Seward Community Co-op

Día de los Muertos Recipes (Virtual class)
2021-11-02 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
In this class, Chef Jessica will show us how to make a yeast bread called Pan de Muerto; Champurrado, a thick and flavorful Mexican hot chocolate; and Enfrijoladas de Queso y Jalapeño, filled corn tortillas and dipped in a chipotle bean sauce topped with crema, avocado and cilantro.
Jessica Tijerina, Tijerina Global Spices

Indigenous Foods Class Series- Tea Workshop; Medicine Around Us (Virtual class)
2021-11-03 18:00 - 19:30
Join us as we collaborate with Dream of Wild Health, Division of Indian Work, and Minneapolis American Indian Center for a series on Indigenous foods and recipes. We’ll make a series of delicious meals, drinks, medicines, and desserts using local and traditional foods as we explore nutritional and cultural significance of their ingredients. The instructors will share their expertise on sourcing, sustainability, and environmental impacts we’re seeing in real time.
In this class, Derek Nicholas and Hope Flanagan will be discussing various Native teas. Teas are not just a drink- our tea is medicine used orally, used in direct contact as a wet compress, foot baths, hair rinse, or bath additive. In this workshop, we’ll learn about Cedar Cranberry Tea, Bergamont Hyssop Tea, and Raspberry Tea.
Derek Nicholas, Division of Indian Work
Hope Flanagan, Dream of Wild Health

Join us for all of the classes in this series:
Wednesday, October 27th- Four Sisters Pasdayapi Salad
Wednesday, November 3rd- Tea Workshop; Medicine Around Us
Wednesday, November 10th- Maple Cranberry Apple Crisp with Puffed Wild Rice
Wednesday, November 17th- Bison Roast and Bison Tacos
DIY Video // October – How to Build an Underground Oven (Duck, Burdock, and Squash)

Intro to Soap Making (Limited in-person class)
2021-11-03 19:00 - 21:00
Our popular soap making class returns with Longfellow Soap owner John Hanson. Join John for an in-person class at the Franklin store to learn soap making techniques. Students will receive a free silicone mold and newly updated class manual during class.
Limited in-person class at our Franklin Avenue location.
$40/$35 for Seward Co-op owners
John Hanson, Longfellow Soap

Introduction to Tre® Tension Releasing Exercises (Virtual class)
2021-11-06 10:00 - 11:30
This workshop will introduce you to the Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises. The process safely activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system and helps release deeply held tension held in the body. In this workshop, we will discuss the history of the method, walk through the exercises together and experience the process in a safe environment. After doing TRE®, many people report feelings of peace and well-being. This workshop is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Jeanne Bain, Certified Tre Provider

Indigenous Foods Class Series- Bison Roast and Bison Tacos (Virtual class)
2021-11-17 18:00 - 19:30
Join us as we collaborate with Dream of Wild Health, Division of Indian Work, and Minneapolis American Indian Center for a series on Indigenous foods and recipes. We’ll make a series of delicious meals, drinks, medicines, and desserts using local and traditional foods as we explore nutritional and cultural significance of their ingredients. The instructors will share their expertise on sourcing, sustainability, and environmental impacts we’re seeing in real time.
Derek Nicholas will showcase how to cook a bison roast by slow braising. After braising, Derek will use the bison roast to make some delicious tacos.
Derek Nicholas, Division of Indian Work

Join us for all of the classes in this series:
How to Build an Underground Oven (Duck, Burdock, and Squash)
Four Sisters Pasdayapi Salad
Tea Workshop; Medicine Around Us
Wednesday, November 10th- Maple Cranberry Apple Crisp with Puffed Wild Rice
Wednesday, November 17th- Bison Roast and Bison Tacos

Co-op Community Conversations | Connecting To The Land
2021-11-18 18:30 - 20:00
Join Twin Cities food co-ops and Native America community leaders Hope Flanagan, Neely Snyder, and Vanessa Casillas for a conversation about the interconnected relationships between land, water, and food systems in Minnesota. We’ll discuss the impact of environmental health on Indigenous foods and what you can do to support food access in Native communities. RSVP for this virtual conversation at the link below!
Meet the panelists
Hope Flanagan (Seneca) is from the turtle clan. She is an elder who teaches about plants and wild plant gathering. She is also a storyteller, whose stories were passed to her from Ona KingBird from Red Lake reservation. She has taught and worked in the Twin Cities Native Community since the late 70’s. Most recently, Hope taught in an Ojibwe Immersion classroom for ten years, and prior to that as a Storyteller for Minneapolis Public Schools in drug and alcohol prevention for six years. She has worked at DWH since 2009 and transitioned to a year round position in 2018.

