Wondering Where all the eggs went?

You may have noticed that some producers are only selling eggs by special order, while others have a very limited supply of eggs. That's because chickens like to take a well-deserved break in the winter! The truth is that as the days get shorter, chickens react to the decrease in day light. This change in day length causes hens to molt and cease egg production, a process that may take several months.

Molting is a natural process that allows the hen to replace old, worn feathers and rejuvenates her oviduct, the organ that “makes” eggs. With the molt, the hen puts the bulk of her energy into feather growth, leaving little for egg production. This is the way nature intended it to be. Factory farms, who cram the chickens into giant warehouses, among other atrocities, use chemicals, unnatural feed, and fake sun light to trick chickens into creating eggs all year round. It is just not right!

So while you may be a little bothered that you can't get the eggs you've been happily buying for months, be happy to know that the chickens are resting their bodies so that they can give you their eggs in the Springtime.

Doesn't that make the eggs you get from the Co-op even more precious?

Facebook Us!

If you're on Facebook, you can stay even more connected with the Co-op.

To find us, just sign in to your Facebook account and visit our page!

Benefits of Volunteering With the West Michigan Co-op

The West Michigan Co-Op will be holding our annual meeting on March 3, 2009.

For those of you who have volunteered at least five times during the 2008 calendar year, you will be eligible to vote at this meeting. Furthermore, as a voting member you will be eligible to run for a vacant position on the board of directors.

There are two ways to become a voting member:

1. Users of the West Michigan Cooperative may pay $100 to the Co-op to become a lifetime Voting Member of the Co-op. This is in addition to the $35 annual user fee, which must be maintained to remain a lifetime Voting Member.
   
   
2. Users who volunteer five or more times in a calendar year, ending December 31st, will become a Voting Member for the following calendar year. You must volunteer five times every year to maintain a Voting Member status. The volunteer numbers will reset to zero every January 1st.

Volunteers are currently needed to help during pick-up nights as well as on the committees. Currently the Membership Committee and the PR/Marketing Committee are in need to more volunteers. For information on committees, as well as contact information, please visit our Web site.

If you have any further questions or if you would like to find out how many times you have volunteered this year, please contact Tara at tara@westmichigancoop.com.

Buy Local Mint Essential Oil & Help Save a Farm

Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns, Michigan, is under foreclosure. Because of the farm's historic significance and the desire to continue producing peppermint essential oil, your help is needed to save the farm.

In addition to having what appears to be the oldest surviving still in the country, the Crosby Farms operation also appears to be the oldest mint farm in continuous operation in the United States. The key word here is 'continuous' - that it has cultivated and processed mint since J.E. Crosby purchased the property before World War I.

How You Can Help

For $5, you can get a gram of pure mint oil. This essential oil lasts a long time and is very hard to find.

Currently, there is enough essential oil inventory to pay the farm's debt, but 77,000 dram bottles must be sold!

Visit http://www.getmint.com/ for more information and to place your order.

Some of Mint's Many Uses

Headaches:

Peppermint may ease headaches and migraines. Apply a rub to temple area in circular motion and across the forehead. For migraines, wet hair and put 4-5 drops into your hand and massage into the scalp.

Sinus Problems

Peppermint is very useful in reducing sinus congestion when added to a bowl of steaming or boiling water. A rub may be applied to chest, back of neck area, and behind ears. A few drops of oil in a vaporizer at night will help ease congestion as well.

Digestive System

Peppermint oil can help relax the muscles of the digestive tract to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. One drop of peppermint oil on a sugar cube or used in tea may help relieve intestinal cramps.

Body Muscles & Arthritis

Peppermint oil is soothing to sore muscles when added to a hot bath or massage oil. Use this to soothe arthritis pain. Mix 4-5 drops of oil into 1 ounce of lotion and/or massage carrier oil.

Feet

Applied full strength, or mixed with a carrier oil, peppermint oil may relieve swollen feet and may reduce and assist in healing blisters, cuts, or athlete's foot by killing bacteria.

