Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op

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Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
Currents
                     MAY| JUNE 2022

WHAT’S INSIDE.....

                           What’s Inside!
                           • PRE-ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY MEAL
                           • ROUND UP NON-PROFITS
                             ANNOUNCED
                           • 20-21 ANNUAL REPORT
                           • LOCAL SAVES THE DAY
                           • OWNER APPRECIATION DAYS
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER.
In person meetings have been rare in my 2 COVID years as general manager, what was once a position with
travel obligations, I have had none…until this spring! National Co+op Grocers (NCG) requires attendance by
designated representatives of member co-ops at two meetings each year. Typically, co-ops send general
managers to the required meetings and this year more than 100 GM’s met in San Diego, finally.
The Spring Meeting is when the NCG annual meeting happens. Much like the way our annual meeting runs,
members of NCG hear about the state of their co-op. Updates on the state of the NCG co-op of cooperatives
is outlined by the President of the NCG Board Sarah Christensen, NCG’s Chief Executive Officer CE Pugh and
NCG’s Chief Financial Officer Robyn DesHotel. We also heard updates from Sarad Davenport of TMI
Consulting on the DEI journey NCG began two years ago.

The great news is that our co-op of co-ops is strong and getting stronger. Margins are solid, sales growth is
strong and the combined impacts of NCG co-op members in our communities are staggering. The NCG Food
Co-op Impact Report has been released for 2021. Some highlights include:
        - 218 food co-op locations, in 38 states comprising 1.3 million owners
        - The Co+op Basics program provides everyday low prices on 379 items
        - The average co-op works with 178 local farms and producers
        - Both electricity and refrigerant use are down within NCG member co-ops 11 and 13% respectively
          from 2020 to 2021

The take away message is that food co-op ownership is a good investment in an inclusive food system with a
broad reach populated by amazing people creating positive impacts in communities across the lands. This
newsletter brings you news of the kinds of people that make retail food co-ops thrive, long time staff with
passion and heart, and thank goodness for them and all the staff that make your co-op run each day.

In cooperation,

Sara Morrison
General Manager
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
First round of cold
hearty plants arrive
May 2nd!
Second round
of plants
arrive
May 14th!

           Plants from:
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
Our Ends Statements: A Fixed Destination
That We Are Trying To Reach As The World
Changes Around Us
By: David Mickelson, Board of Directors
Our Ends Statements: A Fixed Destination That We Are Trying To Reach As The World Changes Around Us
By: David Mickelson, Board of Directors

Our January-February Newsletter was an excellent overview of what a co-op is and how it compares to other
grocery store business models. Perhaps the most important aspect of the co-op business model may not be
readily apparent or understood – the Ends Statements. What are our Ends Statements and why are they so
important?
Let’s revisit the River Market Ends Statements: “River Market Community Co-op cultivates a healthy
community through its: equitable economic relationships; positive environmental impacts; and inclusive, socially
responsible business practices.”. At first glance, our Ends Statements may seem like any other marketing slogan.
But in the co-op business model, the “Ends” mean much, much more – it is the way we describe the collective
impact we have on the entire community of owners, customers, producers and others.
Our Ends Statements are much more than just a slogan to feel good about. They are called “Ends” because the
co-op business model utilizes policies that require your co-op to demonstrate how well we are actually
progressing toward End states.
River Market’s General Manager is empowered to embed the Ends in the operational work of our co-op by
defining achievement with specific metrics and goals that will best show progress toward the Ends. The Ends
are put in practice every day through operational plans that move the co-op in the direction of these goals.
Most notably, River Market management demonstrates progress in a clear and straightforward report
presented to owners and the Board of Directors every August.
As a director on our board serving you - the owner - reading the Ends Report is like reading an incredible book:
every bit is astonishing, surprising, amazing, astounding. Our Annual Ends Report helps reinforce and remind us
why our co-op exists (you can read this report linked below).
Astronomy buffs know that the North Star (Polaris) is famous for holding nearly still in our sky while the entire
northern sky moves around it. Likewise, our Ends are the River Market’s North Star - a fixed destination that
we are trying to reach as the world changes around us. How are we doing?

