Click to see larger versionAs part of the financing package for Linden Hills Co-op’s move to a new larger location at 3815 Sunnyside Avenue, we are conducting a member loan drive. WE ARE AT $1.4 MILLION in written loan commitments from member-owners. Because the co-op has made such significant progress in such a short time,our landlord at the Sunnyside site has granted an extension to the January 31 deadline. We will continue accepting and processing loan agreements for the next two weeks.

This is the Way We Wash Our Clothes—

Doing laundry is not most people’s idea of a good time—though some do take pleasure in transforming a mountain of dirty laundry into neatly folded piles of fresh clothing and linens. No matter how you feel about doing the laundry, if you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact, we have some great ideas for you.

Use It; Don’t Lose It

Your 2008-09 member rebate vouchers should be used at the co-op no later than FEBRUARY 28, 2010. Spending your voucher HELPS the store, since unredeemed vouchers are lost income and not a cost savings for the cooperative—it’s your deferred discount on the purchases you made at your cooperative between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Enjoy!

Background On Patronage Rebates

What is a Patronage Rebate?
In years when the co-op makes a profit, the board of directors has the option to distribute a portion of the profit to our member-owners.

Get the latest on the co-op’s expansion and relocation project in this issue!

In February 12% of sales of all Evan Healy rose, blue, blemish and clay skin care kits will be donated to Renmen Haiti Foundation. Renmen’s orphanage in Haiti is run by the mother-in-law of an Evan Healy staff member, so the company and its sales reps (like our local guy, Robb) feel a very personal connection to the organization and the good work it is doing.

One of our favorite suppliers, Nordic Naturals, in partnership with local product rep Robb Doser, is donating 11% of sales of its best-selling product, Ultimate Omega capsules, for the month of February. The funds will go to two organizations, the American Red Cross and Architecture for Humanity.

Support your health, and know that a portion of your purchase will support the immediate needs and rebuilding of Haiti.

Linden Hills Co-op will serve as a pick-up site for folks who have shares in selected community supported agriculture farms this summer. Buying a CSA share is a great way to get locally grown, fresh food for your family and support local farms at the same time—it’s truly a win-win situation!

Co-op Advantage Coupon Book Available February 1!

Winter blues? We’ve got something to cheer you up—the Co-op Advantage coupon book! It’s full of big savings on some of your favorite brands like Organic Valley, Amy’s Kitchen, Rudi’s Organic Bakery, Dr. Bronners, and more.

This coupon book is just one small way for us to say “thanks” to you, our co-op member-owners. Your continued support makes our co-op more than just another grocery store.

Want to know who grew your bananas? Equal Exchange, Oke Bananas and your co-op can tell you that! Check the display in the produce aisle, and then visit Equal Exchange’s Beyond the Peel website. We hear there’ll be grower profiles sometime soon, too!

Parkers Farm has expanded the voluntary recall of several products due to possible contamination by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Recalled products include all 12 ounce and 16-ounce peanut butter in plastic tubs with sell-by dates on or before and 12/31/2010. The co-op has pulled all affected products from the shelves.

If you have purchased peanut butter with these sell-by dates,you are advised to throw it out.