Women Only

To relieve menstrual or abdominal cramps, add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil on a sugar cube or into an 8 ounce glass of water and drink. A toothpick dipped in oil works great for tea or water. Mint also helps to relieve hot flashes!

Flu Season

For a sore throat, sparingly dip a cotton swab into mint oil and carefully apply to the back of the tongue area.

Relieve congestion by rubbing a few drops of peppermint oil on chest and covering with warm compress.

Add a few drops of mint oil to the water of a humidifier or vaporizer to keep it smelling fresh and kill germs.

Peppermint Oil is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal!

Pick-up Schedule

Please be aware that we will NOT be switching to Saturday pick-ups for this winter.

The pick-up will remain on Wednesday evenings year round.

For exact dates please see our calendar on the website at http://www.westmichigancoop.com/pages/calendar.

Volunteer Party!!

For those of you who have volunteered at least once throughout this past year (whether on drop-off/pick-up nights, with committees, at events, etc.), we would like to thank you for your support in helping the West Michigan Co-op grow and succeed by inviting you to a Volunteer Appreciation Party!

Come and hang out with co-op producers and others who have helped make the WM Co-op possible!

When: Thursday Dec. 4th 6:30pm

Where: WM Co-op headquarters - Media Rare - 1111 Godfrey SW

What: - Full meal prepared with food grown and produced locally, mainly by our very own WM Co-op producers
- Local beer
- Raffle featuring co-op items

Who: Due to our overwhelming list of volunteer support, this party is for volunteers only, sorry, no spouses, family, or friends.

** RSVP: Please respond by Friday Nov. 7th to volunteer@westmichigancoop.com. (Food for the party will be ordered via the co-op on this date, based on the number of responses.)

Thanks again to all of you who have helped out over this past year!! The co-op is entirely volunteer run and wouldn't exist without you!! Hope you can make it to the party!

WM Co-op Board Meeting

The West Michigan Co-op will be holding a board meeting on Tuesday October 28th at 6:30pm at Media Rare, 1111 Godfrey SW. Please feel free to join us!

Co-op Potluck This Weekend!!

Just a reminder that the first West Michigan Co-op Membership Potluck is this Saturday!

Come feast with old friends and meet new friends!

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2008
TIME: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (or later...)
WHERE: Riverside Park - Island Shelter - South

Please bring your own place settings, beverages and a dish to share.

Grills are available, but charcoal and matches are not. So if you plan on grilling, bring your fire starters too.

Looks like the weather will be beautiful! :)

Hope everyone can make it!!

Co-op Potluck in the Park!!

Come feast with old friends and meet new friends
at the first West Michigan Co-op Membership Potluck!

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2008
TIME: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (or later...)
WHERE: Riverside Park - Island Shelter - South

Please bring your own place settings, beverages and a dish to share.

Grills are available, but charcoal and matches are not. So if you plan on grilling, bring your fire starters too.

Party’s on rain or shine!

Hope to see you there!!

Wells Orchard Farm Tour - this Saturday!!

Just a reminder that the Wells Orchard Farm Tour is this Saturday September 27th 9am-10am. There are still spots available. If you are interested in signing up please send an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com.


Wells Orchard
Saturday September 27th 9:00-10:00am
O-8993 Kenowa SW
Grand Rapids MI, 49534
http://www.wellsorchards.com/

Wells Orchards is a working family farm located along the Grand River west of Grand Rapids. The family has been raising tree fruit commercially for over 125 years, 88 of those years on this farm. They grow many varieties of tree fruits, including apples, peaches, pears, sweet cherries, and plums along with other crops. Their goal is to provide the highest quality fruit to the public, at reasonable prices, and in a friendly atmosphere.

Things to know:

• The tour of the orchard is free, there is an optional corn maze for $2


• The store will be open and among other things there will be single serving cider portions for $1


• Family friendly!


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty


• No apple picking allowed

WM Co-op Membership fees

Just a reminder that the $35 annual membership fee is due this month for many members.

