September 2020 Honest Slate

Honest

SLATE

Honest Weight Food Co-op’s Community Newsletter for Membership • Staff • Governance • Management Published monthly by the Communications Committee to promote transparency, report without bias, and sustain community.

SeptemBer 2O20

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667

honestslate@honestweight.coop • https://www.honestweight.coop/

HWFC Governance Review Council Now Seeking Qualified Candidates!

Have you given any thought to

becoming involved in HWFC governance?

Perhaps you could try for the Governance Review Council (GRC) by running for the open seat! The GRC exists to promote good governance by encouraging a robust democratic, cooperative process in order to facilitate fair and open decision making at all levels within the Co-op.

Voters will elect one GRC member at the Oct. 25, 2020 Membership Meeting.

This is an important position, as the GRC provides advice, support, and analysis regarding HWFC’s policies, governance procedures, and other Bylaws-related matters. All GRC responsibilities are listed in the HWFC Bylaws, Section 470.2 under the HWFC website’s Membership tab, Member-Owner Resources. Member-Owners must be in good standing and familiar with HWFC

values, goals, and issues in order to run for office. Those with knowledge of HWFC committees, familiarity with governance issues, good oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to active participation are encouraged to apply.

MemBer-Owners

should review information provided on the Nomination Form, available online at the HWFC Elections Page, or at the customer service desk as of Sept. 17. If interested in running for the open seat, complete and submit the Nomination Form by 5pm on Oct. 1 to have your name pre-printed on the GRC election ballot. You will also be entitled to participate in Meet the Candidates forums prior to the election. Nominations may also be made from the floor during the Membership Meeting. Interested candidates should review the HWFC Bylaws for further information.

Do you have what it takes to serve on the GRC?

• governance familiarity • communication skills • process commitment

CONTENTS

Meet a New Board Member....... 2 Pandemic Pantry Tactics............. 3 Food for Thought........................ 4 Q&A............................................. 5 Farewell to a Colleague.............. 6 Committee Corner..................... 7 Board Decisions.......................... 8 Co-Opportunities........................ 9

Save the Date

hours “Be the barrier, not the carrier.”

Make sure your masks cover your nose and mouth for the entire time you’re in the Co-op!

upDate

HWFC Membership Meeting

October 25, 2020 • 6pm via Zoom More details coming soon!

1.5 times Member-Owner hours have been extended! Please come invest time at the Co-op to support your Staff and community and to make sure you can vote in October!

See page 9 for more info.

honestslate@honestweight.coop

https://www.honestweight.coop/

2

Honest Slate

from the

Board

In ordinary times, Minneapolis

native Mollie Lampi might have espied fellow new Board member Chris Edwardson (profiled in August’s Honest Slate) in the hallway—or in a Board work session—and compared notes about both being from Minnesota.

But these are not ordinary times, so it’s more likely that the two will find common ground virtually, alongside their colleagues on the Board.

Mollie, a lawyer by profession, first came to New York State for college and moved to the Capital Region from Syracuse in 1978. A longtime HWFC shopper, she became an Owner in February 2014 and then a Member-Owner in March 2017, investing time seasonally in Plants and as a Front End courtesy clerk.

Encouraged by then-chair Rita Nolan to join the Elections and Nominations Committee (ENC), Mollie found herself actively engaged in governance by early 2018, taking over as chair in December 2019.

Only months later, COVID-19 forced the committee to meet the huge challenge of remodeling Honest Weight’s important elections process.

After working closely with the ENC in preparation for 2020’s first virtual Membership Meeting (ultimately postponed from April to June), Mollie was then asked to run for a seat on the Board by its president Janet Sorell.

How did that affect her place on the ENC? “Rita had always said that while the ENC is good grounding for Board work, you can’t run for the Board while on the committee,” Mollie recalled. Because the committee itself oversees elections, Mollie resigned as chair to avoid a conflict of interest, ran and was elected in late June, and now serves as Board Vice President.

September 2020

With New Board Member Mollie Lampi

by Carol Ostrow

“I would encourage MOs to take notice of governance and [what] the Board is discussing, particularly if an issue is close to their hearts.”

Consistency As an attorney, Mollie is focused on ensuring that governance is running “by the book, which we are” and establishing procedures that “allow us not to have to reinvent the wheel whenever a new situation comes up.”

