas:
• Investing in our Local Economy and Community: We believe in the power of local connections . In 2024, we welcomed Rogue Valley Roasting Company and Rolling Hills Farm as new members of the AFC family, ensuring the continuity of two cherished locally owned businesses . We remain dedicated to fostering a resilient and fair local food system through strong partnerships and community engagement .
• Championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone is paramount to us Through the dedicated work of our EDI committee, by providing platforms for traditionally marginalized voices, and through vital programs like our Community Access to Nutrition discounts, we are actively working to build a more just and equitable co-op and community .
• Stewarding Our Planet: We recognize our responsibility to protect the environment for current and future generations In 2024 AFC’s first complete Corporate GHG Inventory was completed, allowing us yet another metric by which to make decisions about the products and services we offer You will also find other examples of the practical steps we’re taking to minimize our environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote the health of our community and our planet .
We know that social and environmental stewardship is an ongoing journey, and while we’re proud of our progress, we are committed to continuous improvement and collaboration We invite you to explore our 2024 Impact Report and to join us in building a brighter future, together on Earth, in the Rogue Valley
The Earth is a Co-op,
Chris Byrne
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The AFC Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee is a priority at the co-op, actively engaging our staff and community through listening, discussion, outreach, education, and advocacy We have cemented our commitment to this cause, officially adding Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to our Co-op Principles earlier in the year We continue to put our energy towards community outreach and relationship building . More importantly, providing a forum for people from historically minoritized groups to tell their own stories . All of this has been a great source of fulfillment and enrichment, and we will continue to expand these efforts using creativity and collaboration to nourish a culture of belonging at AFC The Pioneer Classroom fostered a deeper understanding of historical civil rights struggles by holding screenings of significant moments and hosting talks from BIPOC community leaders
Sara Huque – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Tri-Chair Our Commitment in Action:
At AFC, our dedication to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is woven into the fabric of our co-operative This year, our commitment has been demonstrated through various initiatives and a deepening of our core principles
Key Initiatives and Impact:
• Community Accessible Nutrition (CAN) Program: The Ashland Food Co-op’s CAN (Community Accessible Nutrition) program strives to support economically challenged Co-op owners by offering
a 10% discount throughout the store to eligible families and individuals in need In 2024, the CAN program provided over $227,648 in discounts to 341 unique households – a 32% increase from last year! This ensures greater access to healthy, organic, and affordable food for those in our community who need it most .
• Cultural Exploration through Food: Our in-store demo kiosk served as a platform to showcase the diverse culinary landscape of our community, featuring food and drink samples from a wide array of cultures
• Supporting Indigenous Food Sovereignty: We proudly partnered with National Co-op Grocers (NCG) and co-ops nationwide to support North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS) This collaboration aimed to raise awareness about the historical significance of indigenous foods and support the revitalization of indigenous food networks
• Amplifying Diverse Voices: Throughout the year, our in-store displays, classroom events, print materials, and social media channels actively highlighted the rich cultures and contributions of historically minoritized groups This included showcasing products from Women and BIPOCowned businesses, further promoting equity within our retail space .
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op and deserves to have access to organic, healthy, and affordable foods . The Ashland Food Co-op’s CAN program strives to support economically challenged Co-op owners by offering a discount to eligible families and individuals in need . CAN participants receive an everyday 10% discount throughout the store. The CAN program and other needs based eligibility provided AFC shoppers over $172,482 in discounts in 2023!
"Strategic planning and targeted investments in our local community and businesses have driven consistent sales growth for AFC. Our future expansion and long-term sustainability depend on identifying opportunities to partner with or steward legacy businesses by investing in growers and producers who share AFC's mission and vision. Last year we welcomed RoCo and Rolling Hills Farm to the AFC family, and we remain committed to pursuing similar partnerships that strengthen our community network and advance our shared values."