Information on whether or not your membership fee is due can be found in your basket at the very bottom, above Frequently Asked Questions. If your fees are due please be prepared to pay them when you come to pick up your order.

Thanks for shopping the WM Co-op!!

Mud Lake Farm Tour this Saturday!!

Just a reminder that the Mud Lake Farm Tour is this Saturday September 20th at 9am and 10:30am. There are still spots available for the 10:30 tour. If you are interested in signing up please send an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com.

Mud Lake Farm
Saturday September 20th 9:00am & 10:30am
3411 Ottogan Street
Hudsonville MI, 49426
http://www.mudlakefarm.com/

Mud Lake Farm is situated on 40 acres in southern Ottawa county. We are firm believers in sustainable agriculture, and enjoy exploring new ideas to make our farm more sustainable. We do not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or growth hormones on our farm. A variety of herbs, greens, and other vegetables are available in season.

Things to know:

• Carpool if possible - we have very limited parking along the right side of the road past our driveway only (please don't park in our neighbor's yard on the left side of the road!!)

• We have a very friendly border collie (she will want everyone to throw her frisbee...), but sometime kids are afraid if they aren't used to dogs

• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty (not a good idea to wear heels, sandals, your best shoes...), especially if you'd like to walk around after the tour. Most of our property is low land, and if there's been much rain it will be wet.

There is also space still available for the Wells Orchard tour on Saturday September 27^th 9am-10am. Please email membership@westmichigancoop.com to reserve a spot!

Coco Charlotte Bakery

I've been buying baked goods from Coco Charlotte Bakery ever since they joined the Co-op a few months ago, and none of their products have disappointed.

The first time I tried the gluten-free brownies. Before you get turned off by the words "gluten-free" you have to hear me out. The only problem I had with these brownies was that I wanted more! They were delicious. So rich and chocolatey, they disappeared in no time.

Being satisfied, the next time I shopped I bought the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. I love oatmeal raisin cookies, and I didn't think these would live up to my standards, but I have to tell you, I've never had a better oatmeal raisin cookie.

Last month, along with the brownies again, I also tried the Triple Berry Cobbler. It came in a pan. I couldn't get enough of it. I served it warm. If you like berries, it is packed with them.

On a serious note, I have to point out that not only does Coco Charlotte create yummy food, but they also have a wonderful Mission Statement that makes you feel good to support them.

This month I'm having trouble deciding what to buy from them. I have a craving for those oatmeal cookies, but there's also the double chocolate cookies to be tried, and a banana nut loaf that is calling to me.

Too many decisions to make! I'm thinking I may need to buy them all!

WM Co-op Board Meeting

The WM Co-op will be holding a board meeting next Wednesday September 10th, 6:30pm at Media Rare, 1111 Godfrey SW. Everyone is invited to attend.

Grassfields Farm Tour this Saturday!

Just a reminder that the Grassfields Farm tour is this Saturday August 30th at 10am. There are still a few more spots available, so if you are interested in signing up for the tour please send an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com.

Grassfields
Saturday August 30th 10:00am
14238 60th Avenue
Coopersville MI, 49404
http://%3ca%20href=/">www.grassfieldscheese.com">http://www.grassfieldscheese.com

Grassfields is a family owned and operated farm that has been in the family since the early 1920s. In 2002, they started making raw-milk cheese (they are the first place in Michigan licensed to make and sell raw milk cheese). They sell seven different varieties of cheese. In Spring 2007, Grassfields was certified Organic.

Things to know:

* Cheesemaking will be going on, as well as a tour on a wagon of the farm!

* Wear closed shoes that can get dirty

* $3.50/person

Information on Mud Lake and Well Orchard farm tours scheduled for September can be found in a previous blog post below.

Menu for the Future Discussion Course

Menu for the Future
Discussion Course

The act of putting into your mouth what the Earth has grown is perhaps your most direct interaction with the Earth. – Frances Moore Lappe

I recently took part in a fascinating course offered by the Earth Institute of West Michigan titled Menu for the Future. I met so many delightful people, had so much fun and learned so much about food that I want to share my experience with other West Michigan Food Coop members.