To that end, she noted that the “new” Board has chosen to review some of its processes, and update the Board Manual to ensure uniformity. One recent step toward greater efficiency, for example, is using what’s called a consent calendar, which speeds up the voting process during Board meetings.

“Last month we were so pleased that the meeting took only 3 hours,” Mollie said (normally, Board meetings have been scheduled to be four hours). Mollie characterized recent Board gatherings as preserving the opportunity to speak while moving the meeting along at the same time in order to stay on schedule.

“I’m happy with the work we’re doing. We have a dedicated set of Board members.”

Clarity Mollie also takes an interest in clarifying language specific to the Co-op, such as designating department names, management structure, and other terminology with precision.

Cooperation What’s the current mood? All Board members are working together well. “We’re rowing in the same direction; there aren’t any squabbles,” she reported. “We take each other’s opinions seriously, comment on them seriously, and are respectful.”

Additionally, an awareness of the need for flexibility has emerged. For example, an allowance for revisiting issues may be extended. “Even if we’ve made decisions on policy, it can be discussed again,” Mollie revealed, stating that transparency is critical.

Challenges?

“I miss the in-person relationship opportunities.” Phone calls and Zoom time fill gaps, but not completely. Because all Co-op Board work is currently done online, Mollie noted a lack of opportunity for in-person socializing.

Committees: changes on the horizon?

“Warren [Hamilton, Board Treasurer] is leading the charge to elevate the responsibility of committees…their visibility and their sense of belonging to the governance structure...Committees really need to be a resource and take themselves seriously.

The Board is interested in buy-in.”*

What might encourage greater Membership Meeting attendance?

What differences do you hope for?

“I would love to see two or three times the number of MOs attend Membership Meetings.” *buy-in: acceptance of and willingness to actively support and participate in something (such as a proposed new plan or policy) continued on page 3

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop

September 2020

3

Honest Slate

From the Board

Food Security During a Pandemic

continued from page 2

by Susan Andrews

Mollie is particularly proud of the

“It was time for a strategy to ensure good, healthy food...”

foundation being laid for HWFC’s new Anti-Racism Committee. She described July’s Board meeting as a great idea, “almost like an extra meeting tacked on to the regular agenda.” Although Directors could have called for a separate meeting on one specific topic, the combination proved powerful; that virtual meeting welcomed a record 65 participants, presenting wonderful energy and robust dialogue.

A 2nd orientation might allow more camaraderie via small working groups.

How can we better educate Membership about governance right from the beginning?

ENC has contemplated this question for several months and has considered holding second Owner orientations specifically related to governance. Having sponsored two workshops in 2019–20, “ENC is taking that issue by the horns” now that we are well past the election scurry. Such an offering would be crafted as an invitation, promoted as a chance to earn hours, and framed as an expectation to meet.

What advice would you give to those looking to become involved in governance?

“I wouldn’t want to elect anybody who had never been to a Board meeting.”

Joining a committee (such as the ENC or the Membership Committee) and/or attending a Board meeting are good first steps. Even if the agenda is not of particular interest, Mollie described being there to see how members act with each other and attendees as “extraordinarily useful.”

Look for additional news from members of the Board of Directors in upcoming months.

Like most individuals, my initial response to the pandemic, and the subsequent lockdown, was sheer panic. My reaction then was to stock up on a few staples and fill the pantry with items that could keep me going for a while, such as dried beans, tomato sauce, pasta, and flour.

Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea and the few staples became nearly impossible to find, and going from store to store was not an option. I am not a fan of online ordering, preferring to keep my money local. It was time for me to put together a strategy, a real plan to ensure good, healthy food on the family table.

My first thought was to join a CSA.

Community Supported Agriculture is a partnership between the farm and the customers it serves. Having a guaranteed market for products provides a multitude of benefits to both farmers and customers, including: customers knowing where their food comes from and who is growing it, better wages for people working on the farm, humanely raised livestock, and less waste (you grow only what people will eat).

I searched the internet and was able to identify several such local farms that provided organic vegetables. Seeing a familiar name (Georgia Sullivan from Honest Weight’s Grocery Department) listed as one of the Albany dropoff sites, I decided to buy a half vegetable share at Roxbury Farm, located in Columbia County. Roxbury offers full and half shares, as do most other CSAs in the region.