Nick Hardee AFC General Manager
$9,294,663
Photo Credit: Goodwin Creek Gardens
Photo Credit: Whistling Duck Farm
Photo Credit: Siskiyou Seeds
Photo Credit: Plaisance Ranch
The Expanding AFC Family
RoCo and Rolling Hills
Ashland Food Co-op (AFC) is deeply committed to expanding our operations, nurturing local food systems, and fostering stronger connections within our community . With the successful integration of Rolling Hills Farm and Rogue Valley Roasting Company (RoCo) into the AFC Family, we are excited about the opportunity to deepen
our relationships in our cherished backyard, the Rogue Valley . The potential these recent acquisitions offer are being realized while staying true to AFC’s mission of providing high-quality products that support, enrich, and nourish our community while supporting our staff with fair wages and a robust benefits package .
Rogue Valley Roasting Company
Located in Ashland’s charming Railroad District, (RoCo) is a go-to spot for locals and visitors to meet and enjoy their locally roasted coffee, beer, wine, and other specialty drinks . AFC purchased the cozy cafe and roaster, keeping the ownership local and the atmosphere intact . Look for new AFC produced offerings in 2025!
Rolling Hills Farm
The anticipation of the annual Rolling Hills peach harvest begins months before the fruit is ripe By investing in this beloved community resource, AFC effectively saved the orchard and the harvest for many years to come! We are proud to be the new stewards of this legacy while staying true to its history .
Community Leadership & Education
We are dedicated to engaging with and enriching our community through a diverse range of programs and initiatives:
• Financial Support: In 2024, we contributed $122,653 31 to local organizations, schools, project and events . This vital support stemmed from sponsorships, direct donations, grant programs, and the continuous generosity of our customers through register round-ups .
• Educational Classes and Workshops: We believe in empowering our community with knowledge . In 2024, we offered 29 free classes focused on sustainability and wellness, covering topics such as reducing waste, healthy eating, and eco-friendly living . Additionally, we hosted 10 fee-based culinary classes in our Co-op classroom, taught by experienced chefs and culinary experts, sharing their skills and passion for food with community members .
• Tasting Kiosk Demos: We provide weekly tasting kiosk demonstrations featuring seasonal and local products, with particular focus on BIPOC and Women owned and sustainably minded products . Our knowledgeable staff offer culinary expertise, recipe ideas, and meal planning tips, inspiring customers to try new ingredients and create delicious, healthy meals .
• Co-op Carrots Program: We’re committed to fostering healthy eating habits from a young age . Our Co-op Carrots program educates local children about growing, preparing, and enjoying nutritious food Through hands-on activities, field trips, and engaging lessons, we inspire kids to develop a lifelong love for fresh, wholesome food
Through these and other initiatives, we strive to be a hub for community engagement, education, and well-being, fostering a healthier, thriving, and connected community .
Ask your cashier to round up your total to the nearest dollar! Round up donations will support the AFC Community Fund for local non-profit grants.
Since 2020 AFC’s “Change for Good” program has given our customers the opportunity to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar (or more) at the register, with 100% of the difference donated to a rotating selection of local non-profit organizations . This simple act of generosity has a profound impact, allowing us to collectively support a wide range of causes within our community . In 2024 alone, we raised a total of $71,975 83 through Change for Good
These funds were distributed to a diverse group of organizations, including Ashland High School (AHS) Culinary Arts Program, Rogue Climate, KS Wild, Ashland Climate Collaborative, Our Family Farms, Stream Smart: A Rogue Basin Clean Water Project,
Peace House, Rogue River Watershed Council, Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, SOEDS Indian Education Fund, Rogue Action Center and the AFC Gives Community Fund, enabling them to continue their vital work in areas such as social services, environmental protection, education, and the arts . By participating in Change for Good, our customers and the Co-op demonstrate a shared commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant community for all .
KS Wild Stream Smart
In 2024, our Community Grants program continued to contribute to our local community by providing vital financial support to a wide range of deserving organizations . We are proud to have donated a total of $26,550 to numerous local non-profits, schools, and community groups . These donations were distributed to a diverse group of organizations, including the ones listed below . The funds provided by Community Grants helped these organizations continue their important work in areas such as food security, education, environmental protection, social justice, and the arts .
