a free publication from the East end food Co-op
january 2026
eastendfood.coop eastendfoodcoop
Winter Squash at the Co-op
Kabocha
Japanese squash with deep-green skin and rich, chestnut-like flavor. Cube and roast, simmer into stews, or deep fry tempura style.
Delicata
Creamy, thin-skinned squash with yellowand-green stripes—no peeling required. Slice into rings and roast for salads, bowls, or simple side dishes.
Buttercup
Dark, squat squash with dense, slightly dry, sweet flesh. Steam or roast for mashes, soups, and curries.
Sweet Dumpling
Small, variegated squash with very sweet, tender flesh. Roast whole or halved; perfect as an edible bowl for grains or hearty fillings.
Koginut Evidence shows that squash was domesticated by Indigenous Americans over 8,000 years ago.
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inter squash season has arrived, bringing with it a colorful array of hearty, nutrient-rich produce. These vegetables are packed with nutrients that support immune function and overall well-being, and their high soluble fiber content is especially helpful for gut health and supporting a balanced microbiome. Native to the Americas, squash has been cultivated and enjoyed for thousands of years. Whether roasted, puréed, or stuffed, winter squash delivers both comfort and nourishment during the colder months. Following is a guide to the varieties you’ll find at the Co-op this season, along with simple suggestions for how to enjoy these members of the Cucurbita genus.
A hybrid of kabocha and butternut— silky, sweet, and ultra-creamy. Roast to highlight its natural sweetness, or blend into velvety soups.
Acorn
Red Kuri
Spaghetti
Honeynut
Mild, slightly sweet, with ribbed darkgreen skin and tender flesh. Halve and roast; great for stuffing with grains, greens, or beans. Pale yellow squash that forms noodlelike strands when cooked. Roast and use as a pasta alternative with marinara, pesto, or sautéed veggies.
Pie Pumpkin
Small, dense pumpkins with smooth, sweet flesh. Ideal for purées in pies, breads, soups, and curries.
Teardrop-shaped, red-orange squash with smooth, nutty flesh. Roast or purée; excellent in soups and baked dishes. A smaller, sweeter cousin of the butternut with deep orange, caramel-like flavor. Roast to concentrate sweetness, or slice into salads and grain bowls. Find these and more seasonal offerings in our produce department. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or revisiting old favorites, our winter squash selection has something to inspire everyone this season.
Board report By Tom Pandaleon
Annual Meeting
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EFC welcomed a larger-thannormal turnout of about 85 members at our 45th Annual Meeting on November 6, 2025. The meeting was held again this year at the East End Cooperative Ministries building in East Liberty. Copies of EEFC’s 2025 annual report were circulated to members, who then heard from board president Tom Pandaleon, general manager Tyler Kulp, and finance manager Shawn McCullough on the year’s activities and financial performance. Members heard from the board election candidates, and got a chance to follow-up with them in a lively Q&A afterwards. One of the main draws for the meeting this year was the submission to the board of a member petition seeking a boycott of “Israeli-sourced” products. The board acknowledged receipt of the petition and briefly addressed the commencement of the petition process under EEFC bylaw 3.2. While there was no formal time planned on the agenda for discussion of the petition, during the Q&A periods the subject was touched on in a number of questions to the board and the board candidates. A special meeting of the membership, which is occurring per our bylaws, is scheduled for February 9, 2026. Members enjoyed food that was provided for the second year in a row by Mana Meals Catering, whose proprietor Chetia Hurtt is a longtime EEFC member. Members are reminded that copies of the annual report are available in the store and online. We urge you to take a look. An informed member makes for a stronger community institution.
Board Election
EEFC held its annual election between 10/19/25 and 11/30/25. Four seats were in contention, with five candidates. 238 members cast ballots, with the result that the board will be welcoming Tziporah Feldman and Jeremy Kahn as its newest members, Tziporah winning a three-year term, and Jeremy a one-year term. Frank Noll and Tom Pandaleon will be returning to the board, having garnered threeyear terms. In addition, as a result of the resignation of Nico Demkin, the board will be appointing candidate Michael Vogel to serve out the final year of Nico’s term. With gratitude for their dedication and their contributions to the hard work, the board thanks departing members Mike Murphy, Tyleda Worou, Nico Demkin and Dominika Blach for their service.
New Board Members
Tziporah Feldman JULY 2024 - JUN
E 2025
East End Foo d Co -Op
Jeremy Kahn
STRATEGIC PLAN
After undertaking the task of drafting a new EEFC strategic plan during the year that has just closed, the board and management will begin the implementation phase of year one in January. Planning and dreaming and theorizing are one thing, implementation another. The coming year promises to be a challenging one, as EEFC transitions towards “building” the structures and programs envisioned in our plan.
