This May, we’re celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. First proposed by Jeanie Jew, whose great grandfather was a Chinese immigrant and helped to build the transcontinental railroad, AANHPI month was introduced as legislation by former Representative Frank Horton and first honored in May 1979. May marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to America as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad, on which thousands of Chinese immigrants worked in harsh conditions for less pay than their white counterparts. The Federal Asian Pacific American Council has designated 2025’s AANHPI Heritage Month theme: “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience”.
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month at Seward Co-op
Support AANHPI-Owned Businesses
Seward Co-op is committed to supporting inclusive businesses year-round. Here are some of the AANHPI vendors you can find in our stores:
Komoni
Komoni (formerly known as Roots Essential) is a local, woman-owned wellness business that sells naturally-derived bath soaks, soaps, lotions, and more. Founder Evangeline Stacy grew Komoni from her experience as a sports massage therapist as well as her upbringing in the Philippines, where she developed passions for service and nature. A Community Foods vendor, Komoni is committed to sustainability in their products and packaging. Read more about Komoni here.
Yon’s Foods
Another Community Foods Vendor, Yon’s Foods is based in Burnsville, Minn. and specializes in kimchi. Yon started her small business after years of making kimchi for friends, inspired by her South Korean heritage and her mother’s and grandmother’s taste. Try Yon’s kimchi with fried rice, hamburgers, or simply on its own.
Intown Sushi
Intown Sushi is a local restaurant and sushi supplier founded by Than Zaw in 2017. After building on years of experience as a sushi chef, Zaw opened his own business that provides fresh, high-quality sushi to over 30 retail locations around the Twin Cities. Intown Sushi sells rolls, bowls, nigiri, and more in the Grab and Go Deli sections of the Franklin and Friendship stores.
Nutpods
What began as a quest for a great-tasting dairy-free creamer developed into a thriving business for Madeline Haydon, founder and CEO of Nutpods. Her almond and coconut blend creamer can be found at both the Franklin and Friendship stores. Since developing her signature recipe in 2013, Madeline has gone on to win the Earnst & Young Entrepreneurship of the Year award in 2019 and continues to build her business. Nutpods is committed to sustainability in their packaging and uses materials that are up to 95% plant-based.
And More!
Both the Franklin and Friendship stores have a variety of other AANHPI vendors in store for you to check out too, like: Deep Indian Kitchen, Mother-in-Law’s Kimchi, Sanzo, Jyoti, Wildwonder, Three Trees, Country Archer, World Centric, Maazah, Starlite Cuisine, Alo, Tiger Balm, Himalayan Chandra, and Amy & Brian.