Interested in learning more?
Request the 2021 Ends Report by emailing: GM@rivermarket.coop
Attend a Board Meeting (all owners invited) Request a ZOOM link by emailing: board@rivermarket.coop
Contact the Board of Directors by emailing: board@rivermarket.coop
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
Dedication is belief transistioned into
action which is transformed into change.
-Byron Pulsifer
Since 1978, we have been a co-op based on a set of values and principles. It is no surprise to us that our
employees choose to work here for those same reasons. As an employer, the institutional knowledge that
our long-standing employees hold is priceless. We appreciate the time and dedication from all of our
employees and celebrate these individuals who have helped develop us into the co-op we are today....

                                                                        STAFF SPOTLIGHT
                                                                        Barbara,
                                                                        Customer Service Manager
                                                                        10 years at the co-op!
                                                                        When did you start at the co-op and in what
                                                                        department/position? I started working at River Market as a
                                                                        part-time evening/weekend cashier May 31, 2012

                                                                        What is your favorite vegetable to cook with and what does
                                                                        that meal look like? I’m not sure there’s a vegetable I don’t like! I do
                                                                        love roasting all sorts of veggies. It’s my favorite way to cook most of them.
                                                                        One thing I do often is roast a big batch of various veggies and I can make
                                                                        different meals out of them for part of the week. I serve them plain as a side
                                                                        dish, toss them with any of the Indian sauces we carry. I add them warm to a
                                                                        lettuce salad along with some craisins, walnuts and dressing. I make a soup
                                                                        out of them by adding veggie broth and using my stick blender to make a rich
                                                                        and creamy soup without adding cream. I leave chunks of the veggies for
                                                                        texture.
                                                                        We also love grilling heads of romaine in the summer months and piling up
                                                                        goodies on top for a fun, different salad.

What depts have you worked in? Front End and Co-op to Go mostly. I helped out regularly in Produce for a couple of months when they
needed help and I really enjoyed that.

If you had to pick one product from the co-op to eat everyday, what would that be and why? Blueberries are my absolute
favorite food in the world. I’ve loved them since I was a kid just eating them plain. My mom would freeze some and I would pop the frozen
blueberries in my mouth on hot summer days. I also love making Bluebarb pie in the spring and summer. (Blueberry and Rhubarb pie)

My favorite product from the Co-op is definitely Misty Fjord Salmon. I could also eat that every day! It’s so fresh tasting. It's great with a
homemade cumin rub and a barley pilaf on the side with either roasted asparagus or roasted Brussel sprouts.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Playing with my first grandson! But I also love reading a good Nordic noir crime
novel, gardening, playing Scrabble, cooking intricate and complicated recipes with my husband, and playing around with my Cricut machine.

What makes working at the co-op so fulfilling? I think working with co-workers, vendors, and customers who share the same values is
the best part of working here. Most of us are cooks and love to talk about food. Many of us here also value shopping at our downtown, small, and
local businesses. River Market really is a community and I feel that every day.
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
Ola,                                                                       Andre,
Education Coordinator & Pricing                                            Marketing & Ownership Manager
23 years at the co-op!                                                     16 years at the co-op!

    When did you start at the co-op and in                 When did you start at the co-op and in what
    what department/position? I started in 1998            department/position? I started working in the deli at River Market during
    in grocery/front end as a grocery clerk.               the winter of 2005.

    What is your favorite vegetable to cook                What is your favorite vegetable to cook with and what does that
    with and what does that meal look like? I              meal look like? Whew, too many to choose! I really like baby bok choy, it’s
    love purple sweet potatoes and I make a roasted        versatile and delicious. There’s a great dish with glazed shiitake mushrooms
    veggie hash with them.                                 (another favorite), baby bok choy, ginger, garlic, soy sauce - the baby bok choy just
                                                           gets blanched, and the mushrooms and sauce cooked in a hot wok, it’s very simple.
    What depts have you worked in? Grocery,
    deli/bakery, front end, and currently pricing and      What depts have you worked in? After the deli I worked as a cashier, and
    education.                                             now I work in marketing.

