Call to Action - GMO Labeling
TOMORROW - Wednesday, February 10th, the House of Representatives will be voting on HB1674 which would require GMOs be labeled in our state. Call your town's representative TODAY to have your voice heard!  For more information on the bill, and why the majority of Granite-Staters support labeling, hear from Megan Straughen, our Sustainability Coordinator, who testified in support of the bill two weeks ago. Read the post here.

Links for representatives by town - click on your Representative's name to see their phone number. Phone calls are absolutely the best way to communicate your support on any issue.
Co-op Updates
Sustainability Initiatives
We have made great progress on a couple of important sustainability initiatives at Monadnock Food Co-op. 

Community Supported Solar
We are incredibly excited to announce that Monadnock Food Co-op will host the first locally owned community-supported solar project in the Monadnock Region! This community supported solar project is locally developed, funded, owned
and controlled, whereas most community solar projects are owned and controlled by developers or utilities.  Learn more here. 
 
Commercial Composting
While we have always extensively composted at the Co-op, after completing some site work, we have officially connected with a commercial composting company - which brings compost to Martin's Farm in Greenfield, MA.  While there are more details to work through, including our caf� composting, we have already significantly reduced our waste by diverting back-of-house waste that can't go to local farmers for animal feed, but is still compostable.  We plan to contact our waste hauler in the next several weeks and reduce the size of our trash dumpster  - hurrah!  A huge thank you to Megan, our Sustainability Coordinator, for all the work she has done to get this established. Megan will share an update about our composting efforts and her visit to Martin's Farm in the next E-newsletter.
 
Right to Know
Lastly, if you support the right to know if you are consuming genetically engineered foods, I urge you to pick up your phone and voice your support for the
Cooperatively,
Michael Faber
General Manager, Monadnock Food Co-op
Board Updates
The Cooperative Cafe -- Not Just for Boards!
By Anton Elbers, Co-op Board of Directors

Attention Co-op Member-Owners:  Are you interested in learning more about how our Co-op plans to meet the challenges facing cooperative enterprises in a changing landscape?  Then, please join us for this upcoming event, The Cooperative Cafe, on Saturday, March 12th 9:30am - 4pm, right here at Keene State College. 

The Cooperative Cafe provides a day of highly interactive and engaging strategic conversations designed to build shared understanding and alignment among co-ops. All over the country, food co-op board members, staff, managers, and owners are having conversations about their roles in meeting store goals -- both in terms of sales and community mission.  If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Megan at [email protected] or 603-283-5404.
Yuko's Got the Beet!   

Congratulations to Yuko Hamilton Mori who works in the Co-op's Deli & Beverage Bar.  She is our ninth employee to receive the Monadnock Food Co-op's "Beet Award." CONGRATS YUKO!

The "Beet Award" is a quarterly award given to a Co-op staff member who most embodies the spirit of a great co-operator.  They display a friendly attitude, help others out without hesitation and are incredible ambassadors of our Co-op.
Upcoming Events

Nourishing Ourselves
February 11, 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Cornucopia Project, Peterborough
A 4-Part Series Presented by the Cornucopia Project:  Build a solid foundation of knowledge about healthful eating including what to eat and why; how to identify healthful foods and ingredients, and why eating whole unprocessed food is beneficial.  Will also describe ways to choose produce, and includes simple, delicious and economic recipes.  Join instructor Sarah Ellis, Certified Nutritionist, this winter in discovering new and healthful ways to prepare and enjoy your meals.  When: Thursdays - 4 classes - February 11 and 25; March 10 and 24. Cost: $75.  To register: call 603-784-5069. View event details.

Seed Celebration and Sustainable Community Fair
February 13, 9:00am - 4:00pm at Mole Hill Theatre, Alstead
This year's theme, "Cultivating Food, Community and Ourselves" focuses on living well in a changing world. Learn how to plan gardens, stock up on seeds, and discover sustainable community initiatives. Local businesses and nonprofits will be on hand to share their products and passions. Our fundraising caf� features soups, stews and baked goods from local restaurants and kitchens, as well as Orchard Hill breads. View event details.

How Does Your How Does Your Garden Grow?
A Seed Starting & Garden Planning Workshop
February 23, 6:30 - 8:00pm
At Railroad Land Senior Housing Conference Room (next to the Co-op) 
If you are new to gardening, or a little rusty, this is an opportunity to learn about choosing seeds, preparing for planting, starting seeds inside and transitioning them to the ground outdoors. See and learn about tools and techniques, browse resources, ask questions and begin planning for the growing year ahead. Cost: Free.  Registration required.  View event details. 
   
Tastings/Samples at the Co-op
What's On Sale?   

   

Community Corner
Volunteers Needed: Farmers' Market of Keene
The Farmers' Market of Keene is currently looking for volunteers to help out at the information booth during market days.  The Winter Market is open through April. February markets are on Saturday 13th and 27th. In March and April, the market is every Saturday. It is open from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. at the Colony Mill Marketplace, off West Street. 

Co-op Corner
Community Investment Co-ops: Putting your money to work locally
Originally Posted at Incipe
What do RRSPs (Canada's Retirement Savings Plans), tax credits, wind farms, coffee roasters, and chocolates have in common? Well, in Nova Scotia, they're all interrelated - and each one supports the other in powerful ways. In fact, Nova Scotia is leading Canada in doing something that the rest of the country should be doing - putting money to work locally. We can start in BC by building community investment cooperatives.
Here's how, and why.
Membership

Current Members: 2,504

 

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Board Meetings

3rd Monday of each month at 4:45pm in SCS Railroad Square Senior Housing Conference Room  

49 Community Way, Keene  

  If you are interested in attending, please  

contact the board. 

Hours
Monday - Saturday
7:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday
9:00am - 9:00pm


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