The Moscow Food Co-op engagement and outreach committee is happy to announce that our new Impulse Giving program was successfully launched in December. Now, anyone can give any amount at any time to our program participants at any Co-op cash register.

 Expecting parents and parents of newborns are invited to join the new Mamas and Papas group at the Co-op. We’ll get together around 9 a.m. each Wednesday in the Co-op Deli area to enjoy complimentary drinks from the Deli, informal conversation and laughs, and the presence of one or more Co-op volunteers or staff who also happen to be experienced parents and can share their experiences and offer moral support. (Please note: Co-op staff can’t dispense medical advice!) Occasionally, we’ll bring in special guests, too.

The feature article about the new community group, “My Own Home,” that was printed in the December issue of the Co-op's newsletter contained a serious error. The cost of annual membership was incorrectly reported.

Membership fees have not yet been determined, but are currently estimated to be in the range of $300 per year for an individual and $500 per year for a family. These fee amounts were incorrectly stated in the December newsletter as being per month, rather than per year.

Our apologies for any confusion resulting from our error.

Four of the seven Board seats are open this year. If you are interested in being on the Board, please come to one of the required candidate information sessions, pick up a packet, and ask your questions. Information sessions will be held Saturday, December 5, 11 – 12 and Thursday, January 7, 6 – 7 p.m., both at the Co-op mezzanine, which is upstairs, outside Kenna’s office. Completed candidate statements are due on Sunday, January 10, 2010. Email me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   if you have any questions.

A new 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper bag is now being used at the Co-op. Our old bags were 60 percent recycled and a little smaller. The new bags are also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which has exacting standards for the treatment of timberlands as well as manufacturing techniques. As much as we like these new bags, the best thing for the environment is to use a cloth bag over and over. In just three years of use, a cloth bag eliminates over 400 paper or plastic bags.

The Moscow Food Co-op needs an experienced and enthusiastic digital photographer to take photos on a weekly basis for the Co-op website and occasional special projects. Special events at the Co-op, community events sponsored by the Co-op, and food/merchandise for sale at the Co-op will be the main subjects. Will be part of our website team of volunteers. Must have experience in securing photo releases. To apply, please submit a digital portfolio and résumé to Carol at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Early this year a cash crunch forced us to cut back on our charitable donations, but excellent management and the continued support of our customers and member/owners has brought the Co-op back into a solid financial position, which allows us to step up our charitable giving once again. Yay, Co-op!