Our informal, small group (strangers to each other in the beginning) met for an hour and a half each week for 6 weeks to discuss readings from the course book. The course book is composed of articles, book excerpts and short essays organized in chapters around different food themes. The course is intended to promote dialogue, not consensus and allows each participant to bring their own unique perspectives, values and attitudes to the group.

Some of the topics reviewed and debated include: organic vs. local, pesticide protection, industrial agriculture, the value of diversity, additives in your kitchen, slow eating, sustainable food systems and making informed food choices. Because the atmosphere in our group was one of support, respect and trust, we were able to engage in lively discussions which allowed us to evaluate our personal lifestyle choices and the actions we wished continue or perhaps change. We laughed together often as our thoughts were expanded and we developed a sense of community with each other. We have decided to move on together as a group to discuss the Voluntary Simplicity course this fall.

Both of these courses were developed by Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) out of Portland, OR. The local sister institute, Earth Institute of West Michigan (EIWM), and NWEI offer these courses to inspire people to examine our relationship and responsibility for Earth. I found my initial experience so rewarding. I am choosing to take action by co-ordinating the next West Michigan Co-op’s Menu for the Future course this fall for those interested in exploring this tantalizing topic!

Please talk to me at the next coop pick-up date to sign-up for the course or to ask questions.

If you miss me there please email me at amy.heilman@sbcglobal.net

We would like to start one or more groups in September. For further information please log on to http://www.nwei.org/.

Amy Heilman
Member – West Michigan Co-op
616-682-4593

One of our producers is in the news

Just a quick heads up - Groundwell Community Farm, who sells through the Co-op got a nice write up in press.

Read it on Mlive.

2008 Farm Tours

We've set up 3 Farm tours to visit local farms that are involved with the West Michigan Co-op!

Please reserve your spot on the tour by sending an email to membership@westmichigancoop.com. There is limited space and tours will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Grassfields
Saturday August 30th 10:00am
14238 60th Avenue
Coopersville MI, 49404
http://www.grassfieldscheese.com

Grassfields is a family owned and operated farm that has been in the family since the early 1920s. In 2002, they started making raw-milk cheese (they are the first place in Michigan licensed to make and sell raw milk cheese). They sell seven different varieties of cheese. In Spring 2007, Grassfields was certified Organic.

Things to know:

• Cheesemaking will be going on, as well as a tour on a wagon of the farm!


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty


• $3.50/person

Mud Lake Farm
Saturday September 20th 9:00am
3411 Ottogan Street
Hudsonville MI, 49426
http://www.mudlakefarm.com/

Mud Lake Farm is situated on 40 acres in southern Ottawa county. They are firm believers in sustainable agriculture, and enjoy exploring new ideas to make our farm more sustainable. They do not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or growth hormones on our farm. A variety of herbs, greens, and other vegetables are available in season.

Things to know:

• Carpool if possible - we have very limited parking along the right side of the road past our driveway only (please don't park in our neighbor's yard on the left side of the road!!)


• We have a very friendly border collie (she will want everyone to throw her frisbee...), but sometime kids are afraid if they aren't used to dogs


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty (not a good idea to wear heels, sandals, your best shoes...), especially if you'd like to walk around after the tour. Most of our property is low land, and if there's been much rain it will be wet.

Wells Orchard
Saturday September 27th 9:00-10:00am
O-8993 Kenowa SW
Grand Rapids MI, 49534
http://www.wellsorchards.com/

Wells Orchards is a working family farm located along the Grand River west of Grand Rapids. The family has been raising tree fruit commercially for over 125 years, 88 of those years on this farm. They grow many varieties of tree fruits, including apples, peaches, pears, sweet cherries, and plums along with other crops. Their goal is to provide the highest quality fruit to the public, at reasonable prices, and in a friendly atmosphere.

Things to know:

• The tour of the orchard is free, there is an optional corn maze for $2


• The store will be open and among other things there will be single serving cider portions for $1


• Family friendly!


