• YOUR COMMUNITY OWNED NATURAL FOODS MARKET •
• OPEN DAILY TO EVERYONE • DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON •
A PUBLICATION OF THE SKAGIT VALLEY FOOD CO-OP
OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2025
2025: International Year of Cooperatives
Equal Exchange Cooperative farmers showing off compost.
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Co-ops Build Better Communities Oh, October. It is the month of all months, especially here in Co-oplandia: National Co-op Month, Fair Trade Month, Non-GMO Month. There is so much good to be seen and to celebrate. So, as fall takes root, in the month of all months, in the year of all years—the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC25)—we’re digging even deeper into how co-ops build a better world, this time, through community. Community is the heart of our Co-op. It’s why we exist: to nourish, serve, and give back to our friends and neighbors in Skagit Valley and beyond. Concern for Community is a founding principle of all cooperatives. We are owned by our community, and your Co-op continues to seek out opportunities to expand our community outreach and community giving—all, to build a better community.
And so, a new definition—community is a place of social cohesion, something it feels we are all yearning for in this moment. Like-mindedness, shared values, shared goals. A sense of unity and belonging. Dare we say, our beloved Skagit Valley Food Co-op has built the best community, in every sense of the word? For over fifty years, we have built a safe space to come together to enjoy good food, and each other, in an effort to take good care of the people and places around us. We can probably also agree that most co-ops would boast the same of their own communities, and that, too, is what makes the cooperative model so beautiful. It fosters community and improves lives around the world—one by one and as a collective. Co-ops are living, breathing communities committed to cooperative principles and will continue to be a force for good around the globe. So while the United Nations will select a new focus in 2026, the International Year of Cooperatives reminds us we need community—and co-ops—more than ever.
With its use in big-brand marketing and corporate-speak, some will argue “community” is one of the most overused words ever spoken, that it is at risk of losing its meaning. Yet, it is foundational, and its ubiquity points to a real-life need. We need to continue to build community wherever we are, and Inside these pages, a breath of fresh air—our own cooperative that is in essence, what co-ops do. benefits report, of sorts. From farm proms and farm problems to community giving and holiday gifting, you’ll read of the many Earlier this year, as part of the International Cooperative ways you strengthen our community by choosing to shop here, Association’s work to promote IYC25, the International along with even more opportunities to continue to do so. Cooperative Entrepreneurial Think Tank (ICETT) released the Cooperatives Benefit Report, focusing on the unique Driven by concern for all communities, cooperatives have successfully adapted contributions cooperatives make to improve the well-being to overcome the evolving challenges of our time, of members and communities. Thomas Blondeel, the Chair and have shown repeatedly throughout history of ICETT, shared that the report reinforces the need to keep that together we are indeed building a better world. spreading awareness about cooperatives as a business model Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance rooted in values, solidarity, and social cohesion.
Skagit Valley Food Co-op 202 South First Street Mount Vernon, WA 98273
IN THIS ISSUE: From the Board
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Tokens for Tomorrow
•5
In-Season Produce
•7
Viva Farms Update
•9
G.R.O.W. Bananas
• 14
The Makery Movement • 3
Our Farming Community, Under Pressure • 6
Birds of a Feather • 8