Pick up an application at any register or download the Board Candidate Application here.  Applications are due by Friday, February 10.

What is required of a Director:

1. A genuine interest in Co-op issues and our community.
2. A solid three year commitment to the Board.
3. A willingness to take responsibility for Board duties and work together with understanding, mutual support, and respect to make decisions that will enhance the viability of the Co-op.An owner must be in good standing to serve on the Board of Directors at Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op.

Election ballots will be mailed out to owners after the applications have been reviewed.  Owners will be able to submit their ballots for the Board of Directors up to the Annual Meeting and Board Election on May 5, 2012.  Location TBD.  The newly elected Board Members will be announced at this meeting.

Losing Weight for Charity: 11 members of the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op staff have pledged to lose 320 pounds collectively in the next 16 weeks. For every pound lost the co-op will donate a pound of fresh, healthy food to the Roanoke Rescue Mission!

Track their progress online via the RNFC Facebook page where they will be posting about workouts, diet and motivational tips. The group will also meet once a month for a community wide excercise event.

Join us February 5th at 1 pm for a greenway walk and Wasena Park cleanup with hot soup from the Happy Belly Deli. Sign up at the registers, by emailing info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop or calling 540.343.5652.

Enter for the Chance to Win

$25 Co-op Gift Card,
announced Friday, 12/23

$50 Co-op Gift Card,
announced Saturday, 12/24

$100 Co-op Gift Card,
announced Christmas morning
Look for announcement on Facebook and our website. The Co-op will be closed Dec. 25.

Entry forms in the Produce Section at Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op.
No purchase necessary. One entry per person per day.  Winners will be announced on Roanoke Natural Foods Facebook page and website.The Co-op will be closed December 25th, Christmas morning.

Winner Announced:

Congratulations to DAVID ALDRIDGE. He’s the winner of the $25 Gift Card for Day One of “3 Days of Gift Carding”

Three cheers for DAN LUBBS, the $50 Gift Card winner for Day Two of “3 Days of Gift Carding”

And the winner of  the $100 Gift Card is GRANT SMITH.  Congratulations Grant and thanks to everyone who entered.  Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Mediterranean Platter features dolmas, olives, feta cheese, Tapenade, Happy Belly Deli Hummus, and Pita. For $43.95

The Cheese Platter is an assortment of some of our best selling cheeses:
Horseradish Cheddar, Swiss Almond Cream Cheese, Chipotle Raspberry Jam and Spinach Artichoke Dip. For $28.95

Platters will be available in the Deli starting December 22nd. For additional information please visit with a Happy Belly Deli staff member today.

Shopping locally makes a big impact on your community.  Roanoke Natural Foods has many great unique gifts ideas for the people on your list.

All around the store – from our Wellness Department to the Happy Belly Deli – you’ll find red “Cool Co-op Gifts” shelf tags making our staff’s favorite gifts.

Put gifts from Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op in everyone’s stockings this year.  You’re supporting your local co-op and community while giving an awesome gift, guaranteed.

]]> http://roanokenaturalfoods.com/2011/11/cool-co-op-gifts/feed/ 0 http://roanokenaturalfoods.com/2011/11/mineral-fusion-makeup/ http://roanokenaturalfoods.com/2011/11/mineral-fusion-makeup/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:03:49 +0000 John Bryant http://roanokenaturalfoods.com/?p=2162 We are pleased to announce our new makeup line by Mineral Fusion. We carry the complete line of mineral cosmetics, makeup brushes, skin care as well as several kinds of hair care products. We can also special order any Mineral Fusion products we do not have in the store.

Sign up today for your free makeover with our new mineral makeup. Wellness team member Latima Good will be giving professional makeovers Wednesdays December 7 and 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at the co-op. We will be also be tasting a few treats from the store. Space is very limited so sign up in the Wellness Department today!

Minerals On A Mission

For additional information about the company and their products please visit www.mineralfusion.com

Roanoke Natural Foods Cooperative Withdraws Proposal for Urban Farm
Farm would have been adjacent to former Countryside Golf Course property.

Roanoke, Va. (Nov. 7, 2011) – Citing respect for the wishes of nearby residents The Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op today withdrew it’s proposal to create an urban farm on a 12 acre parcel located  in NW Roanoke City and adjacent to what was once the Countryside Golf Course.

In a statement before Roanoke City Council, Co-op General Manager Bruce Phlegar officially withdrew his group’s interest.  “We are very interested in creating a cooperatively owned urban farm in the city of Roanoke.  But we are not interested in creating an entity that is a significant point of conflict with the surrounding neighborhood.  Out of respect for those who oppose this project, and in the hope that the city will continue to work with our group, we respectfully  withdrew our proposal.”

