The co-operator a free publication from the East end food co-op
Summer 2024
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eastendfoodcoop
About our produce standards
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Meryem Mammedova founded Prescription Foods in 2015.
WE LOVE LoCAL: Prescription foods
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rescription Foods was born out of necessity. When Meryem Mammedova emigrated to Pittsburgh from Turkmenistan in 2005, her health took a turn for the worse. “I had no idea what was causing my symptoms, but I suspected it was due to the highly processed nature of American food.” In an effort to heal her gut and her health issues, she changed her diet drastically and incorporated homemade fermented foods into her daily routine. As she started to regain her health, she wanted to share it with the community. Prescription Foods advocates for a reconnection to our food and health through traditionally fermented foods. “My ongoing journey from sickness to health has not been quick or easy. It’s a continuous process and I’ve learned a
great deal about healing and nutrition along the way. Prescription Foods is just my vehicle to help others struggling with similar situations.” The Co-op has been carrying Meryem’s products since 2018. She is thankful that Prescription Foods remains small and that she is still able to be actively involved in every aspect of production and distribution. “I think the demand is there to grow, but there’s something magical about small batch fermentation, and I love being so directly connected to the stores and customers who enjoy our products.” To reduce waste and help with the cost of glass jars, Prescription Foods has started a jar deposit program with East End Food Coop. You can visit www. prescriptionfoods.org to learn more about Meryem’s journey. www.eastendfood.coop
ast End Food Co-op strives to provide the highest quality produce, with an emphasis on organic, local, and fair-trade farming practices. We’re especially proud of the relationships we have with our local farmers. Much of our local produce comes from within 50 miles of the store, allowing our growers to harvest each item at its peak freshness. In some instances, customers are purchasing vegetables at the Co-op that had been picked earlier that very same day! As part of our commitment to offering the highest quality produce to you and your family, the Co-op assures our customers that our produce is free from Apeel food preservation technology. Our suppliers have formally instructed their grower partners that all products they provide must be free of such products. If you ever have a question about the produce on our shelves, please don’t hesitate to ask a Co-op employee for assistance.
HOW WE PRIORITIZE
prODUCE Local, Certified Organic Local, Organically-Grown Certified Organic Local, Conventionally-Grown Conventionally-Grown 1