    If you had to pick one product from the                If you had to pick one product from the co-op to eat everyday,
    co-op to eat everyday, what would that be              what would that be and why? Whatever is local and fresh in our produce
    and why? Avocados!                                     department!

    What do you enjoy doing when you are                   What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Walking in one
    not working? Gardening, reading and watching           of our many excellent state or county parks; reading; biking on the
    foreign films.                                         Gateway/Brown’s Creek trails; and of course cooking and eating.

                                                           What makes working at the co-op so fulfilling? Working to provide
    What makes working at the co-op so                     food for our community is incredibly fulfilling and being part of a cooperative that
    fulfilling? Working with like-minded people who        values local farmers and local producers is even more rewarding. We have
    share my love for good healthy food and sharing this   cultivated a strong community here in the St. Croix Valley, consisting of residents,
    knowledge within the community.                        farmers, non-profit organizations and many others, and that sense of community
                                                           is very fulfilling to me. Our Rounding Up at the registers program, through the
                                                           generous contributions of our owners and shoppers, donates thousands of dollars
                                                           each month to local, nonprofit organizations.
                                                           River Market, along with Stillwater and the St. Croix Valley, has grown and changed
                                                           through the years, and it is exciting to be part of that evolution and growth. We
                                                           are a strong, adaptable community of employees, owners and shoppers and I
                                                           constantly look forward to the next chapter.
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
Anthony
Muman Resource Manager
11 years at the co-op!
When did you start at the co-op and in what
department/position? I started in September 2011 as a part-time deli
clerk.

What is your favorite vegetable to cook with and what does
that meal look like? Fennel bulbs roasted with a little olive oil are easy
and delicious, and can make just about any meal exceptional!

What depts have you worked in? I’ve worked in deli, marketing, and
human resources.

If you had to pick one product from the co-op to eat
everyday, what would that be and why? Cherry tomatoes from
10th Street Farm & Market. I also don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of dried
mango.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Listening
to and playing music, and taking care of my new fish.

What makes working at the co-op so fulfilling? The resluts of the
work done here on a given day are very visible in the community, and the
community is often very visible in the store! It doesn’t take long to see how
important the co-op is to so many people here and well beyond Stillwater.

                                                                       Joy
                                                                       Produce
                                                                       12 years at the co-op!
                                                                       When did you start at the co-op and in what
                                                                       department/position? I started in July 2010 as a Produce and Bulk clerk
                                                                       (the dept. were combined at that time).

                                                                       What is your favorite vegetable to cook with and what does that
                                                                       meal look like? I love mushrooms! I love sauteing them in olive oil and a little
                                                                       salt and enjoying them with whatever else we are having for supper. I especially
                                                                       like sauteing shallots, crimini mushrooms and thinly sliced radishes until
                                                                       caramelized and finishing with a topping of fresh parsley.

                                                                       What depts have you worked in? Besides Produce and Bulk, I have
                                                                       worked in Grocery when they needed extra help.

                                                                       If you had to pick one product from the co-op to eat everyday,
                                                                       what would that be and why? Coffee! I have been drinking coffee for a
                                                                       long time! In junior high school, when I started working for my Dad in his
                                                                       wholesale greenhouse, we always had a “coffee break” in the morning. Even
                                                                       when I helped on the delivery truck, we had a thermos of coffee for a “coffee
                                                                       break”.

                                                                       What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? When I’m
                                                                       not working, I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, XC skiing, camping, sewing and
                                                                       making small craft projects. I love getting together with my family and friends
                                                                       to cook and share a meal.

                                                                       What makes working at the co-op so fulfilling? Working at the co-op
                                                                       is very fullfilling because I enjoy my work, my wonderful co-workers, customers
                                                                       who I’ve known for a long time, and meeting new customers too!
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
Kernza®
a tiny grain making a
HUGE IMPACT.