Neely Snyder is an enrolled member of St. Croix Chippewa and a direct descendent of Red Lake Nation and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Her passion is building stronger and healthier Native American communities. She grew up in the Twin Cities area and brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and administration at organizations such as Native Americans in Philanthropy, MN Urban Area Health Education Center with University of Minnesota Physicians, East Side Neighborhood Services, and most recently, the American Indian Cancer Foundation. Neely holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media Business from the Minnesota School of Business. She and her husband raised three children in Blaine, a northern suburb of Minneapolis. Her volunteer activities include serving on the Board of Directors at The Family Partnership and the Spring Lake Park School District’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee.

Vanessa Casillas is a citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a bricklayer by trade. When she moved to Minneapolis from Chicago in February 2020, her passion for food sovereignty led her to work with her hands in a different way: baking using Indigenous ingredients. Through her work expanding on the internship curriculum at a culinary training program in the local Native community, she was able to highlight land-based learning practices like growing ancestral foods from seed and connecting with community partnerships to facilitate plant ID and foraging walks.
The event series “Co-op Community Conversations: Exploring the intersection of racial, social, and food justice” is presented by Eastside Food Co-op, Mississippi Market Food Co-op, Seward Community Co-op, and Twin Cities Co-op Partners as a way to examine and connect our cooperative values with social justice movements.

Board of Directors November Meeting
2021-11-30 18:00 - 20:30
Meetings of Seward Co-op’s Board of Directors are open to any co-op owner. The next monthly board meeting is virtual and will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30. The meeting will include a 10-minute Co-op Owners Comment Period. The board of directors planned this in response to community members’ requests to address the board. Individual time allotment is dependent on number of owners who wish to speak. Agenda is available here. To indicate your intention to attend and/or participate in the Co-op Owners Comment Period, please email board@seward.coop prior to Nov. 30. This will allow us to provide you the virtual meeting link.
Seward Co-op’s Board of Directors is comprised of nine elected co-op owners who serve the co-op for three-year terms. The board typically meets 9-10 times a year on the last Tuesday of the month, at 6:15 p.m. The co-op’s board of directors appreciates hearing from you! They are available to answer questions and provide information about cooperative governance.

Indigenous Foods Class Series- Maple Cranberry Apple Crisp with Puffed Wild Rice (Virtual class)
2021-12-08 18:00 - 19:30
This class has been rescheduled from Wednesday, November 10.
Join us as we collaborate with Dream of Wild Health, Division of Indian Work, and Minneapolis American Indian Center for a series on Indigenous foods and recipes. We’ll make a series of delicious meals, drinks, medicines, and desserts using local and traditional foods as we explore nutritional and cultural significance of their ingredients. The instructors will share their expertise on sourcing, sustainability, and environmental impacts we’re seeing in real time.
Learn how to puff wild rice for this tart and sweet dessert with Vanessa Casillas and Hope Flanagan. We’ll also learn about wild rice characteristics, maple syrup harvesting, and cranberries.
Vanessa Casillas, Gatherings Café/Minneapolis American Indian Center
Hope Flanagan, Dream of Wild Health

Join us for all of the classes in this series:
How to Build an Underground Oven (Duck, Burdock, and Squash)
Four Sisters Pasdayapi Salad
Tea Workshop; Medicine Around Us
Wednesday, November 17-Bison Roast and Bison Tacos
Wednesday, December 8 Maple Cranberry Apple Crisp with Puffed Wild Rice

Cooking with Koshiki: Tofu Dengaku (Virtual class)
2021-12-13 18:00 - 19:30
Dengaku is vegetarian tofu skewers with sweet and savory sesame-miso sauce. We will learn to make atsuage (fried tofu), sesame-miso sauce, then broil them for perfection- a great appetizer for the holidays.