Michael Vogel
GM Update By Tyler Kulp
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riends, Pittsburghers, cooperators, lend me your eyes. I come to bury 2025, not praise it.* We chronicled some of our co-op’s accomplishments, challenges, and goals for the future in our Annual Report in November. With the calendar turning to 2026, the urge to reflect remains strong. It has been another year of economic challenges in communities across the country, including our own. I am grateful for the strength of our membership continuing to shop in great numbers at our store, despite inflation, and the pausing of some of the discount programs. This demonstrates our collective belief in the cooperative business model and a reliance on EEFC as a resource for food, and for community. During my end of year reflection, at all of the highs and the lows, gratitude is the feeling that resonates most for me. This fall we took on a brand new initiative for us, our first ever capital campaign. After months of planning, we launched this effort in October to offer a new investment opportunity in EEFC called preferred shares. Available exclusively to member-owners residing in Pennsylvania, we wrote, we emailed, we called, we chatted in the store, at the annual meeting, and anywhere co-op members gathered to talk about this campaign. Those conversations were overwhelmingly pleasant, positive, fun, illuminating, touching, thoughtprovoking, challenging, enlightening, and most importantly rewarding beyond financial investments, but reenforcing my belief that without people, we are nothing. Our co-op’s membership is committed to the goals of local dollars staying in the local community, the cooperative principles, our co-ops stated ends, and a firm belief that the hard work of being a cooperative community
is something to be cherished, and protected. Our campaign came to an end in early December. While we didn’t reach our ambitious goal, we were very successful in engaging with members in a way we had never done before. Discussing our strategic plan goals with members, and how to fund the various projects, truly felt like we were all “owners” of this business. From questions about dividend percentages, to project priorities, to personal goals, we came together and prioritized our co-op’s future. In all we raised over $215,000 from 61 member-owner and staff households. I am extremely grateful to, and humbled by, everyone who invested dollars, time, and energy, to see this project through. We will be able to use these investments toward new refrigeration equipment, renovations to our dining area, expanding our cold storage, and more. Perhaps in the future we will use the knowledge and experience we gained during this campaign to help fund a real estate purchase, or a larger expansion project. In the new year I will be focusing on the stated strategic plan projects, along with a revamped USDA-compliant needs-based discount program. I hope to announce the details of that in the first two months of 2026. Selling our product selection to those in our community who would like to shop here, lowering the cost barrier to groceries, and to membership is a powerful way to strengthen our community for years to come. To close as I opened, butchering William Shakespeare: cooperating is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say goodnight, until the next issue of the Cooperator, or we open the store tomorrow.
We recently had our electric signs retrofitted from fluorescent to LED. This sustainability initiative saves energy and reduces costs.
New t-shirt alert! We have these locally-printed, garment-dyed, cotton shirts for sale in the front of the Co-op. Get one while supplies last!
Our redesigned member cards are here! Current cards are still valid, but you can update your info and more at eastendfood.coop/membership
Shop the Perimeter
Kona recommends Pure and Natural Pet’s “Paw Rescue” for your pup’s nose and toes! She advises scooping it from the cylinder to apply directly with a finger, and cautions that hardwood floors can be a problem right after applying to paws. A small price to pay to keep her sniffer healthy and smooth during the harsh Pittsburgh winters!
Prioritizing whole foods such as grains, legumes, and produce is both healthy and budget-friendly!
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When they’re not fighting over who gets to stand in front of the vent, Sonny & Maple are fighting over who gets to play with the Hot Cats Catnip Sausage Toy. Full of fresh and potent quality catnip, these toys are built to last with sturdy denim twill fabric. If your feline friends tear through their treats faster than you buy them, this hardy little sausage link will keep them occupied and happy for weeks!
Greta can’t get enough from Portland Pet Food company! If you’re looking for a preservative-free pet food, or just want to add some variety to your companion’s diet, Portland Pet Food has a delicious variety of options. Greta says: heat some up in the microwave and use as a topper for kibble. Best of both worlds!
f you’re looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget this winter, a simple strategy can make a big difference—shop the perimeter. At the East End Food Co-op, the outer aisles are where you’ll find the freshest, most cost-effective staples, especially in our produce and bulk foods departments. Our produce department, known for its exceptional selection of organic fruits and vegetables, offers weekly sales that help your dollars go farther. Buying whole, unprocessed produce is one of the most affordable ways to build nourishing meals, and seasonal items offer even greater value. Whether you’re planning hearty winter soups, vibrant salads, or simple roasted vegetables, starting in produce helps keep your
cart—and your spending—grounded in healthy essentials. Next, head to our bulk foods department, the largest in the region. Bulk buying lets you purchase just the amount you need, reducing both cost and food waste. From grains, beans, and spices to nuts, snacks, and baking ingredients, bulk staples offer everyday savings while giving you the freedom to refill your pantry sustainably. By focusing your shopping trip along the Co-op’s perimeter, you naturally prioritize whole foods, minimize packaged-item markups, and take advantage of the departments where the best value lives. It’s a budget-friendly habit that supports healthy eating and sustainability!
2% discount on all daily purchases 10% quarterly discount on one transaction Save up to 20% on cases via special order The opportunity to run for the board Voting privileges in Co-op elections Access to the EEFC Federal Credit Union And more!
Locally printed on FSC certified paper
7516 Meade Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 412-242-3598 eastendfood.coop @eastendfoodcoop