As COVID cases climbed in New York, I realized that I needed to look beyond the standard vegetable share. I called Roxbury and added a fruit share and then a

chicken share. After another several weeks of increased COVID cases I added a beef share. Roxbury also offers pork and egg shares but I missed out on those. As I said earlier, everyone had the same thought in mind. I am currently contemplating Roxbury’s fall share, as it’s likely we could be in for a rather long haul with this virus.

I know what you’re thinking: “where is she going to put all of this food?”

To be honest, I never even thought of that.

Luckily, the food is distributed throughout the season. I’ve been receiving my veggies and fruit each Tuesday, and to date I have received part of my chicken and beef shares. There is still lots more to come. But I did buy a freezer, which was also part of my food security plan. I no longer need to grocery shop on a weekly basis, which is something that the Co-op has strongly recommended. Fewer trips, less potential for virus exposure.

Honestly, I don’t know how I ever lived without a freezer. Did you know that you can freeze items like butter and milk? I have even washed, dried, and stacked greens like collards and kale for use in soups and stews during the winter months.

With the scorching heat this summer, I have been able to ditch canning and freeze produce instead.

There are a number of CSAs in the Capital Region, although by now many have been filled for the season. Fox Creek Farm actually delivers shares to its customers right in the Co-op parking lot on Mondays between 4 and 6 pm. For those interested in understanding more about local CSAs, the internet is a great source. One good site is Localharvest.org.

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop

4

Honest Slate

September 2020

Food for Thought : Facts About Fats

by Joyce Chicoine, Nutrition and Education Committee

Americans have been taught for over 40 years that eating fat, especially saturated fat, has a direct correlation with heart disease. This is primarily based on the work of American physiologist Ancel Keys. The particular study that made Keys famous is commonly referred to as the “Seven Countries Study.”

Keys had hypothesized that dietary fat caused coronary artery disease and was determined to confirm his theory. He collected data about the dietary habits of middle-aged men from seven countries and compared that to data regarding heart disease.

Keys subsequently concluded that dietary fat leads to heart disease. His work, which is referred to quite often, was used as part of the basis for USDA dietary guidelines in the 1980s during the conceptualization of the Food Pyramid. As a result, Americans were told to eat a high-carb diet and limit fat intake.

The problem lies in that there were major flaws in Keys’ study. Firstly, a possible correlation between fat consumption and heart disease does not definitively conclude that consuming high-fat foods likens the development of heart disease. Additionally, a broader analysis that included 22 countries, rather than just the initial seven, displayed no significant correlation between fat consumption and heart disease.

This conclusion indicates that Keys had manipulated the data to support his hypothesis. Sadly, the high-carb/low-fat diet proved to be truly detrimental. The rate of obesity in the United States skyrocketed when these recommendations first became public and widely accepted.

Why do we need fat?

The truth is that certain types of fat are an essential part of a healthy diet. Fat gives us energy, helps aid in the growth of cells, and improves overall cellular function. It

also contributes to a healthy brain and nervous system, as well as promotes healthy skin and other types of tissue. Dietary fat is necessary to aid with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat also helps with the formulation of hormones necessary to regulate many bodily functions.

What about cholesterol?

Consuming saturated fat and trans fat has been linked to higher LDL cholesterol.

There is a lot of discussion about cholesterol and the importance of keeping HDL high and LDL low.

HDL stands for “high-density lipoprotein” and is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. LDL stands for “low-density lipoprotein” and is considered “bad” because it is believed to be responsible for clogging arteries.

However, some researchers have found that it is more complicated than that. They say that when we look at LDL, we have to look at particle size as well as particle number. Small, dense LDL molecules are more susceptible to oxidation and inflammation and are more likely to clog blood vessels.

Large, “puffy” LDL molecules, on the other hand, are less likely to cause health issues.

Unfortunately, while cholesterol tests are often used in this country, it can be difficult to find a doctor that will test for the particle size. Tests for inflammation, another risk for heart disease, may be easier to obtain. It is also important to note that eating foods that contain cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol levels.