Koshiki Smith, The Japanese Kitchen

Seward Co-op Virtual Hiring Event
2021-12-14 10:00 - 12:00
Are you a natural team-builder and looking for a dynamic job? Seward Community Co-op is seeking candidates for leadership positions at our Franklin store, including:

Deli Manager
Assistant Deli Manager
Grocery Manager
Assistant Grocery Manager
Assistant Produce Manager

Attend the Dec. 14 information session to learn more! Join us online to hear about open leadership positions at the co-op and to be scheduled for an interview. Email questions to hr@seward.coop.

Treats and Gifts with Chef Jessica (Virtual class)
2021-12-16 18:00 - 19:30
Chef Jessica Tijerina creates three treats that can be made as gifts or enjoyed: Slice-and-Bake Pistachio and Chocolate Cookies, Vanilla Chai Spiced Fancy Mixed Nuts, and Peppermint Cookie Truffles.
Jessica Tijerina, Tijerina Global Spices

Intro to Soap Making (Limited in-person class)
2021-12-17 19:00 - 21:00
Homemade soap makes a great gift! Join Longfellow Soap owner John Hanson for an in-person class at the Franklin store to learn soapmaking techniques. Students will receive a free silicone mold and class manual at the class.
Limited in-person class at our Franklin Avenue location.
$40/$35 for Seward Co-op owners
John Hanson, Longfellow Soap
Please RSVP in advance via the Eventbrite link below. Registration closes the day before class.

Local Honey Recipes (Virtual class)
2022-01-10 18:00 - 19:30
Using locally-sourced honey, chef Jessica Tijerina shows us recipes using honey as the highlight ingredient: a sweet and savory sticky salmon; a natural honey, lemon and ginger cough drop; and sweet and salty whipped honey butter.
Jessica Tijerina, Tijerina Global Spices

Holistic Approaches to Thyroid Health (Virtual class)
2022-01-12 18:00 - 19:00
When your thyroid doesn’t function well, it can affect almost every aspect of your health from depression to weight gain. Learn what key nutrients are needed for healthy thyroid function with Sara Jean Barrett, naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Wellness Minneapolis. ND. Join us for a deep dive into thyroid health and discover what you can do to naturally improve thyroid function, increase your energy, mood, and metabolism.
Dr. Sara Jean Barrett, N.D.

Celebrating 50 Years: "The Co-op Wars" Screening and Discussion
2022-01-13 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for a virtual panel discussion of the original documentary film “The Co-op Wars” in celebration of Seward Co-op’s 50th Anniversary. “The Co-op Wars” tells the story of the idealistic youth who tried to build an alternative to corporate capitalism, the violent struggle that almost tore them apart, and their eventual success in ways they never foresaw.
You can access this exclusive link to view “The Co-op Wars” with a special introduction highlighting Seward Co-op’s role in this history. We encourage you to watch the film at your convenience any time before the Jan. 13 discussion event. https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/co-op-wars-seward-coop
On Thursday, Jan. 13, we will be joined by Erik Esse and Deacon Warner, producer and director of “The Co-op Wars.” We’ll also welcome early co-op movement leaders Lori Zuidema, Gary Cunningham and Leo Cashman.
Lori Zuidema began her career in co-ops as a volunteer cheese cutter at the newly-formed Seward Co-op in 1972. She was one of the original collective members of the Seward Café and worked at cooperative distributors Cheese Rustlers, and Roots and Fruits Produce. She is currently Director of Purchasing at Co-op Partners Warehouse. Gary Cunningham is President and CEO at Prosperity Now in Washington D.C. and was the First Spouse of Minneapolis during the mayoral term of his wife, Betsy Hodges. Back in the ‘70s, he lived with his uncle Moe Burton, who started the first Black Panther chapter in Minneapolis and founded the Bryant Central Co-op. Leo Cashman worked at Seward Co-op for four years during the mid-1970s when the co-op was at 2201 E. Franklin Ave., its first location. Leo was one of two co-op coordinators (managers) who was assaulted and beaten, then dragged out of the store the morning of Jan. 9, 1976.
The discussion will be facilitated by Seward Co-op Board President LaDonna Sanders Redmond, who is also featured in the film.
Learn more about “The Co-op Wars” at http://www.radicalrootsfilm.com
Please RSVP in advance. You will receive a video link to view the film ahead of time. You will also receive a Zoom link or phone number to join the discussion on Jan 13.

