March 29, 2020
Hello Everyone!

We are keeping busy at the Co-op with new safety protocols in place; every hour brings a new adjustment. I have no doubt that we will weather this together and come out stronger as a Community.

How are you doing? Bravo on self-distancing. Some members are starting to garden for the first time, which is so exciting. Others are baking more than they have in years.

I can't wait for more local produce in the store - by May and June we will have more local produce, and we already have local meat and eggs. This island's abundance and the farmers that work tirelessly to provide for us are heroes.

I'd also like to thank my Team - who is working throughout this time, pivoting as needed, and going with the flow. They are simply amazing.

New protocols are posted in the store - we are being very mindful of how to keep distance and yet enjoying seeing everyone's bright faces, even for a short trip.

I'm still listening - let me know if you need anything at all and thank you!

Be well,
Kristin
Local Farms - We Love You
(and we're here for you!)
Blue Moon Farm, Waldron: Purple sprouting broccoli, rapini, kale

Dog Island, Guemes: Shiitake mushrooms

Federico Farms, SJI: Microgreens - Sunflower/Pea, Mild and Spicy Brassica Mix

Mitchell Bay Farms, SJI: Homemade soap & shampoo bars; fuzzy kiwis - give them a day to ripen (according to Colleen)

Snowberry Farm, SJI: Ground goat

Sweet Earth Farm, SJI: Kunekune pork belly, hocks, loin chops; chicken and duck eggs; pea shoots; arugula!

Talking Horse Ranch, SJI: Ground beef, ground lamb - thank you, Rob!
Special Orders - On Hold
Dear Members,

For the time being, the Co-op Management and Board have decided it is necessary to put all special orders by individuals on hold through the month of April. There is a breakdown in the regional food delivery system; last week, none of the special orders placed came in.

All grocery stores are receiving half the orders they are placing, currently.

The Co-op is prioritizing stocking our shelves for feeding the many on the islands.

We will still place orders for businesses that use the ingredients to feed islanders.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for your trust in us. That is valuable beyond belief.
Natural Wines of Washington
In Washington's relatively young wine culture there aren't a huge number of producers doing organic or biodynamic wine, and many of those who are ask hefty prices. So this month I wanted to highlight some of the few folks who are doing good work and charging prices you don't have to be a tech exec to afford.
 
First, Lopez Island Vineyards was one of the first certified organic vineyards in the state. They grow Madeline Angevine and Siegerrebe at their home vineyard, and source other grapes from eastern Washington. Even closer to home, but much newer, Madrone Cellars sources most of their grapes, some from organic vineyards, but follows biodynamic winemaking practices. Their Croissance is a cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/malbec blend well worth trying, as are their Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, and their whites are stunning.
 
Moving further afield, Hedges became the state's first Demeter-Certified Biodynamic vineyard and winery in 2015. We carry their Syrah and Bordeaux-style blend. The Red Mountain Marcel Dupont Syrah is a big, elegant powerhouse of a wine while the Red Mountain Family Estate is slightly more reserved and nuanced. Both are very good. Finally, Idiot's Grace on the Columbia Gorge produces some lovely wines, with organic and biodynamic practices. My current favorite is Whimsey, which is a changing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and an Italian grape, this year Aglianico. You get the fruit and structure of a Bordeaux-style blend with earth from the Italian grape in a combination that is a whole lot of fun.

Jeremy
We Want to Know
Just checking in. How are you feeling today?
โค๏ธ(Great!)
๐Ÿงก(Pretty good.)
๐Ÿ’›(Ok, I guess.)
๐Ÿ’š(I am starting to struggle.)
๐Ÿ’™(I am having a hard time.)
๐Ÿ’œ(I need to reach out for support.)
SJI Food Co-op Mission

We strive to provide our community with local and regional food and goods that are organic, sustainable and fairly produced with the smallest carbon footprint.
๏ปฟThe Co-op encourages conscientious consumption and nurtures community connections.