Getting the right balance of Omega 3, 6, 9

There are three types of unsaturated fat: Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9. All three are crucial because they play different roles in our bodily function. It is even more important to get a proper balance of these types of fats. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are considered “essential,” which

means that human bodies cannot produce them on their own. Most people who consume “The Standard American Diet” (a.k.a. the Western Diet) tend to consume too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids have a lot of health benefits, including supporting brain development and mental health, improving memory, reducing weight and liver fat, decreasing inflammation, promoting bone health, and preventing asthma symptoms.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) also help raise HDL (a.k.a. good) cholesterol.

They can be found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies, as well as in meatless alternatives such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

While Omega-6 Fatty Acids are also technically considered “essential,” most Americans consume more of these fats than necessary. Omega-6 EFAs are found in soybean oil, corn oil, mayonnaise, sunflower seeds, and several types of nuts, like walnuts, almonds, and cashews.

Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are “polyunsaturated” fats. The term is derived from their chemical structure and they are liquid at room temperature. According to Healthline.com, “the recommended ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is 4:1 or less. However, the Western diet has a ratio between 10:1 and 50:1.” This indicates that most people should strive to eat fewer Omega-6 oils and more Omega-3. The main reason for this is because Omega-3 oils are anti-inflammatory, whereas Omega-6 oils can be adversely inflammatory.

Omega-9 fatty acids are monounsaturated oils, including foods like olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, and other oils derived from tree nuts. Omega-9 fats are technically considered “non-essential” fats, since they can be produced by the body. However, replacing some saturated fats with monounsaturated oils can improve metabolic health. Monounsaturated oils are considered an important part of the popular “Mediterranean Diet.”

continued on page 5

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop

September 2020

Fats

continued from page 4

Saturated Fat

Some doctors discourage the consumption of any saturated fat, which is solid at room temperature. Others suggest that it depends upon the type of saturated fat in question. Proponents of a ketogenic diet tell us that saturated fats, such as eggs and coconut oil, contain “beneficial nutrients like choline, carotenoids, and medium-chain triglycerides.”

Trans fats, which are produced by partially hydrogenating polyunsaturated oils, are generally not recommended. That is because they lower HDL cholesterol and raise LDL cholesterol.

Animal fat is another common source of saturated fat. Again, some doctors say that all animal fat is a “bad” fat, while others say that it depends on how the animal was raised. Meat from grass-fed animals contains less total fat, saturated fat, cholester-

Q&A

Q: Email your responses to those who make suggestions.

A: In order to receive an email response, please submit your suggestions to the “Contact Us” link on our website.

ol, and calories than feed-lot meat. Grassfed meat is also higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C than meat from grain-fed animals.

Processing Matters

The process used to extract oil from its source is an important consideration. It is easier and less expensive to use heat, solvents, and other chemicals. However, highly processed oils are the least healthy option. One alternative, “expeller pressing,” involves pressing seeds through a cavity and then using friction to extract the oil.

Heat is not used for expeller pressing, but friction naturally raises the temperature to as high as 210°F. In another option, “cold pressing,” the nuts or seeds are crushed and less heat is generated. With expeller pressing and cold pressing, no chemicals or solvents are added.

HWFC does not provide medical advice.

Please check with a health care practitioner before treating any condition.

Q: BAKERY!!! Those peanut butter blossoms were soooooooooooo good!

A: We’re glad that you liked them! We’ll make them again.

Q: HAM Broth.

A: We have not seen ham broth available to us. We do carry pork broth in our freezer.

Q: Ability to ask if customer wants receipt/ not print to save paper.

A: Our current system will not handle that option. We hope that the next time the vendor updates our POS system that they will include this option.

Q: Looking each week for fresh green beans.

A: We regularly carry organic green beans from Florida. We anticipate more local green beans as our farmers make them available to us.

Q: Post your no-returns policy at entrance + in the store.

A: Our no returns policy is included in all our COVID-related publications and also at our service desk.

Q: Kindly keep sale tuna, especially “no salt,” in stock! The shelves always seem empty. Thanks!

A: The no salt safe catch wild albacore tuna has historically been in short supply. Now that we are in a pandemic, there are further constraints in the supply chain. We will keep ordering it.

Q: Could we please put a Purell stand by the exit?

A: Yes. We added another stand by the exit.

5

Honest Slate

Temperature Matters Some oils are not ideal for high-heat cooking because they have a low smoke point.

While it is a highly beneficial Omega-3 oil, flaxseed is best used cold or at room temperature, such as in dressings and smoothies. Other oils, such as olive oil and walnut oil, are good for low-heat sautéing.