Resources:
https://perennial-pantry.com/ and
https://kernza.org
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
Kernza® Perennial Grain
                             The Land Institute’s breeding program for intermediate wheatgrass began in 2003,
                             guided by Dr. Lee DeHaan. Multiple rounds of selecting and inter-mating the best
                             plants based on their yield, seed size, disease resistance, and other traits have been
                             performed, resulting in improved populations of intermediate wheatgrass that are
                             currently being evaluated and further selected at The Land Institute. A collaborative
                             network of international researchers have since taken up the perennial vision and
                             include three additional breeding programs at the University of Minnesota, University
                             of Manitoba and Utah State University.

                             Kernza® grain is harvested from intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium).
                             This grain is a perennial substitute for annual wheat in foods like baked goods and beer
                             or can be used as a whole grain like barley or rice.

                                                               Growing for a better
                                                               future.
                                                               The leading regenerative crop and a cousin of
                                                               wheat, Kernza® is the first perennial grain, meaning
                                                               it lives for multiple years. Kernza® has huge, 10 foot
                                                               deep roots, where the magic of healing the earth
                                                               happens.

Why perennial grains?                                                           feet: Kernza® has deep roots
                                                                                that draw down carbon from the
Deeply rooted for good:                                                         air to build healthy soil, improve
Regenerative agriculture is farming that heals the                              wildlife habitat, and protect
earth, by:                                                                      water resources.

Building soil: Increased plant diversity, covering
our soil year-round, and stopping tillage build
healthy soils.

Cleaning water: Healthier soil catches and holds
water during extreme rain events, and perennial
crops prevent water contamination.

Fighting Climate Change: Plants can drawn
carbon out of the atmosphere and store it in our
soil.
Currents - WHAT'S INSIDE - River Market Community Co-op
It’s good for you!
                                                        With more protein per calorie than any other
                                                        grain, and eight times the insoluble dietary
                                                        fiber of whole wheat flour Kernza® is
                                                        wonderful for your diet. Although not
                                                        gluten-free, Kernza® grain has gluten, but it is
                                                        not as strong as the gluten in wheat flour.

Eaters agree:
Kernza® tastes great!
Bring nutty, sweet, delicious new
flavors to your food. Just like other
grains, Kernza® can also be cooked
just like you would whole wheat
berries, spelt, or wild rice—as a
loose grain for salads, soups, or quick
sautés and stir frys.

                                          Kernza® whole grain salad
                                          with roasted butternut squash
                                          Recipe courtesy of: https://emptynesterskitchen.com/
                                          Ingredients:
                                          1 cup Kernza® Whole Grains prepared according to package
                                          instructions. (located next to the grains!)
                                          1 cup cubed, roasted butternut squash
                                          1 cup fresh arugula
                                          2 ounces honey goat cheese, crumbled (Montechevre Honey Goat
                                          Cheese in our Cheese section is delicious!)
                                          4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled ( Beelers is a perfect
                                          choice!)
                                          ¼ cup of The Salad Girl Citrus Splash vinaigrette
                                          1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds
                                          Directions:
                                          Place grains in a medium bowl and fluff with a fork.
                                          Add squash, arugula, goat cheese, bacon and vinaigrette and toss
                                          gently to combine.
                                          Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top.
Together we can do great things!
Since 2014 we have been members of National Co+op Grocers (NCG). Like you, our Owners,
we chose to become members because of the values and principles NCG operates by. As a
cooperative of cooperatives (148 food co-ops to be exact!) we drive where energy should be
put, and we are thankful for all the hard work NCG puts in to make a greater impact. Here are
just a few impacts NCG has made on our behalf in 2021:

NCG 2021 Food Impact Report
Everyone is welcome! Learn something new from
the comfort of your home. Classes will be virtual
over zoom unless otherwise stated.