• Wear closed shoes that can get dirty


• No apple picking allowed

Space is limited for all the farm tours so sign up early!
Email us at membership@westmichigancoop.com

Reviewing your order...

Hey - quick tip from the Tech Guy!

Did you know you can review your order anytime - even after the cycle closes? Just log in, and click "My Basket." It's right by the search box, on the right hand side of the page.

Here you can see what you've ordered, and even print off a copy for your records. Don't worry - the printed page won't have any of those heavy graphics. Just a basic, black and white table of your order, and your totals.

Rock and roll, and thanks for supporting your local producers!

Become a voting member!

I wanted to make everyone aware that there are 2 ways to become a voting member.

Voting Members have a voice in the Co-op by having a vote at the Annual Meetings and Special Membership Meetings called during the year. They are also eligible for a seat on the Board of Directors, when there is a vacancy. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Co-op as a Voting Member please consider one of the two avenues below:

1.) Users of the West Michigan Cooperative may pay $100 to the Co-op to become a lifetime Voting Member of the Co-op. This is in addition to the $35 annual user fee, which must be maintained to remain a lifetime Voting Member.

2.) Users who volunteer five or more times in a calendar year, ending December 31st, will become a Voting Member for the following calendar year. You must volunteer five times every year to maintain a Voting Member status. Every January 1st the volunteer numbers will reset to zero.

This, and all our policies are on the Wiki

What we're up to

As we picked up our 300th paid member today , I started to wonder if everyone was aware of what the Co-op has been up to and how to stay informed.

The best way is to volunteer. You'll get to meet other people who love and shop the co-op. Many of our volunteers and other members are on some of our Committees. The Committees do a tremendous amount of work, like creating the member survey this month.

Another way to keep up is to read the board's meeting minutes. We publish all of them on our wiki.

There you will also find a link to email the board members. If you have questions for them, please feel free to send an email!

Member Survey

When you shop this month, please help us by taking the member survey. It will only take a few minutes and your answers will help us improve your Co-op.

The survey will change every month, so please be sure to take it each time!

Thanks!

2 chances to support the Co-op!

This Saturday, June 28, the Co-op will have an informational booth at The Grand Rapids Water Festival. The Water Festival will be going on ALL DAY at Riverside Park. Be sure to stop by the festival. At the festival you'll be able to eat some local food from some of the vendors, listen to Michigan-based bands (folk, jazz, country, soul, blues, gospel and rock n’ roll) and buy some local art. Check it out at grandrapidswaterfestival.com.

On July 2 at 7 pm we will be at the Wealthy Theatre educating the city on the importance of eating local food. We're teaming up with Common Lens and Slow Foods Potawatomi Convivum to present the provocative and thought-provoking documentary "Genetically Modified Food: Panacea or Poison." The Common Lens Series is made possible by the support of the Dyer-Ives Foundation. Find out more at http://www.grcmc.org/theatre/.

New Policy - Late Pick-ups and forgotten items

Please be aware of this new policy, which goes into effect this shopping cycle.

West Michigan Cooperative Policy for Late Pick-ups and Alternate Pick-up times

If you fail to pick up your order during the designated pick-up day/time or if you cannot make the designated day/time, you must contact the WM Co-op at help@westmichigancoop.com or 616-248-0760 to arrange a time for pick-up at Media Rare within the next two business days (between 9am-5pm on the first business day and between 9am-3:30pm on the second business day).

The following penalties will apply:

• Pick-up during the next business day - $15 fee


• Pick-up during the 2nd business day - $30 fee

Fees will help cover the costs of leaving the coolers/freezers running and the disruption of normal business hours at Media Rare.

At 3:30pm on the 2nd business day all remaining orders will be donated to a local non-profit and members will be responsible for paying their invoice in full within one week of the designated pick-up date by delivering the payment to Media Rare or by sending a check made out to WM Co-op to Jerry Adams at:
Media Rare
1111 Godfrey SW Bldg Q
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Payments must be received in a timely fashion in order to pay our Producers. Failure to receive payment within one week may lead to the cancellation of your membership.
Appeals based on extenuating circumstances will be heard and decisions made based on the discretion of the board.