The best oils for cooking at high heat are avocado, grape seed, sesame, and coconut oils. Another healthy option for cooking with high heat is grass-fed ghee (clarified butter). Regardless of the ways in which you may decide to incorporate healthy fats into your diet, an abundance of options can be found right here at Honest Weight Co-op!

Additional Sources https://time.com/5342337/best-worstcooking-oils-for-your-health/ https://www.ruled.me/best-and-worst-oilsketo-diet/ https://drhyman.com/blog/2016/01/29/ why-oil-is-bad-for-you/

Q: Top notch customer service from cashier Lorraine—thumbs up!

A: Thank you very much for letting us know!

Lorraine is a positive and pleasant presence and we enjoy working with her also.

Q: The compost bins must be cleaned regularly. They smell bad and are unsanitary.

Q: I came in to do my member work shift and was disgusted by the smell of the compost bins! I compost and it doesn’t smell like THAT! I am pretty sure one of the departments is putting meat or dairy in them because they smell of cheese.

A: We will schedule our compost bins for cleaning on a regular basis.

Q: Rich at the register gave such good service + really made me feel welcome!

A: Thank you so much for letting us know!

Rich is a great part of our team and we value his consideration for our customers.

Due to the pandemic, supply chain disruptions will continue for a while.

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop

6

Honest Slate

Longtime Staffer Bids Fond Farewell

Marketing Team Member’s Contributions Will Abide

by Carol Ostrow with Georgia Julius

HWFC Employee Georgia Julius recently left her position after five years of service. Her responsibilities grew over time and varied with the store’s changing needs. Here is an inside look at where she started in 2015, how she managed transition, and what lies ahead for her.

• When were you hired at Honest Weight?

Did your responsibilities change over time?

I was hired by Lily [Bartels], our former Communications Manager, in October of 2015 as the Education Coordinator. Shortly after that, our whole management shifted.

Lots of people left, and I started filling in a bunch of marketing tasks, like social media and the website. After the Marketing Department stabilized, I transitioned into the newly created role of Marketing and Digital Coordinator and took on those tasks officially, as well as writing all our marketing and advertising copy. Since then, my job has certainly shifted as different team members have come and gone—sometimes you have to morph to fill in the gaps, or give something up to someone who can do it better!

• How would you rate your overall experience as an Honest Weight employee?

I have really loved working for Honest Weight, and I have a huge place in my heart for the people, the store, and the business.

There’s definitely an unusual workplace culture, and I would just encourage people to be respectful of one another—Staff, Member-Owners, and shoppers alike.

• What do you consider your top accomplishments at HWFC? Which aspect did you enjoy most?

“Putting together any publication is a lot of work.”

I have really enjoyed working on the Coop Scoop over the years. Helping to improve the layout and content and building a team

of wonderful Member-Owners who write, edit, and design it has been fun and satisfying. When I first started, I requested a shift from quarterly to bimonthly because it was my favorite part of my job and I thought the Co-op community could use a more frequent publication. Now there’s the monthly Honest Slate, and with COVID and other changes on the team, we just switched the Coop Scoop back to four issues a year. As the Slate editors will attest to, putting together any publication is a lot of work.

“There’s definitely an unusual workplace culture.”

• How did you arrange to continue your position after relocating? Did you feel that it worked well?

I have been extremely lucky to be able to hang on to this job after moving to the other side of the country. I told my supervisor at the time, John Akots, that I was planning to move to Oregon in a few months and would be resigning in September. Of course, that’s right before the busiest time of the year and we were working on a lot of text-heavy projects at the time—losing the copywriter would make it tough. He asked if I would consider staying on through the holidays, without knowing yet if it would even be possible.

It turned out, it was, and I can’t say enough how important it turned out for me to have a purpose, a schedule, the social aspect of keeping in touch with co-workers, and something fulfilling to focus my time on, not to mention an income. During such a huge life transition, it was incredible to have a stable and familiar part that remained.

Of course, it’s had its hurdles but none insurmountable. I have missed having an office to work from and seeing everyone, and I’m of the belief that nothing can truly take the place of a face-to-face, in-person meeting. But now so many people are working from home and making it work; it’s no longer that unusual.

September 2020

“...I’m a different person than...when I started.”