Planting for Pollinators
Thu, May 12 at 7:00-8:30 PM
Pollinators are critical to a healthy environment and many native species of bees are in jeopardy. Birds, bats, butterflies, beetles, some small
mammals, and most importantly, bees pollinate plants and are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. In this class you
will learn what you can do at home to create healthy pollinator habitats for native bees and butterflies in your own yard. U of M Extension
Master Gardener volunteers are eager to share research-based gardening best practices that promote healthy landscapes, healthy foods, and
healthy lives with the people in their community.
Instructor: Ramsey County Master Gardener
Cost: $5/free for co-op owners

All About Your Co-op: You Own It!
Mon, May 16 at 6:00-7:00 PM
This course is intended for River Market Co-op owners who are curious about how our Co-op is managed and how decisions are made – and
that involves you! In this entertaining and informative course, we will “bare all” and demystify the process of how our co-op is run. Such
as…how does the staff, General Manager, and Board of Directors work together in our Co-op? We will share little-known behind-the-scenes
insights as well as de-bunking some myths. We will also review the role of owners in the Board Meeting process and how owners (like you!)
can become a Director on the Board.

Cost: Free


How to Be a Pest Detective
Tue, Jun 7 at 7:00-8:15 PM
This class is designed to help home gardeners learn how to prevent against, diagnose, and respond to problems in your yard and garden
using Integrated Pest Management practices.

U of M Extension Master Gardener volunteers are eager to share research-based gardening best practices that promote healthy landscapes,
healthy foods, and healthy lives with the people in their community.
Instructor: Ramsey County Master Gardener
Cost: $5/free for co-op owners

Hoop There It Is – Intro to Hooping
Thu, Jun 9 at 7:00-7:45 PM
Join us for a free-spirited, non-intimidating, relaxed, fun atmosphere. Hooping provides an enormous range of health benefits, both mentally
and physically. In this class you will learn the basics of hooping and how to hoop like no one is watching – a very important element! We will
try different ways of waist hooping, moving while inside the hoop, and possibly some fun hoop dance moves. Comfortable, non-bulky
clothes are best. Bring water and a hoop if you have one, though there will be different size hoops provided as well. We will meet outside at
Pioneer Park, 515 2nd St N, Stillwater, MN.
Instructor: Mimy Constantine, Hula Hoop Instructor
Cost: $5/free for co-op owners

      REGISTER FOR ALL CLASSES AT:                                                     www.rivermarket.coop


All About Your Co-op: You Own It!
Mon, Jun 13 at 6:00-7:00 PM
This course is intended for River Market Co-op owners who are curious about how our Co-op is managed and how decisions are made – and
that involves you! In this entertaining and informative course, we will “bare all” and demystify the process of how our co-op is run. Such
as…how does the staff, General Manager, and Board of Directors work together in our Co-op? We will share little-known behind-the-scenes
insights as well as de-bunking some myths. We will also review the role of owners in the Board Meeting process and how owners (like you!)
can become a Director on the Board.
Cost: Free

River Market Book Club
Thu, Jun 16 at 7:00-8:00 PM
 Join us for the fourth River Market Book Club – this time we will be reading “Vegetables Love Flowers” by Lisa Mason Zieglera, a book that
explains the benefits of interplanting flowers and vegetables for best harvests.
Facilitators: Angela Hauge, Ola Schmelig
Cost: Free

DIY Bug Spray and Portable Bug Protection (In-person & virtual class)
Sat, Jun 18 at 1:00-2:00 PM
Join us for an in-person class to learn about the essential oils that are helpful for keeping away insects. Liza Docken, National Educator for
Pranarom will be giving us a tutorial on making your own Bug Spray. She will also show you great ways to take extra bug protection on the go
-- from patio, to picnic, to camping! You will be ready and protected for all your summer outdoor adventures. You will leave the class with a
sample of your own bug spray.