Cooking with Koshiki: New Year, New Skill- Sushi Making (Virtual class)
2022-01-24 18:00 - 20:00
Join us to learn sushi-making basics. In this class, we will be using ingredients from Seward Co-op to make healthy and sustainable sushi. Basic sushi includes inside-out rolls, traditional rolls, and Nigiri/Mari Sushi. Vegetarian options will be shown as well.

Koshiki Smith, The Japanese Kitchen

Board of Directors January Meeting
2022-01-25 18:00 - 20:30
Meetings of Seward Co-op’s Board of Directors are open to any co-op owner. The next monthly board meeting is virtual and will be held Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. The meeting will include a 10-minute Co-op Owners Comment Period. The board of directors planned this in response to community members’ requests to address the board. Individual time allotment is dependent on number of owners who wish to speak. Meeting agenda is available here. To indicate your intention to attend and/or participate in the Co-op Owners Comment Period, please email board@seward.coop prior to Jan. 25. This will allow us to provide you the virtual meeting link.
Seward Co-op’s Board of Directors is comprised of nine elected co-op owners who serve the co-op for three-year terms. The board typically meets 9-10 times a year on the last Tuesday of the month, at 6:15 p.m. The co-op’s board of directors appreciates hearing from you! They are available to answer questions and provide information about cooperative governance.

CANCELLED Midwest Food Connection: Co-op Kids (Limited in-person class)
2022-01-30 13:00 - 14:00
This event has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. We apologize for the inconvenience!

Cooking with Koshiki: Harumaki-Fried Spring Rolls (Virtual class)
2022-02-01 18:00 - 19:30
Haru-maki are Japanese-style fried spring rolls. This irresistible harumaki is crispy and packed with meat, bean noodles, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms. Serve them as an appetizer, or make dinner with a side of quick soup, salad, and grain.
Koshiki Smith, the Japanese Kitchen

Winter Comfort Recipes – Chicken with Rose Petal Sauce and Beef Hand Pies (Virtual class)
2022-02-07 18:00 - 19:30
In this class we will make two comforting cold-weather dishes featuring chicken and beef from our Community Foods producers. Chicken with rose petal sauce and pomegranate; and beef hand pies with a delicate and flaky crust, filled with meat and vegetables.
Jessica Tijerina, Tijerina Global Spices

CANCELLED Celebrating 50 Years: I ♥ Seward Co-op!
2022-02-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Both Stores, MN, United States
This event has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. We look forward to celebrating with you later this year!

Board of Directors February Meeting
2022-02-22 18:00 - 20:30
Meetings of Seward Co-op’s Board of Directors are open to any co-op owner. The next monthly board meeting is virtual and will be held Tuesday, Feb. 22. The meeting will include a 10-minute Co-op Owners Comment Period. The board of directors planned this in response to community members’ requests to address the board. Individual time allotment is dependent on number of owners who wish to speak. Agenda is available here. To indicate your intention to attend and/or participate in the Co-op Owners Comment Period, please email board@seward.coop prior to Feb. 22. This will allow us to provide you the virtual meeting link.
Seward Co-op’s Board of Directors is comprised of nine elected co-op owners who serve the co-op for three-year terms. The board typically meets 9-10 times a year on the last Tuesday of the month, at 6:15 p.m. The co-op’s board of directors appreciates hearing from you! They are available to answer questions and provide information about cooperative governance.

Cooking with Koshiki: Salmon Teriyaki Dinner (Virtual class)
2022-03-07 18:00 - 19:30
Teriyaki is pan-fried meat or fish with soy & mirin glazing resulting in a sweet yet savory dish. This teriyaki recipe comes from Koshiki’s former restaurant using only four simple ingredients: flour, soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. On the side, we will prepare rice, miso soup, and vegetables to make a complete, well-balanced dinner.
Koshiki Smith, The Japanese Kitchen

Winter Root Vegetables in Spring (Virtual class) - CANCELLED
2022-03-10 18:30 - 19:30
3/10 update- The class for tonight has been cancelled due to instructor illness. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reschedule this class at a future time.
This time of year, we are still savoring the roots of last-year’s fall harvest. Join Chef AmyLeo as we move towards spring and make recipes using root vegetables to help us transition into lighter eating, while providing us with vital nutrition, unique textures, and familiar flavors.
AmyLeo Barankovich

Intro to Soap Making (In-person class)
2022-03-16 19:00 - 21:00
Join Longfellow Soap owner John Hanson for an in-person class at the Franklin store to learn soapmaking techniques. Students will receive a free silicone mold and class manual at the class.
Limited in-person class at our Franklin Avenue location.
$40/$35 for Seward Co-op owners

John Hanson, Longfellow Soap
Please RSVP in advance. Registration closes the day before class.