• You mentioned having several supervisors over the years. Observations?

I have been very close to and thoroughly enjoyed working under John [Akots] and Alex [Mytelka], the current Marketing Manager.

John saw a lot of potential in the team and opened doors for all of us, helping us to set goals and meet them, finding the holes in our collective game and filling them, [and] shifting roles to make people happier, more fulfilled, and better suited to use their skills.

• How has working for Honest Weight affected your life?

I have learned so much from my five years working at the Co-op. In everyday sorts of ways, I pay a ton of attention to food ingredients, sources, and brands in a way that I didn’t used to as much. I notice advertising in a new way that feels a bit more enlightened. I’ve learned a lot about working with people; there’s always more to learn about that.

I feel like I’m a different person than I was when I started, and the Co-op is a part of that and a part of me, and it always will be.

• Any parting words of wisdom?

The Co-op is a really special grocery store and I don’t think there’s much else like it in this country. Don’t take it for granted! And be kind to each other, y’all.

• What’s next for you? Do you have plans to start a new position or venture?

My partner and I are building a house right now, from the ground up, which is an amazing opportunity and a real intense journey.

We’re hoping to get it livable by the winter rains, so that’s my immediate focus. I also started a garlic farm with some friends two years ago and will finally have time to properly process and market our product. I’ve been freelancing for a local food systems coalition and meeting lots of local food people through it (only virtually, so far), which has been really exciting. continued on page 7

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop

September 2020

Farewell continued from page 6

I’ve said that since I moved to southern Oregon, I haven’t been fully here—my head has been in Albany, NY for 40 or so hours each week. I’ve known the news and the weather in the Capital Region, and have researched and written about local farms and products that I can’t go out and try.

I’m excited to fully land here, give this place my complete attention, and to meet new people and uncover new opportunities.

“Sometimes you have to morph to fill in the gaps...”

• Is there a food Co-op where you live/ do you belong? Alternatively, do you belong to a CSA or have access to farmers’ markets?

There are two co-ops about an hour away from me and I stop in whenever I am near.

There are a few independently owned natural grocers in Grants Pass, the nearest city, and a wonderful year-round farmers’ market.

We also have a large garden and raise meat rabbits. We get goat’s milk from a neighbor twice a week. Some friends have an organic farm down the road and we’ll grab stuff from them that we’re missing. It’s been pretty incredible to have these resources, especially during the pandemic.

Editors’ note: Honest Slate and the Communications Committee were fortunate to have Georgia’s full support and collaboration as we began publishing two years ago. She provided technical advice and availability while continuing to balance her Marketing Department job responsibilities.

Versatile, dedicated, and reliable, Georgia helped us pick the best publishing platform and consulted on related details. We remain indebted to her for her professionalism and cooperative spirit throughout and wish her the very best in future endeavors.

7

Honest Slate

COMMITTEE CORNER HWFC Meeting Summaries

by Stephanie Conde This article provides a summary of preliminary committee reports submitted to Board of Directors for their Sept. 1, 2020, Board meeting. See Board meeting packet for details. Full Board-approved committee reports are posted on HWFC’s website.

Nutrition and Education Committee (NEC) • Updates to Food and Product Manual’s Meat and Poultry Policy have been finalized. Hope to present to Membership for vote at October Membership Meeting (MM).

• Articles for Honest Slate are developed in cooperation with its editor. Several “Food for Thought” articles have been published with more in the works.

Membership Committee (MC) • Social-distanced Orientations (max. 5 in-person attendees) have been challenging but doable.

• Policy developed to post obituaries on Bulletin Board (3 mos. from original posting date).

• Member-Owner (MO) Manual Revisions: (1) Anti-harassment policy is still listed incorrectly in MO Manual (orientations point to current policy online, hard copies in-store; decided to wait until Jan. MM to propose change to Manual). (2) Will consider other revisions for proposal at Jan. meeting this fall.

• Agreed to: (1) reinstate 15-min. MO open comment period at start of MC monthly Zoom meetings (encourages MOs to reach out in advance if planning to attend—not required but preferred); and (2) make Meeting ID available on website and in Honest Slate.

• 2020 work plan finalized and presented to Board for approval.