The Co-op had initially submitted its request on July 8^th after City planners said they wanted the parcel to be used for commercial urban agriculture in its master plan for the Countryside property and several parcels adjoining it.

The Co-op plan called for  8 green houses know as “high tunnel hoop houses,” garden style row crops and an orchard.  The group planned to have as many as 400 free-range chickens to produce eggs and fertilizer for the plants.  Since the group utilizes sustainable farming techniques, it  will not use harmful commercial fertilizers or pesticides.  Plans also called for a small retail shop where locally grown produce would be sold to members of the surrounding community.   The building would also have included classroom space.

“We still believe in the value and viability of a sustainable urban farm within Roanoke City limits,” said Phlegar.  “It offers our community hyper-locally grown produce, and many educational opportunities. Our farm will strengthen the local, sustainable food movement in the Roanoke Valley.” Phlegar said the group would continue to seek property within the city that would meet their needs and have the general support of the surrounding neighbors.

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op has served the Roanoke Valley since 1975, providing the community with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. Roanoke Natural Foods supports sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses, and its surrounding community. Products at Roanoke Natural Foods contain no artificial colorants, preservatives, or additives. In addition to providing families with high-quality organic and natural products, Roanoke Natural Foods supports local efforts to preserve the integrity and health of our natural resources and community.

#   #   #

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op’s Proposal for an Urban Farm at Countryside

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op is excited about the proposal of a 12.2 acre urban farm at Countryside, an idea that came from listening to the collective voice of our shoppers and owners. Through annual surveys and many conversations our patrons have said that our community business should focus on local, sustainable agriculture. A cooperatively owned urban farm within city limits addresses many facets of not only our business but the progressive growth of our city.

At the heart of this proposal we have addressed the urban farm’s purpose in three parts. First, Roanoke Natural Foods is committing to increasing the supply of and access to sustainably grown food. Second, we are continuing our commitment as stewards of the environment, which refers not only to the land but economic and social environments as well. Finally, this urban farm will be a living classroom, teaching by example the above mentioned goals.

Shoppers want to know where their food is coming from. This is true not only for Roanoke Natural Foods’ customers, but also for those of large national grocery chains. People everywhere are engaged in learning more about what they are eating. Sustainable local food offers immediate, intimate engagement with food and the security of a local food system. The urban farm we are purposing for Countryside would be a place where the community can experience their food source first hand. We believe the farm would show that a great deal of important work can be accomplished on a relatively small piece of land where each aspect of sustainable food production is present.

Along the way Roanoke Natural Foods has listened closely to our ownership and community, the City of Roanoke and the residents of Countryside and Miller’s Court, which surround the 12.2 acres, in order to develop the best proposal for everyone involved. We have attended neighborhood meetings and public comment sessions in order to adjust our proposal based on neighborhood concerns. We have worked closely with the city’s planning and zoning department to create a pleasing look for the overall vision of this project. Through site planning meetings held at the Co-op we have received important insight and suggestions for the layout of the property from the community.

Urban farms represent a growing trend across the United States today. Municipalities like Seattle, New York, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia are finding that investing in the production of food and the educational components of those investments are paying off . Many neighborhoods are developing urban agriculture centers and using every bit of growable space for edible food. Stephanie Simon with the Wall Street Journal writes that the idea is to have “views of heirloom tomatoes [and] a steady stream

of revenue, while cutting the cost of landscaping upkeep.”

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op has a 35 year history of building communities in the Roanoke Valley. We are continually involved in improvements to our community in the Grandin Village and support the schools, businesses and other organizations that do the same. We look forward to growing with Countryside and together contributing to the progressive trends that will make our city a destination for many years to come.

To see more information about the urban farm proposal please see the links below.

Roanoke City – Countryside Master Plan & Development

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op Farm Proposal Announcement

Here are some other Urban Farms, Gardens and Community Food Projects across America:

What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Growing Power Urban Farm, Milwaukee

Click here to view the embedded video.

Alleycat Acres, Seattle

Click here to view the embedded video.