• Maslow Project
• Anima Mundi Productions
• Oregon Art on a Mission
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul
• La Clinica
• Cave Junction Farmers Market
• Helman Elementary PTA
• Ashland Independent Film Festival
• The Understory Initiative
• Golden Rule ReEntry
• Rogue Regenerative
• Armadillo Community Charter School
• Jackson County Library Foundation
• Ashland Food Angels
• TRAILS Parent Teacher Cooperative
• Phoenix Counseling Center
Maslow Project
2024 Community Grants
Rogue Valley Heritage Grain Project
Our Co-op is owned by the people who shop here, and we currently have 8,391 active owners (folks who have made at least one purchase in the last year) . We’re happy to report that 596 people joined the Co-op in 2024! In total, there are 13,728 member-owners . Sales in 2024 grew to $35,080,831 and AFC owners represented 78% of that toal . 100% of the available funds from the Owner Dividend program were distributed back to them . The total 2024 dividends were $887,753 .21 for an average of $117 .09 to each owner . It pays to shop at the grocery store you co-own!
Members joined in 2024
596
Active Members
8,391
AFC STAFF
Our dedicated staff is the heart and soul of AFC.
• 91% of staff are eligible for healthcare benefits .
Numbering 160 strong, our team is the keystone of our success nourishing and supporting our community . We recognize that our staff members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a supportive and rewarding work environment .
• 90% of eligible staff participate in the employee retirement plan .
• 95% of staff work full time (27+ hours per week) .
• We provide competitive wages, benefits, and other perks to our staff, creating a great place to work!
GHG Inventory
After many years of focusing efforts to power our operations with 100% renewable energy, in 2024 AFC broadened the focus on greenhouse gas emissions to include the entire business and the products sold. To do this, we partnered with Planet FWD (https:// planetfwd .com/) for a complete Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, including these “Scope 3” emissions
Phase One of this new project mapped our current total emissions, looking at everything that passed through the store last year — from our fresh produce to the products in the center of the store to the packages we use to deliver our house-made food to you . Phase Two will involve select Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of the major emitters to create an AFC Climate Action Plan, reducing or offsetting these emissions as much as possible . We’re focusing our efforts on the products that have the biggest cumulative impact and will be closely examining products we make in-house as well . We’re also engaging with our suppliers to find ways to mitigate emissions together .
These efforts are not about hindering access to the products you love . Ultimately, we want to empower our shoppers with information so they can make food choices that align with their concerns about climate change
We believe this transparency can influence purchasing decisions for the better while highlighting companies and products that you may not be aware of that are further in line with your values .
We’re proud to be amongst the national and global visionary companies in the food system leading the charge in understanding and addressing our complete Carbon Footprint . We first needed to know where we are in order to know how to get to where we want to go . This effort is one more big reason for us all to love this “little grocery store that could,” nested in this beautiful and magical valley we get to call home .
Among independent grocers, AFC may be the only one voluntarily undertaking the complex task of mapping our indirect emissions. Our intention is to pioneer this effort and share our learnings with other co-ops, independent grocery stores, and the broader grocery industry.
Renewable Energy
AFC is committed to transitioning to renewable energy and reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions to achieve Carbon Neutrality by:
• Operating three solar arrays: a 39kW system on the store roof, a 12kW array on the historic barn, and a 197kW system on the south side of Ashland .
• Producing 337,414 kWh from our solar arrays, representing 39.22% of our electricity use.
• Purchasing Renewable Energy Credits and Carbon Offsets from Bonneville Environmental Foundation for 100% of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions .
• Continuing to explore opportunities for new rooftop or off-site solar arrays .
• Continuing participation as an EPA Green Power Partner and GreenChill participant .