SeptemBer 2O20 Elections and Nominations Committee (ENC) • Bylaws Panel will reintroduce (at October MM) proposed bylaws changes from January 2020 meeting. Since proposed revisions must be sent out 20 days before meeting, changes must be approved by Sept. Board meeting. Will work with Bylaws Panel to ensure ballot language matches website content.

• Lieta volunteered to provide Georgia Julius a bulleted list of accomplishments for FY2019–20 Annual Report.

• Will review and update election process documentation (Voting/Election Handbook) as needed, including virtual election process expectations.

• In response to GRC’s request for ENC support of Oct. 25 GRC election, will begin drafting election ballots (Barry will coordinate with Janis Adams). Developed work plan/schedule of tasks to ensure readiness

by Oct. MM/election. Paula will draft article for Sept. Honest Slate.

• At Board’s request, Sharon Matthews developed a survey (sent out during June MM via Zoom chat link for non-phone attendees). Summary report of responses submitted to Board for review. Requested feedback from Board and whether survey is again desired for Oct. MM. Personnel Committee (PC) • Submitted to Board proposed revisions to Religious Accommodation Policy and Domestic Violence Policy.

Finance Committee (FC) • Submitted proposed work plan to Board.

Monthly Board meetings are on first Tuesdays at 6 pm. See page 9 for log-in information.

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop

8

Honest Slate

Board Decisions

• Mollie Lampi is the Board Liaison to the Environment Committee.

• The Finance Committee 2020-2021 work plan was approved.

• Committee Report Inaccuracy Procedures are to be added to the Board Manual.

• The Membership Committee 2020-2021 work plan was approved.

The HWFC Board of Directors approved the following decisions at the 6 pm September 1 Board Meeting:

• The Meat & Poultry Policy revisions to the Food & Product Manual are recommended to the Membership for a vote at the Oct. 25, 2020 Membership Meeting.

• Member-Owners investing time on the floor or in admin from Aug. 5 until the next meeting of the Board of Directors are to receive one-and-a-half (1.5) hours for each hour of time invested.

• The Religious Accommodation Policy as recommended by the Personnel Committee was approved for inclusion in the Employee Manual.

• The Board approved, until the next meeting of the Board of Directors, Employees who are not absent due to COVID-19 related reasons may access sick time accruals without the need to supply a doctor’s note other than for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Extend until the next meeting of the Board of Directors the suspension of the one-year service requirement and the requirement for a doctor’s note for those with a personal illness to use the Leave Transfer Bank Policy with the modification that FFCRA eligible Employees are not eligible for the Leave Transfer Policy.

• On-site committee meetings are suspended until the next meeting of the Board of Directors.

letter to the editors To: Honest Slate Subject: “natural flavoring” My research yielded the explanation about how that ingredient came to be approved.

Flavorings industry (chemists) convinced the FDA to accept an artificial flavor IF the chain of molecules contained the same chain or part of a chain as one present in…

Let’s say a blueberry. The so called “natural flavor or other natural flavor” has never been anywhere near “a blueberry, apple, cherry, etc.”

It’s fraud!!! Don’t buy anything that says “natural,” etc., flavor!!!!

—Pam Harder, Member-Owner

Submissions Policy:

Editors & Contributors:

We welcome articles & contributions.

Susan Andrews David Bulnes Yevette Buddeau Joyce Chicoine Stephanie Conde Erin Donahue Elisa Grimm

• Material is published at the discretion of the Honest Slate team.

• Only signed work is accepted.

• Items are edited for length, grammar, and style.

We may consider unsolicited material but encourage individuals to submit ideas or outlines first. Letters to the Editors do not require preapproval.

• The Anti-Racism Committee purpose document revision submitted by the Committee was approved as amended.

• The draft notice of the Oct. 25, 2020 Membership Meeting was approved as amended for submission to the GRC, pending inclusion of final info session dates and times.

• 2021 Membership Meeting dates are:

SeptemBer 2O20 • Preferred maximum length is 500 words.

September 2020

Lynn Huntington Georgia Julius Don Kennison Carol Ostrow Janet Sorell Tyler Varese

Contact honestslate@honestweight.coop with questions, comments, or suggestions.

• January 31 • April 25 • May 23 • October 24

WE Owe YOU The Co-op has money waiting for a number of individuals whom we cannot locate. If you or anyone you know appears on the following list, the Finance Department urges you to contact the Co-op at your earliest convenience: finance@honestweight.coop.