If you know ahead of time that you will not be able to pick up your order during the designated pick-up period, please try to find someone else to pick up your order for you.

Policy for Forgotten Items

If you realize that you have forgotten an item from your order please
contact the WM Co-op at help@westmichigancoop.com or 616-248-0760 to arrange a time for pick-up at Media Rare within the next two business days (between 9am-5pm on the first business day and between 9am-3:30pm on the second business day). No penalties apply but any items left after two business days will be donated.

Buying Local - Even When You Eat Out!

An article caught my eye in the paper this past week about another Grand Rapids' restaurant jumping on the "local" bandwagon.

Rockwell's Kitchen and Tap, and Republic, located at 45 S. Division, are actually two distinct restaurants situated next door to each other, sharing a kitchen, but with different flavors and atmospheres. Rockwell's is an American pub, while Republic is a bit more upscale.

According the the GR Press, co-owner, Peter Hamm said he will emphasize using local produce, when its available. It doesn't stop there either, locally made art work adorns the walls.

Both Rockwell's Kitchen and Tap, and Republic join other restaurants in the area that are choosing to create a healthy community by supporting a sustainable and humane food system. Other restaurants doing the same are Bistro Bella Vita, The Green Well, Marie Catrib's and Naya. If you know of any I'm missing, please be sure to let me know by commenting below!

When choosing where to eat out, I'm happy to have another choice that seeks to protect the integrity of the natural environment and our resources. This should be something we should all be thinking about, whether its purchasing an air conditioner from the mom & pop shop down the street, or going to Best Buy. I am even more happy to support businesses that support a humane food system. In fact, there are a few restaurants in town that I refuse to go to because they serve foie gras, refuse to take it off the menu, and do not respond to my letters (*cough cough* Restaurant Bloom and Six One Six).

The entire article can be found on Mlive. Be sure to stop in and say hello. Thank them for buying local, and spread the word of the Coop while you're there.

Slow Food Potawatomi Convivium

I'm just discovering Slow Food. Slow Food is an organization that believes that pleasure and quality in everyday life can be achieved by slowing down, respecting the convivial traditions of the table and celebrating the diversity of the earth's bounty. From the spice of Cajun cooking to the delicious simplicity of produce at a farmers’ market; from animal breeds and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables to handcrafted wine and beer, farmhouse cheeses and other artisanal products; these foods are a part of our cultural identity.

In essence, they believe in a food system that is good, clean and fair.

• Good: Naturally delicious food created with care from healthy plants and animals.


• Clean: Grown and harvested with methods that have a positive impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.


• Fair: Produced by people who are treated with dignity and justly compensated for their labor.

Thankfully, for us West Michiganders, there is a local chapter. The local chapter, Slow Food Potawatomi Convivium, just started up a blog. Their blog highlights all the cool events that they are putting together. They have put together some screening of The Real Dirt on Farmer John on June 3 and 5 at two Schuler's Books locations in GR. There is also a Garlic Festival and Tomato Tasting Weekend coming up.

Be sure to check out their blog. To join Slow Food or get more info, contact their president, Amy Sherman.

Library's Indoor Farmer's Market

A handful of West Michigan Coop sellers participated in the Grand Rapids Public Library's Indoor Farmer's Market during the Library's Earth Week Celebration.

The West Michigan Coop had a booth and were able to meet new people and talk with them about the importance of shopping for local food. The farmers also connected with a new audience and got to show off their stuff, like Dog Wood Farm's Goat Lady, Barbara Jenness, pictured on the left.

While people shopped, the Coop gave a presentation about the coop and how to get involved. Afterwards, the library showed some films on the impact large factory farms have had on the family run farm and the environment.

Hundreds of people came out and it was a huge success. Thanks again to everyone who participated, sold, and shopped!

