Alaffia is a local, Black-owned business offering a variety of body care products that can be found at the co-op, including body wash, hair products, lotion, deodorant and more. Olowo-n’djo Tchala, from Togo, and Prairie Rose Hyde, from Washington state, founded Alaffia in 2003. Their goal is to redefine the natural products industry through the values of beauty, equality and empowerment, fair trade, and safe, efficacious body care. Sales help fund empowerment projects to support fair trade producer communities in Togo. Alaffia’s Everyday Shea body lotion is on sale at the co-op right now!
Inclusive Trade is a new program developed by National Co-op Grocers, which believes supply chains should include a seat at the table for systemically underrepresented populations. According to NCG, “Supplier diversity promotes greater innovation, a healthier competitive environment and more equitably distributed benefits among all community members.”
Astoria Co+op is committed to doing our part to create a more just society by cultivating partnerships with businesses owned by people who identify as women, Black, indigenous, people of color (POC), LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities and veterans. Look for the yellow Inclusive Trade signs throughout the store to find products made by some of these businesses so you can support them too.