Gillian Eastwood

Stephen Dornbush Lily Ringler

Eva Foitzik

Hank Adams

Joseph Gietl

Timothy J. Cowper Laurel Holden

Kimberly Truitt

Maria Kuhsel

Mark Pranys

Elias Saifan

Oliver Holecek

Nishi Beharry

Statement of Purpose: Honest Slate is a platform for HWFC Membership, Staff, Management, and Governance: promoting transparency, reporting news without bias, and sustaining community.

Honest Slate articles are for informational purposes and are not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Opinions expressed in Honest Slate do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Honest Slate or Honest Weight Food Co-op.

All contents ©2020 Honest Weight Food Co-op; no material appearing in Honest Slate may be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of HWFC.

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop

9

Honest Slate

September 2020

C o - o p p o r t u nities Rolling into September we can think about what’s to come in the “Ber” months. September through December hold some traditionally warm experiences as the temperature cools off. I wish comfort to all as we move toward the Brrr in the ‘Bers.

Some announcements that have been requested are as follows. Please wear your mask. Wear it over your nose and mouth.

If your mask does not fit right and droops chronically to reveal your nose then please choose another one. The CDC does not recommend wearing a face shield as a replacement for a mask, so if you wear a face shield then you will also need to wear a mask.

We have plenty of cloth masks for Staff and Member-Owners who are on shift; stop by the service desk to ask for one if you need a new one. Thanks to the group of MOs who have been tirelessly making these masks for the Co-op! We also have disposable masks and packaged masks for sale.

Our Co-op features many positive and constructive qualities and we aspire to keep an atmosphere of respect, tolerance, equality, and inclusion. With all that we are experiencing, we may have moments when we feel taxed and stretched to the limits.

Please be mindful of your words and actions in our shared space. We’ve been asked to reaffirm our commitment to treat each other with respect and dignity. Take a moment and breathe that in. Thanks.

Write what you know.

Write what you want.

Write what you like.

Write for Honest Slate.

See submissions policy on page 8.

honestslate@honestweight.coop

Announcements

Interested in joining Honest Weight Food Co-op’s Team as an Employee?

Check out our Employment Page.

Speaking of shared space, we sure hope to see more and more people at the Coop as the time goes by! We miss you tremendously! MOs who are thinking of coming back to do hours may reach out to the departments they are interested in helping. Shifts and tasks have changed in some instances, but please reach out to see where you can fit. Many departments have space. See our website for contact info for the departments or contact Yevette at memberservices@honestweight. coop.

We currently need help out front as a customer counter at the store entrance.

This person helps make sure there are a maximum of 50 people in the store at a time, so we can all shop and work in a less crowded space. To sign up for a shift as the counter, reach out to DanH@honestweight.coop or StephenQ@honestweight.coop.

by Yevette Buddeau Member-Owner Coordinator (MOC)

To donate hours to the Member-Owner hours bank, or to request a donation due to COVID-19 hardship, reach out to Yevette at memberservices@honestweight.coop.

MOs who need assistance making hours ends meet are still able to request donations from the hours bank. Please reach out to Yevette at memberservices@honestweight.coop if you have hours to donate or need hours donated to you.

We lost one of our lifelong friends and local activists this past month, Rezsin Adams. She will be missed deeply by many.

Please take a moment to read this article in the Times Union about her, and get yourself involved in the movements that speak to you! Our condolences to those who knew and loved Rezsin.

Board Zoom meetings are on first Tuesdays at 6 pm. Log in online or by dialing 1-646-558-8656, then enter Meeting ID#: 893 5590 4979

d i d oy u

65 people attended July’s Board meeting.

know?

Where Can You Find Honest Slate?Weight?

You Find Honest Slate at Honest Q: Where Can OUT 2 Bulletin Boards

writers Honest wanted:

SLATE

memBer-owner

3 Exit

Ne

Checkout

We now have 3 in-store locations for printed copies!

You are also encouraged to read issues online by visiting: honestweight.coop/honestslate.

A:

ws

ck Ra

s

IN 1

Irving (also, parking)

Entrance Slat Wall

Shopping Carts

Honest Weight Food Co-op • 100 Watervliet Ave. Albany, NY 12206 • 518-482-2667 • https://www.honestweight.coop/ • honestslate@honestweight.coop