Natick Community Organic Farm, Natick, MA

Zenger Farm, Portland, OR

Boggy Creek Farm, Austin, TX

Cultivating Community, Portland, ME

Rochester Roots, Rochester, NY

Duluth Community Farm, Duluth, MN

Urban Homestead, Pasadena, CA

Brooklyn Grange, Long Island City, NY

Magic Bean Farm, Seattle, WA

Hantz Farms, Detroit, MI

Weavers Way, Philadelphia, PA

The Wedge – Gardens of Eagan, Minneapolis, MN

Sweet Providence Farm

As the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, the turkey has become an American icon. Turkeys have a unique place in the local food movement as well. Farmers raise pastured Thanksgiving turkeys annually right here in our region.

A pastured bird is what truly makes the difference with a local turkey. These turkeys are raised on green pasture in a moveable pen with electric netting, allowing the birds to forage in the grass for bugs. Basically, it is the old-fashion, homestead style of raising not just poultry but other animals as well. Ever heard of grass-fed beef?

The pastured animal movement has found great support among consumers because of the high quality and unsurpassed flavor of the products. The nutritional value exceeds conventional meats not to mention the more humane living conditions for the animals.

One local vendor, Bramble Hollow Farm, raises heritage breed turkeys. Located north of Roanoke in Montvale, Virginia, Brent and Anna Wills and their four year old son Jack, run a pastured meat, egg and produce farm on 100 acres in Bedford County. They are known for raising heritage breed animals. Heritage refers to unique traits that allow the animals to be well-adapted to local environmental conditions. They are essentially the heirloom varieties of meat. “It takes a little more time and feed but it is worth it to do heritage, the meat is that much better,” Anna said.

The Wills have chickens, pigs, egg laying hens and a small herd of beef cattle in addition to the turkeys. Bramble Hollow has four breeds of heritage turkeys including the Narragansett, Bourbon Red, Black Spanish and Midget White. Now in their third year, they are selling 50 turkeys directly to consumers. “It is nice for customers to see where their food comes from,” Anna said.

Bramble Hollow attends several farmers markets including Grandin and West End Community Markets about once a month. The farm sells their heritage chickens almost exclusively to Local Roots Restaurant. The Wills have also started a meat C.S.A. or community supported agriculture, where consumers receive a variety of meats six months a year. For more information visit www.bramblehollowfarm.com.

Sweet Providence Farm is another local farm raising pastured turkeys in Floyd, Virginia and has been selling turkeys through Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op for many years. The farm specializes in pastured poultry and pork, grass-fed beef, eggs, Christmas trees and a country farm store right off Floyd highway.

David Maren, General Manager of Sweet Providence, said it all started with his father-in-law desiring to raise better quality food. The 60-acre farm has grown tremendously in the past 10 years. “It has been an amazing experience raising animals in a natural environment with no confinement or crowding where they can eat grasshoppers and clover and live as they were meant to on the land,” Maren said.

Sweet Providence has several hundred White Giant turkeys, a conventional breed which is pastured and requires no hormones or antibiotics. Turkey season starts with several groups of chicks in August, staggered in age groups so there will be different weights for Thanksgiving. The toms and hens, or male and female birds, of all sizes herd together in open pasture. All in all, it seems like a pretty sweet life.

Sweet Providence Farm turkeys can be pre-ordered through the Co-op by calling Customer Service at 540.343.5652.

Check out both farms on Facebook Bramble Hollow Farm & Sweet Providence Farm.

Bramble Hollow Farm

Relax and let the Happy Belly Deli staff make it easy for you to enjoy a worry-free holiday gathering. Our made-from-scratch meals, breads and desserts are ready for you to heat, serve and enjoy.

You can add on to the basic dinner with extra sides and delicious desserts made by the Happy Belly Deli. Visit with our deli staff to find just the right variety and amount for you and your guests.

Thanksgiving Dinners

Includes the following: Carved Natural Turkey, Homemade Gravy, French Bread Stuffing, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Traditional Green Beans and Homestyle Biscuits for $12.99 a person.

Extra Holiday Sides (1 Pound):

French Bread Stuffing                  $3.99

Traditional Green Beans              $3.99

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes     $3.99

Whipped Sweet Potatoes              $3.99

Carved Natural Turkey                 $5.99

Cranberry Sauce                            $4.99

Homestyle Biscuits                        6/$5

Desserts:

Full Half

Apple Pie                                         $18              $10

Pumpkin Pie                                    $16              $9

Vegan Pumpkin Pie                        $16             $9

Chocolate Mousse Pie                    $16             $9

Pecan Pie                                          $18             $10

Chocolate Espresso Roll                $18             $10

Pumpkin Roll                                   $18             $10

Breads     $4.25

Apple

Vegan Carrot

Pumpkin Pecan

Ginger Bread with Orange Glaze

Pear Spice

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pecan

Sweet Potato

Orders must be placed by 9 a.m. Friday, November 18. Prepayment is required. No refunds or cancellations after 12 p.m. Saturday, November 19.