The in-person class will be limited to 5 people (register for the in-person option). Virtual option using Zoom technology has unlimited capacity
(register for the virtual option).
Instructor: Liza Docken, National Educator for Pranarom
Cost: $5/free for co-op owners

Spring into Summer
Thu, Jun 30 at 7:00-8:00 PM
Everything you need to know about making your vegetables, flowers, lawn and trees thrive from spring through late summer. U of M
Extension Master Gardener volunteers are eager to share research-based gardening best practices that promote healthy landscapes, healthy
foods, and healthy lives with the people in their community.
Instructor: Ramsey County Master Gardener
Cost: $5/free for co-op owners


Hoop There It Is – Intro to Hooping
Thu, Jul 7 7:00 PM-7:45 PM
Join us for a free-spirited, non-intimidating, relaxed, fun atmosphere. Hooping provides an enormous range of health benefits, both mentally
and physically. In this class you will learn the basics of hooping and how to hoop like no one is watching – a very important element! We will
try different ways of waist hooping, moving while inside the hoop, and possibly some fun hoop dance moves. Comfortable, non-bulky
clothes are best. Bring water and a hoop if you have one, though there will be different size hoops provided as well. We will meet at Pioneer
Park, 515 2nd St N, Stillwater, MN.
Instructor: Mimy Constantine, Hula Hoop Instructor
Cost: $5/free for co-op owners

      REGISTER FOR ALL CLASSES AT:                                                     www.rivermarket.coop
local, organic, delicious food
      at your fingertips.
            (or a click of a mouse!)

   NEW online grocery store
      is live and ready!

    https://www.rivermarketonline.com/


 
  

  These
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                  need  forfor your
                             your   outdoor
                                  outdoor    adventures.
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  bulk
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                   everything     you
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                                                                    No-Bake
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                                                                         Apricot    Cashew
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                                                                                                         hour,hour,
                                                                                                               thenthen
                                                                                                                      checkcheck
     Reprinted
Reprinted       by permission
          by permission       from grocery.coop.
                        from grocery.coop.                                 to make
                                                                      to make   suresure
                                                                                      it hasit set.
                                                                                               has set.
                                                                                                    When When
                                                                                                            set, set,
                                                                                                                 turnturn
                                                                                                                       the the
                                                                           mixture
                                                                      mixture       out onto
                                                                                out onto          a cutting
                                                                                            a cutting   boardboard
                                                                                                               and and
                                                                                                                    sliceslice
                                                                                                                          into into
                                                                           14 pieces.
                                                                      14 pieces.  KeepsKeeps     refrigerated
                                                                                           refrigerated   up toup5to   5 days.
                                                                                                                    days.
Chewy
                                                                                Chewy    Cocoa
                                                                                      Cocoa    Granola
                                                                                            Granola BarsBars
                                                                                 
                                                                                         
                                                                                                  