CANCELLED- Yellow Coconut Curry and Fluffy Rice (Virtual class)
2022-03-28 18:00 - 19:30
Join chef Jessica Tijerina as she guides you through the necessary ingredients to make a yellow curry paste from scratch using ginger, garlic, turmeric, shrimp paste and even the brightness of the citrus stalk, lemongrass. We’ll also be making a simple, no-fail recipe for fluffy rice. Vegetarian/vegan options will also be provided.
Jessica Tijerina, Tijerina Global Spices
3/28 This class has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience!

Cracked Black Pepper & Rosemary Pappardelle Pasta with Mushroom Ragu (Virtual class)
2022-04-11 18:00 - 19:30
Join chef Jessica Tijerina as she walks you through the bold umami flavors of this springtime meal! We’ll use 4 simple ingredients to create an herb-fresh, hand-made pasta to go along with a savory wild mushroom ragu.
Jessica Tijerina, owner of Tijerina Global Spices

Springtime Spiralizing (Virtual class)
2022-04-14 18:30 - 19:30
Join Chef AmyLeo as she prepares two recipes for spiralizing carrots, beets and zucchini. She will share kitchen tips to bring the wonders of spiralizing into your life. Add the perfect dressings or sauces, complimentary veggies and a dash of nuts and seeds – these spiralized wonders store well to provide quick and easy food preparation.
AmyLeo Barankovich, Vegan Affairs MN

Cooking with Koshiki: Japanese Dessert (Virtual class)
2022-04-18 18:00 - 19:30
Join Koshiki in making two widely popular desserts in Japan. Sweet potato crème brulee is a rich and creamy baked dessert with a hint of sweet potato with caramelized sugar topping. Dorayaki is a moist and fluffy honey pancake with sweet red bean fillings.
Koshiki Smith, The Japanese Kitchen
Note: This class was originally scheduled for April 4. It will now be held April 18.

Celebrating 50 Years: Seward Co-op's 21st Annual CSA Fair
2022-04-23 11:00 - 14:00
As we celebrate 50 years of Seward Co-op, we reflect on our legacy and continued work supporting a thriving and resilient local food system. This year is the return of our in-person fair, held on Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Seward Co-op Creamery parking lot at 2601 E. Franklin Ave. If you can’t make it, browse our CSA Farm Guide for a virtual fair experience!
We’ll hear from farmers, producers and other community partners about Seward Co-op’s impact over the past decades. In person on April 23, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about local farms and speak directly with nearly 30 farmers to choose a CSA share that is right for you and your household. Enjoy treats, prizes, and an activity area with Midwest Food Connection for the kids as we celebrate and look to the future. Online, we will be featuring stories, videos and photos from local CSA farmers. The Virtual CSA Fair will take place on Seward Co-op’s website and social media the weeks leading up to April 23.
This event is open to all – RSVP is not required, but if you register via the Eventbrite link below, we will send you a reminder email the day before the event.
Participating farms:
Amador Hill Farm and Orchard (WEI)
Blackbrook Farm LLC
Blue Ox Farm
Burning River Farm
DragSmith Farms
Earth Dance Farm
Featherstone Farm
Foxtail Farm
Green Garden
HAFA
Johnson Family Pastures
Little Big Sky Farm
LTD Farm
Mhonpaj’s Garden
Moshky Farm
Naima’s Farm
Northwood Mushrooms
Open Arms of MN- Open Farms
Prairie Hollow
Racing Heart Farm
Shepherd’s Way
Sin Fronteras Farm & Food
Shared Ground Co-op’s Food For The People
StrongHeart Farms
Tangletown Garden Farm
TC Farm
Tuttie Fruitties
Yawelyahsi·yò· Farm