Here's George and Shelia Wright from H&W Farms posing with all their goodies!



Betsy Meerman from Grassfields Cheese manned her booth all day handing out cheese samples and raw milk from their Green Pastures cow share program.

Water - Think Global - Act Local

Dr. Todd Jarvis will be speaking on the geography of the world-wide water crisis. He will present information on how individuals can become involved in solutions to improve the water challenges we face today in our world and in our communities.

Todd Jarvis has 20 years experience as a hydrogeologist and is an expert on a range of complex water management issues. He is a member of the faculty of Oregon State University Water Resources Graduate Program. Todd is the Associate Director of the Institute for Water and Watersheds.

Event is on April 24 at 7:30 pm
Room 403
Mars Hill Bible Church
2501 Fairlanes Ave SW
Grandville, MI

If you have any question please contact Holly duMond at dumond@comcast.net

Co-op Discussion Group on Food & Sustainability

The Earth Institute of West Michigan, part of the Northwest Earth Institute, offers discussion group courses on environmental issues. Their newest course is called Menu for the Future, it's a 6 session discussion course exploring the connection between food and sustainability.

Discussion groups meet weekly or biweekly for 6 sessions to discuss each section of the book. The cost for the course is the price of the book.

Menu for the Future will tackle subjects such as the effects of modern industrial eating habits, GMOs, farming for the future, food and health, the creation of a more just food system, and the benefits of eating local.

We would love to start up a WM Co-op Discussion Group! If you are interested please email Tara.

Visit www.nwei.org for more info.

Get more involved!

The WM Co-op is holding a special meeting on Tues. March 25th, 7pm at Media Rare.

We will be forming subcommittees to tackle various issues related to the co-op, such as:
Marketing/Education
Products/Producers
Membership/Volunteers
and Vision for the Future

Subcommittees will be made up of members of the co-op with one board member as a representative on each.

All members are invited and encouraged to attend!! If you wish to become more involved with the co-op this is a great opportunity!!

We really hope you can make it!!

Thanks!

Good news... for once!

There has been so much doom and gloom in the farming business lately, it's nice to finally read a story where someone is doing something right.

A story appeared in the Associated Press today about an apple orchard in Clayton Township that is bringing a unique approach to their beetle problem.

Instead of using pesticides, this farmer, Jim Koan, is using hogs to patrol his apple orchards and eat fallen apples that contain the larvae of a very destructive beetle. The article claims that "Left in the orchard for three days, the pigs gobbled down 98 percent of the fallen apples. Tests showed virtually all the larvae were digested." This keeps the larvae from erupting and infesting more apples, which is what makes them fall.

A tree fruit pest-management specialist at Michigan State University, Dave Epstein, claims that "The little guys moved through like a pack of Hoover vacuums."

I love the last quote in the article where the farmer, Jim Koan says "I think if my granddad was alive today and he saw how excited I am about doing this and this information that we're gaining on this, he would just look at me and say, 'Jeez, you're stupid. You didn't know that?'" It's just goes to show you how FAR farms have gotten away from doing things the right way, and how they are slowly but surely coming back to their roots, understanding that the way their grandfathers and great grandfathers did things worked pretty well.

You can find the whole article online.

Doors open!

Hey! You! Not a member yet because you haven't got an invite?

Well now you don't need one. That's right, the doors are open, and everyone's invited! Just click the "New User?" link on the front page of westmichigancoop.com, and get started!

Bonus: prices are now listed between cycles. Previously, this information was hidden as the producers may be changing that information between cycles. Now, however, there are disclaimers (everywhere!) declaring that the prices are subject to change until the order cycle opens. Once the cycle opens, prices are locked, until the next cycle begins.

Shop away, happy Co-Operators!

Aren't you glad...

... you shop at the coop?

Today I read another article regarding the biggest beef recall in history, which I blogged about previously. Fortunately, it seems that the government is taking swift action to review and tighten the regulations on factory farming. I know that the revelation of what goes on inside a factory farm, thanks to the Humane Society of the United States undercover investigation, is not an isolated event, and I can only hope for a positive outcome of all this.

