Member Letter, August 2026
Updated: Sep 24
Welcome to the new monthly letter just for the BFC community.
We are going to have a little fun as we work together to build a more resilient local food system! Thank you for being here, and for sharing in this mission.
Red Okra from Blackberry Food Co-op meat from Blackberry Food Co-op Organic Grapes from Blackberry Food Co-op
The theme of the month year is:
Shop often for fresh seasonal selection!
NEW - Get it while it lasts!
• Peak Season! Three new varieties of garlic - Chesnok Red, Romanian Red and Music, from Ezra Lee Farm in Cottage Grove.
• Freshly picked! Red Okra and Padron peppers locally grown by Groundwork Organics.
•Two kinds of dry farmed, mini-melons - Charetais and Sugar Cube - sweet and densely flavorful!
Announcements & Opportunities
Now open at 10am Mon-Sat!
The membership spoke and we listened. The co-op is now open:
Mon-Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
•••
An update on updates.
New produce comes in throughout the week, and we are consistently on the lookout for suppliers of the best local goods. We have added a new section to the BFC home page: Hometown Harvest, to keep you up to date on Member Specials, peak season produce drops, and new items.
Ugly produce.
Be sure to check out the almost-expired rack for a chance to rescue drooping produce and just about out-of-date goods for extra good prices!
Product Highlight
Come to the Darkside.
Darkside Smokehouse at the Blackberry Food Co-op Darkside Smokehouse at the Blackberry Food Co-op Darkside Smokehouse at the Blackberry Food Co-op
People of the Co-op
Carly Quercus
If you have been to the co-op you have probably seen her wonderful smile. Carly also works behind the scenes to make sure the store stays stocked, clean, and ready for shopping. Come and say hello!
Q: Tell us about your role with the BFC?
I help out in many areas around the store including, but not limited to: running the cash register, customer service, receiving and stocking inventory, cleaning and organizing, occasional FB posts, and anything else that is needed.
Q: Have there been any challenges for the Co-op that led to serendipitous results or unexpected solutions?
From my perspective and understanding, it has been a generally challenging transition from the Coast Fork Farm Stand to community owned Blackberry Food Co-Op. The movement and store-front Scott created inspired and motivated our community to continue his legacy once he retired, but he left big shoes to fill. What was once a one-man operation has now brought together some incredible folks, which I consider serendipitous. I am so grateful for and uplifted by the team of people who have rallied to make BFC a reality.
Q: Is there anything that has surprised you about working with the co-op?
The resilience and strength in the Cottage Grove community and what we can do if we come together. (And, how many names and faces I am able to remember.)
Q: What are you most excited about for the co-op moving forward?
Expanding our stock of produce and products from local farmers, vendors crafters and creators. Also the potential of food saving and creating our own store-made products.
What we spend our money on is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. We all have the power to create our reality, make someone’s day, and change the world by living in alignment with our values.
Do you have a favorite product in the store you would like to share? What do you love about it?
My favorite products are the ones made by local people, a few of those being Beetanical Honey, Krauchii (Kraut, Kaanji, Beet Kvass and Persimmon Vinegar), Boho Boto Tinctures/Products and Darkside Smokehouse Spice Blends.
I love that we have such talented, creative and passionate community members who use their personal skills and interests to create something that others can enjoy.
Q: If you could have a billboard over the Blackberry Food Co-op building, what would it say?
Local/Organic Produce & Products (keep it straightforward and simple/to the point.)
Q: When you are not working with the BFC, what are you doing?
I am a land steward and homesteader here in CG. I engage in and practice native habitat restoration/Indigenous environmental sustainability, regenerative forestry/agroforestry, permaculture, wild-crafting, gardening and adventuring.
My calling and interests are ever-expanding as I learn to listen and develop a deeper relationship with my environment.
Q: What is something that experience has brought to your attention recently?
Amidst all the toiling of humankind (my own included), our tales as old as time of doomsday or a promise of peace, and all our hopes, fears, and opinions, there is a song that nature sings.
For me, hearing it has meant slowing down, really looking and listening, and bringing things back to basics. I’m finding that it’s less about imposing my will or growing a big, successful garden, and more about taking the time to observe and recognize my place in this web of life.
This has given me the opportunity to ask myself: What is really important to me, and what do I want to put my effort toward? How can I work in a way that is sustainable — how and where can I give care that also takes care of me and future generations?
Thank you, Carly! That made my morning.
Committee Corner
Treasurer’s Update
I became your co-op’s Treasurer in June and have had a chance to look over things and give you a short report. On a weekly basis, we sell roughly $11,000 in merchandise, with produce usually the leader. The majority of our purchases are by you, our wonderful members. We currently have 339 members and are on track to hit 400 by the end of this year.
The biggest expenses are the cost of goods, then payroll for staff, and rent. Our income doesn’t always cover expenses. This is common with co-ops that are just starting up as we are.
One of our goals is to reach profitability by the end of next March. In order to achieve this goal, our board members are working to increase sales, develop a capital campaign, and encourage volunteers. You all can help us with this by shopping at the Co-op as much as you can and encouraging your friends to shop at the Co-op.
That’s about it until next time.
Steve Mountainspring
More things to get excited about:
In related news - we are in the process of energizing our Volunteer Program.
Specific Needs:
Stocking shelves after big deliveries:
Tuesday between 1-6
Thursday between 10-4
Front Counter/Register:
Thursday between 4-6
Friday between 2-6
We would love to find a regular volunteer for Saturdays, anytime between 9:30 and 5.
Come by anytime to chat with us about helping out. Or email us: blackberryfoodcoop@riseup.net.
Upcoming plans include:
Volunteer Training Party. If you have thought about volunteering, this will be a great way to get your feet wet.
Volunteer survey. If you have expressed interest in volunteering, watch your inbox for a helpful survey. We will be following up to get feedback in person. Can't wait? Take the survey now.
Top Priority: we are looking for a volunteer, Volunteer Coordinator. If you enjoy getting to know your neighbors and have great organizational skills, hit us up at blackberryfoodcoop@riseup.net!
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