                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                     2 cups
                                                                                2 cups       rolled
                                                                                        rolled  oats,oats,
                                                                                                      thickthick
                                                                                ½ cup½ cup   raisins,
                                                                                        raisins, drieddried  cherries
                                                                                                         cherries     or other
                                                                                                                  or other drieddried
                                                                                                                                  fruitfruit
                                                                                ½ cup½ cup   coarsely
                                                                                        coarsely        chopped
                                                                                                   chopped        almonds,
                                                                                                              almonds,     walnuts
                                                                                                                       walnuts  or or
  Chocolate
Chocolate    Matcha
          Matcha    Energy
                 Energy BallsBalls                                                       peanuts
                                                                                    peanuts
                                                                                ¼ cup¼ cup
                                                                                        cocoacocoa
                                                                                     ¼ teaspoon
                                                                                ¼ teaspoon     salt salt
1     1
  ⁄2 cup⁄2 cup
           raw raw   cashews
                cashews                                                         ¾ cup¾ cup   applesauce
                                                                                        applesauce
1
  ⁄4 cup⁄4 cup
      1
           raw raw   walnuts
                walnuts                                                         ½ cup½ cup
                                                                                        honeyhoney   or agave
                                                                                                or agave   syrupsyrup
1 cup 1 cup    pitted
          pitted  datesdates                                                         1 teaspoon
                                                                                1 teaspoon         vanilla
                                                                                              vanilla
      1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon       maplemaple  syrup
                           syrup     or honey
                                 or honey
      2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons            unsweetened
                    unsweetened        cocoa
                                   cocoa                                            1. Preheat
                                                                                1. Preheat       the oven
                                                                                            the oven       to 350°F.
                                                                                                      to 350°F.  Cut Cut   a piece
                                                                                                                      a piece  of of
      1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon       plus plus 1 teaspoon
                        1 teaspoon       matcha,
                                     matcha,      divided
                                             divided                                   parchment
                                                                                   parchment        paper
                                                                                                paper      8 inches
                                                                                                      8 inches  wide,wide,
                                                                                                                       and and
                                                                                                                            placeplace
                                                                                                                                   it in it in
Pinch Pinch   of salt
          of salt                                                                  an 8"anx8"
                                                                                           8"xbaking
                                                                                                8" baking
                                                                                                      pan,pan,
                                                                                                            withwith  the edges
                                                                                                                 the edges        hanging
                                                                                                                             hanging
                                                                                   overover   to make
                                                                                         to make      handles
                                                                                                   handles      for easy
                                                                                                           for easy       removal
                                                                                                                     removal   of theof the
    1. Place
1. Place     cashews
         cashews and and walnuts
                     walnuts      in food
                             in the  the food
                                                                                    2. aOn
                                                                                2. On           a sheet
                                                                                             sheet   pan,pan,    spread
                                                                                                            spread         the oats
                                                                                                                      the oats   and and
                                                                                                                                      toasttoast
                                                                                                                                              themthem
   thenthen
         scrapescrapethemthem     to center
                             to the    the center    of the
                                                of the                             in the in oven
                                                                                              the oven     for about
                                                                                                      for about         10 minutes,
                                                                                                                   10 minutes,     untiluntil  fragrant
                                                                                                                                         fragrant
        container.
   container.     AddAdd       the dates,
                         the dates,     maple maple
                                                syrupsyrup    or honey,
                                                         or honey,                 and and      lightly
                                                                                          lightly   goldengolden   in spots.
                                                                                                              in spots.        Let cool
                                                                                                                         Let cool    on aon    a rack.
                                                                                                                                           rack.
        cocoa,
   cocoa,          1 tablespoon
            1 tablespoon         matchamatcha
                                            and and
                                                 salt. salt. Process
                                                        Process                     3. Place
                                                                                3. Place           the cooled
                                                                                             the cooled      oatsoats
                                                                                                                   in a in  a large
                                                                                                                        large   bowlbowl
                                                                                                                                       and and
                                                                                                                                            add add
   untiluntil  the dates
         the dates      formform      a thick
                                a thick    pastepaste
                                                  and and
                                                        the the                           the dried
                                                                                   the dried       fruit,fruit,
                                                                                                           nuts,nuts,
                                                                                                                  cocoacocoa
                                                                                                                          and and    salt and
                                                                                                                                salt and        stir to
                                                                                                                                          stir to
        mixture
   mixture    holdsholds      together
                        together     if youif you squeeze
                                              squeeze    a bitaofbitit.of it.      mix mixwell.well.
    2. Scoop
2. Scoop    out aout     a tablespoon
                     tablespoon       of theof mixture,
                                               the mixture,formform             4. In4. a In  a medium
                                                                                          medium       bowl, bowl,   combine
                                                                                                                combine          the applesauce,
                                                                                                                           the applesauce,
   into into
         a balla and
                  ball and
                        placeplace
                                into into    a medium
                                       a medium     bowl; bowl;   repeat
                                                             repeat                honey  honey
                                                                                              and and     vanilla.
                                                                                                    vanilla.  Stir Stir
                                                                                                                    untiluntil  smooth,
                                                                                                                          smooth,     thenthen
                                                                                                                                            pourpour
   untiluntil
         all ofallthe
                    of mixture
                        the mixture       has been
                                   has been     used.used.
                                                         Use Use
                                                              a a                  overover       the mixture.
                                                                                            the oat     oat mixture.
                                                                                                                   Stir Stir
                                                                                                                        untiluntil
                                                                                                                               well well
                                                                                                                                     mixed,mixed,
                                                                                                                                               thenthen
   wirewire
         meshmesh        strainer
                   strainer         to the
                               to sift   sift remaining
                                              the remaining     matcha
                                                            matcha                 spread spread
                                                                                               in thein prepared
                                                                                                        the prepared pan.pan.
                                                                                                                           Using Using  a spatula,
                                                                                                                                   a spatula,
   overover     the balls.
          the balls.    Roll Roll   the balls
                               the balls
        around
   around           to coat.
             to coat.     Store,Store,
                                   tightlytightly                               5. 5.
        wrapped,
   wrapped,      in thein refrigerator
                           the refrigerator                                        when when   pressed.
                                                                                          pressed.   CoolCool
                                                                                                           on aonracka rack
                                                                                                                        for 10forminutes,
                                                                                                                                  10 minutes,
        fortoupa to
   for up             a month.
                   month.                                                          thenthen   use parchment
                                                                                         use the   the parchment      tothe
                                                                                                                to lift  lift bars
                                                                                                                              the bars  out and
                                                                                                                                   out and
                                                                                        let cool
                                                                                   let cool       completely.
                                                                                             completely.   Cut Cut
                                                                                                                3-by-43-by-4   to make
                                                                                                                          to make         12 bars.
                                                                                                                                     12 bars.
                                                                                        Store,
                                                                                   Store,       tightly
                                                                                           tightly      wrapped,
                                                                                                   wrapped,   for upfortoup4to   4 days
                                                                                                                              days       at room
                                                                                                                                    at room
                                                                                        temperature
                                                                                   temperature     or a or a week
                                                                                                        week   in thein refrigerator.
                                                                                                                        the refrigerator.
Please say,