We should all consider ourselves fortunate to be in West Michigan, where we can buy local meat, cheese, and eggs from humane family-run farms. So what if it costs a little more than what you could get at the grocery store? As the Humane Society asks "What's the cost of our appetite for cheap meat? If the answer is cruelty and unsafe food, it may be too much to stomach."

While I will always advocate a vegetarian lifestyle, I also believe strongly that if you eat meat, you must know where it comes from and how the animal was treated. With that in mind, the Coop will be announcing our Summer 2008 Farm Tour series shortly, where you can continue to learn about life on a real farm, tour the farm, and connect with your farmers. In the meantime, keep shopping, and stay tuned!

A few new features...

Hi, everyone!

I've been introducing a few new features over the past few weeks, and I thought I'd take a moment to highlight what we're doing to try to make your shopping experience on the Co-op a nicer one.

First, there is now a "New" and "Changed" product section. When we add new producers, or when new products get added by existing producers, they will be highlighted here each month. Check them out - we might be carrying what you were looking for last month! The Changed section highlights products that have been changed - description, name, or price. So check those out too! The New and Changed sections are available from the Front Page, as well as from your menu when you log in.

Second, product information is now available at any time during the month. Though we don't publish prices in between ordering periods, we do now make the extended description and producer information available at any time. Now, you can "pre"-shop in your spare time between cycles, and new members can see what will be available when the ordering starts up. You can also add items you want into your favorites, so that come ordering time, you surf to your fav's and start loading up your basket!

Finally, and the biggie, is product pictures. Producers: this one's for you! It's now possible to add pictures of your products for all to see. You do need a Flickr.com account - that's where our pictures are hosted. This significantly reduces the storage and bandwidth requirements for the Co-op server, keeping our upkeep and maintenance, in a word, sustainable. You can get all the gory details on the wiki, and you can see an example here.

If you have a great idea for a feature you'd like to see on the site, don't hesitate to write me - paul@westmichigancoop.com.

Thanks all!

ABC News airs HSUS undercover investigation

When I turned on the TV last night I was astounded to see a news story in progress about an undercover investigation into a California factory farm who is a major supplier to America's School Lunch Program.

This kind of story NEVER gets any attention from the mainstream press. Of course, it is only because downed cows were being fed to our children, but whatever exposes this atrocity to more people, I'm all for it!!

ABC News aired a good 3-4 minute chunk of the undercover footage to millions of people. It's great. This would have never happened 10 years ago. I hope that as more people are exposed to the truth, more people will stand up and demand stricter regulations placed on factory farms.

The story was a result of an investigation conducted by the Humane Society of the United States. You can read all about on their website.

Earthlings

Not only is Jaoquin Phoenix a life long vegan, but he is also a big Animal Advocate. I recently watched Earthlings, a DVD narrated by Jaoquin. Earthlings is a disturbing look into the ways animals are treated. This film analyzes society's treatment of animals for pets, clothing, entertainment, scientific research, and food. Many of the footage is taken from undercover investigators who use hidden cameras to unveil the horrors that our fellow "earthlings" are put through.

Thankfully, we are fortunate to live in West Michigan where we have lots of alternatives that don't harm animals, especially if you are a member of the co-op. If you choose to eat meat, you can shop for beef, poultry, lamb, goat, and pork from a host of different farmers who treat their animals humanely. If you are Ovo-lacto vegetarian (like me) you can get eggs from free-range, hormone-free chickens, and cheese from free-range grass-fed chemical-free cows and goats. If you are vegan you can get soaps and other household products that were not tested on animals. Yeah, we are pretty lucky to have all this available to us!!!

If you are on the fence about becoming a vegetarian, or you only buy half your meats from the co-op, I strongly urge you to watch this video so that you can find out the truth behind your food. Another benefit to the Internet besides allowing us to shop online, is that you can watch the video for free at http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/earthlings.phpSet some time aside, it's 1 hour 35 minutes long but well worth the watch!