Ashland Solar Cooperative Partnership
In 2024, AFC committed to being a foundational purchaser of up to 20% of the electricity from Ashland Solar Cooperative’s (ASC) new solar array on Mountain Ave. This partnership is an example of AFC’s dedication to renewable energy and supporting community solar, equity, and accessibility within the community. 10% of the electricity produced by ASC array is reserved for low-income residents at a reduced rate.
Energy Trust of Oregon
Now in its seventh year, AFC’s partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon’s commercial Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program has provided multiple benefits:
• Modeling AFC’s historical Natural Gas use and working together with AFC staff to make changes — in both processes and equipment — to reduce our consumption over time .
• Utilizing the program’s financial incentives to reinvest the funds toward reducing our natural gas consumption .
• Converting natural gas equipment to induction cooking in our staff break room, the Pioneer Demonstration Classroom, and the Prepared Foods Department . This has reduced ambient temperatures in cooking areas, virtually eliminated indoor air pollution, and replaced fossil fuels with sustainable energy on our way to Scope 1 and 2 net zero operating emissions
• Hosting a part-time intern through the SEM program, fostering the next generation of Sustainability Professionals .
We encourage customers to choose sustainable transportation options:
• Customers purchase a sticker for a one-time $5 fee and receive a 5% discount when they bike to the Co-op and show their helmet .
• 512 Co-op Owners participated in the program in 2024 and total discounts totaled $21,244.08
RVTD Transportation Passes
AFC participates in RVTD’s Discounted Employer Bus Pass Program which makes steeply discounted bus passes for $10 a month
BENEFITS
Green Way to Work
We support our staff’s sustainable transportation choices:
• Staff members who arrive to work by any means other than a single occupant car trip are entered into a weekly raffle for a $10 AFC gift card .
• In 2024, 3619 Green Way to Work trips were logged by 65 participating staff members.
Reuse is a climate solution
Source: “Reuse Wins,” Upstream 2021
Bring it Back Program
In 2024, AFC proudly launched our “Bring It Back” program, joining other pioneering coops in the country in revolutionizing how we approach dine-in and takeout . By eliminating single-use plastic utensils, this initiative successfully diverted over 50,000 utensils from landfills in its first year alone! Beyond the significant environmental benefit, “Bring It Back” also yielded impressive cost savings of approximately 35%, demonstrating that sustainable practices can also be economically advantageous Perhaps most importantly, this program has sparked countless conversations, raising awareness about the pervasiveness of single-use plastic in our daily lives .
This initiative has diverted 50,000+ utensils from landfills and has led to cost savings of approximately 35% in its FIRST YEAR!
It’s an easy way to reduce waste and show that there is a better way to do take out! Single use containers and utensils create unnecessary waste and environmental impact through their manufacture, use, and disposal.
Rogue To Go helps eaters reduce waste by offering reusable takeout containers to program members . AFC and RoCo are among twelve (and counting!) Rogue Valley eateries participating . Members join for $10 and can swap used containers for commercially washed clean ones . Join today so you too can “Eat, Return, Repeat!”
Rogue to Go and Durable Dishes and Utensils
171
New RTG Members joined Rogue To Go at AFC in 2024
5,300
38,985
Reusable containers are manufactured in Albany, Oregon and are returned to the manufacturer for recycling at the end of their useful life .
44,285
RTG Meals served at AFC in 2024
Dine-in durable plates and bowls served
Single use containers in total avoided going to the Landfill in 2024!
Food Waste Recovery and Diversion
Ashland Food Angels
We’re dedicated to lowering our carbon footprint and minimizing food and nutrient waste. Our approach is to divert organic materials from landfills, always seeking the most environmentally beneficial alternative for them.
>22,000 lbs. of healthy, edible food diverted from landfill and given to those in need
100,000 gallons of pre-consumer food scraps diverted to feed farm animals annually
In 2024, Ashland Food Co-op deepened its dedication to ecological stewardship, a vibrant community, and cooperative principles. We celebrate the significant progress achieved and eagerly anticipate the continued efforts ahead.