                   “Let’s Round UP!”
                            this May for:

       We envision a world that values the
       environment and lives in harmony
                with pollinators.
Pollinator Friendly Alliance is a grassroots conservation organization.
Small and lean, we stand as a Minnesota leader in pollinator
conservation. Volunteer-driven and based in the St. Croix River Valley,
we advocate for pollinators in local communities and beyond. PFA’s
credibility as the visionary, organizer and liaison-broker among other
committed stewards generates action-oriented partnerships. The
reach of PFA’s mission expands many-fold with the work of every
advocate.
Please say,

              “Let’s Round UP!”
                       this June for:

     GROWING FARMERS, GROWING FOOD
Big River Farms, a program of The Food Group, is an
incubator farm near Marine on St. Croix, MN. We provide
land, education, and resources for farmers to learn
sustainable growing practices, grow organic foods, and build
strong businesses. Our program is designed to serve farmers
of color, immigrant farmers, and other groups who face
disproportionate barriers in accessing land, education, and
markets.”
Learn more at: https://thefoodgroupmn.org/farmers/
Big River Farms
VOLUNTEER DAY
June 23, 2022 - 9am to 11am
A great opportunity to help out with your
co-op community! Join the team at Big River
Farms for some real farm work! You will help
with a variety of activities alongside other
Owner’s and Customer’s of River Market
Co-op. Sign up today: http://vhub.at/rivmar
OUR ENDS STATEMENT:
River Market Community Co-op
cultivates a healthy community
through its:
• Equitable economic relationships;
• Positive environmental impacts; and
• Inclusive, socially responsible business
  practices.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Mickelson (President)
Victoria Bradford Styrbicki (Vice President)
Mead Stone (Secretary/Treasurer)
Christina Arndt
Angela Hauge
Karen Hulstrand
Larry Martin
Scott Vrchota

MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS:
When: The Second Tuesday of each Month at
6:00 pm
Where: The Board of Directors will meet
virtually via Zoom until further notice.
If you would like to be a part of the
Zoom meeting, please email
board@rivermarket.coop,
to receive the meeting invite.

CONTACT:
Interested in contacting someone on our Board
of Directors? Email board@rivermarket.coop
and someone will get back to you soon.

GENERAL MANAGER:
Sara Morrison
gm@rivermarket.coop
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