Oregon Black Pioneers

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Our July Change for Community recipient is Oregon’s only statewide African American historical society. Oregon Black Pioneers illuminates the seldom-told stories of people of African descent in Oregon through exhibitions, publications, historical markers and creative projects.

While the organization is headquartered in Salem, its only staff member currently lives and works in Astoria, giving the North Coast a unique opportunity to learn about Black history. For example, OBP has partnered with Coast Community Radio to produce and broadcast “The Register”, a weekly radio show on the state’s most notable African Americans.

Other local OBP partners and supporters include Clatsop Community College, Clatsop County Historical Society, Fort George Brewery, Pacific Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Peace First Lutheran Church and now the co-op!

As a small non-profit, OBP relies on grants and community support. Outside of generous donations during Black History Month (in February), donor support is lean. So, support through the co-op’s Change for Community program in July will help sustain the organization during slower months.

Let’s raise funds for this awesome organization! Round up your purchase total or donate your pocket change. Through our Change for Community program, we’ve raised $88,119.02 in cash donations for local non-profits. Learn more…

Masks Encouraged, Not Required

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The co-op strongly encourages masks but is lifting the requirement in accordance with the governor’s executive order. We realize this will come as good news to many, and some may find it uncomfortable. There are community members who cannot receive the vaccine due to weakened immune systems, age, or other reasons. With that in mind, we encourage mask-wearing and social distancing at the co-op.

The decision to continue wearing masks is at the discretion of each co-op customer and employee. We ask that you please be respectful of the personal decision others make. ⠀

As Oregon reaches a 70% vaccination rate, the governor is ending most Covid-19 restrictions starting June 30, including the statewide mask mandate. The Centers for Disease Control states fully vaccinated people may resume activities without wearing a mask or social distancing but advises the unvaccinated to continue wearing a mask. ⠀

The health of co-op shoppers and staff have been a priority throughout the pandemic. We were a leader in installing plexiglass shields for cashiers, handwashing stations and air scrubbers. Many safety precautions will remain, and we will continue to be responsive to any future changes to guidance around masks and distancing.

After more than a year of COVID-19 measures, we acknowledge removing the mask requirement is a significant change. We thank you for supporting the co-op as we’ve responded and adapted to the pandemic. We are hopeful our community will continue to progress in a healthy way and welcome you to our store!

Juneteenth

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June 19 is Juneteenth—the day on which, in 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. We’re pleased to announce that the co-op will be doing something special for the Black community in honor of Juneteenth. We have selected Oregon Black Pioneers as our next Change for Community recipient. In July, you can help us raise funds by rounding up or donating pocket change.

Meantime, we’re sharing more information about Juneteenth as well as recipes so you can commemorate the event with your own Juneteenth picnic or cookout. Click here to learn more.

Grill Giveaway

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Grilling season is upon us and we’re giving away a new grill to one lucky winner! Cook delicious co-op foods outdoors on this Weber Premium Charcoal Grill from City Lumber (value $175). Enter here for your chance to win.

Update: Contest is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Vange Alderman!

Masks Required

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Update: The co-op does not intend to verify vaccination status at this time and will continue requiring masks for everyone over two years of age. We appreciate your continued cooperation wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth and keeping six-feet of distance between shoppers and staff.

The Oregon Health Authority said businesses that remove mask and physical distancing requirements must seek proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Our staff does not have capacity to monitor the inoculation status of all our shoppers. Under OHA rules, that means we need to continue masking up.

Since the CDC and State of Oregon recently eased mask guidelines, we’ve heard mostly positive feedback about keeping the co-op’s mask policy in place. The co-op has maintained a safe shopping and work environment throughout the pandemic and plans to gradually unwind pandemic protocols.

Please direct any feedback on this issue to General Manager Matt Stanley at [email protected]. Thanks for your cooperation!

Spring Owner Appreciation

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Co-op owners, pick a shopping trip in May to save:

  • 10% off purchase under $100
  • 15% off purchase of $100 or more
  • 20% off purchase of $150 or more

Equity must be up-to-date to receive discount. Applies to items in stock and does not stack with case discounts. Thanks so much for your support!

Not a co-op owner? No problem, you’re always welcome to shop, but if you’d like to learn about the benefits of ownership click here.

Burrito Bar

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Take a break from cooking and enjoy lunch or dinner from our burrito bar! There’s something for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free and low-carb options. We’re all about quality ingredients, including 100% organic produce.

The grab-n-go burritos are available in the hot case, or you can build a custom burrito, bowl, salad or tacos.

We now have a burrito bar punch card! Buy 9 and get the 10th free. This applies to one burrito, one bowl, four tacos, or $10+ worth of ala carte. Pick up your order from the burrito bar – or a prepared burrito from the hot case – and then ask your cashier for a punch card at checkout.

 

Top Chef

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Top Chef premiers April 1 and a scene from the new season was filmed at our co-op! The show will be set in Portland and chef contestants will take on challenges throughout the region including crabbing on the Oregon coast. The show airs on Bravo and streams on Hulu. Click here for more information.

Produce Storage Guide

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Food buying habits have changed over the last year. People are not grocery shopping as frequently and one of the biggest challenges is keeping those produce perishables fresh. Help protect sensitive produce with this Produce Storage Guide and of course, don’t hesitate to ask a produce staff person for tips.

Curbside Changes

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Beginning March 22, Co+op Curbside will be available weekdays only Monday–Friday with pickup times throughout the day.

Your co-op continues to adapt, providing the community with groceries in a pandemic. A good sign that the situation is improving could be decreased demand for curbside pickup. Co+op Curbside regulars are getting COVID-19 vaccines and feel safe resuming in-store shopping.

In response, we are reducing curbside pickup from seven days a week to weekdays only. Over the next few months we will closely monitor the situation and consider adjusting more. If this trend continues, we could eventually phase out the curbside pickup program.

Costs and space are long-term obstacles to curbside pickup. The need to offer the service arose from the pandemic, but with no dedicated space to process orders, we’ve been using our dining area to weigh, bag and store groceries. We look forward to a time when we can reopen this space.

Your co-op has been offering curbside pickup as a free community service during the pandemic. We are proud of our team for safely providing groceries to everyone including our community’s most vulnerable citizens. We have maintained “hero” pay thanks to your support—shopping online and in the store.

We welcome your questions and comments regarding the curbside pickup program. You can contact our general manager Matt Stanley at [email protected] or marketing director Zetty Nemlowill at [email protected]. We look forward to serving you!