All orders must be picked up between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 23. Reservations may be limited.

Click the link to download and print your Thanksgiving Dinner Order Form (0) or pick one up in the store and return to any register at Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op. For more information call 540.343.5652 or email info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop.

Radford University School of Nursing is hosting a health fair at Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 9am – 1pm.

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op is holding three site planning sessions for the Urban Farm at Countryside in the store.

We would like to have an open dialogue with out customers and community about the layout of the Urban Farm at Countryside.

What would you like to see grown? How do you envision the operations of an urban farm?

Join the discussion in our Community Room and let us know what you think.

Planning sessions will be held October 12 and 14 from 2-6 pm & October 15 from 12:30-4 pm.

For more information please contact John Bryant at 540.343.5652 Ext. 6 or email info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop

Delicious centerpieces!

Sweet Providence Farm (SOLD OUT)

**If you signed up for a local bird from Sweet Providence Farm you will receive a call from the Co-op on Monday Nov. 21st to let you know your order has arrived. Then you have until 8pm on Wednesday Nov. 23rd to pick up your delicious local turkey.**

Fresh, local turkeys from Floyd, VA. All natural, humanely raised, pasture raised and free roaming with supplemental whole grain feed. Never administered antibiotics or hormones. These birds are FRESH and will be available for pick up starting Monday November 21st in the afternoon. Turkeys must be picked up by closing time on Wednesday November 23rd as the Co-op is closed on Thanksgiving. Sizes range from 12-14 lbs, 14-16 lbs, 16-18 lbs and 18-22 lbs. We cannot guarantee exact weights but will try to get them as close as possible. Price is $3.99 per pound. Sign up at Customer Service, call 540.343.5652 or email info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop.

Plainville Farms

Natural, humanely raised turkeys. Antibiotic and hormone free, 100% vegetarian fed. Sizes range from 12-14 lbs, 14-16 lbs and 18-20 lbs. Turkeys will be available for purchase after Sunday November 6th. No pre-orders at this time but may change depending on demand. The birds will come frozen but we may thaw some a few days prior to Thanksgiving. Price is $2.29 per pound.

Organic Prairie

USDA certified organic, humanely raised turkeys. Antibiotic and hormone free from a cooperative of family owned farms. Sizes range from 10-13 lbs and 13-18 lbs. Turkeys will be available for purchase after Tuesday November 1st. No pre-orders at this time but may change depending on demand. The birds will come frozen. Price is $3.79 per pound.

For more information please call the store at 540.343.5652 or email dairyfrozen@roanokenaturalfoods.coop.

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op is now featuring artwork from Roanoke native, Kyle Wilson.

He has spent the last five years developing his art style which relies heavily on spray paint and ink, though he says his work has improved dramatically in the past year.

In June 2010, Kyle fell from the 4th floor balcony of a downtown apartment leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.  Kyle says his art is better since the accident because he is more patient.

What is striking about Kyle is his positive demeanor.  Rather than looking at his situation as an end, Kyle sees it as his second chance.

He plans to pursue art full-time saying, “I want to be a starving artist, without the starving.”

The original pieces hanging in the Co-op until September 11 are for sale.  Contact Kyle directly at 540-521-4938

Food, Fun & Community | Oct 14-16:
To celebrate our annual Ownership Drive, where we hope to gain 75 new owners, we are holding our first ever Owner Appreciation Weekend.  It’s an entire weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday Sunday Sunday – where we get the chance to say “Thank You” to our ownership. Our owners are the guests of honor during the Co-op Owners’ Weekend, October 14, 15 and 16.

On Friday, October 14 there’s a free evening concert featuring Funk Punch in the courtyard. The 1st 100 Co-op Owners will receive a free Roanoke Natural Foods T-Shirt. The concert is open to everyone, so come on down!

Saturday, October 15 is 10% Off Day for Owners.  It’s just like it sounds, our owners receive 10% off their purchases all day long. Local vendors Sandy River Pork, Curtin’s Dairy and Blossom will be sampling their goods from 12-3 pm.

And Sunday, October 16 we welcome our entire ownership to the Owner Party and Cookout in the Co-op’s parking lot.  Enjoy burgers, dogs, salads & sides. Beer from Roanoke Railhouse and music from Rootstone Jug Band. Free admission to owners and their immediate family household. Rain or shine.