Seward Community Co-op is a 42-year-old natural food cooperative located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Seward Co-op has 15,000 owners, and it is looked upon as a leader among natural food cooperatives nationwide.

Unique to Seward Co-op is its “Ends Statement,” which is similar to an organization’s mission statement. Developed by the board, the Ends Statement states that Seward Co-op will sustain a healthy community that has: equitable economic relationships, positive environmental impacts, and inclusive, socially responsible practices. Because of this powerful Ends Statement, Seward Co-op decided to build a second store in the Bryant-Central neighborhood in South Minneapolis.

Unknown to Seward Co-op leadership, however, a group of community residents had formed what they called the Carrot Initiative (CI), the purpose of which was to attract a grocer to the Bryant-Central neighborhood. CI contacted a number of local food cooperatives, as well as national grocery chains, yet none of them were interested in a mixed-income community of color as a site for a new grocery store.

But then CI spoke with Seward Co-op. After looking at several spaces together, CI suggested that the store leadership consider the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church as a location. The site seemed to be perfect for building the new location. Due to the enthusiastic response from CI, it was assumed that the community would be excited about this development as well. So, Seward Co-op began the process of acquiring the property and several surrounding parcels of land.

The Announcement

A community meeting was scheduled to announce the project. Prior to the announcement, another neighborhood group, At the Roots, emerged. At the Roots felt that the CI members were not true members of the neighborhood and should not be considered representatives of the community. The majority of residents in the Bryant-Central community are African American and Latino. The CI members are primarily white and are considered new arrivals to the community. Thus, the announcement of the new store was met with mixed feelings, including distrust and hostility. Many people felt that the new store was a “done deal” and were concerned that Seward Co-op could not and would not address issues of racial and economic equity.

The leadership of Seward Co-op was taken aback by the criticism, feeling like they were the “good guys.” They had walked into the intersection of race and class in a community that had been ignored for decades. But, along with the arrival of hipsters and coffee shops, the new cooperative seemed to signal that gentrification had arrived. It was feared that racial equity would be a challenge, as the majority of those representing the cooperative were white.

Addressing Racial and Economic Equity

Seward Co-op had received heavy criticism about everything, from the aggressive building timeline, to the appearance of its operations team and board members, to the cost of the food. The cooperative acknowledged that its employee demographic included just 14% people of color. In order to address the community concerns regarding hiring and jobs, the cooperative had to deliberately tackle its unconscious bias in the hiring process. The leadership began an intense process of gaining cultural competency, and this work led to the development of diversity goals for construction and store hiring.

Most food justice projects tend to focus on the consumer end of the food system when dealing with communities of color. Usually, the effort is around making the food more affordable. While this is important, it ignores the true capacity of the community. Most communities are comprised of residents and entrepreneurs who buy food, but who are also skilled and valuable to local emerging food stores. What many non-profit food projects miss is the connection between food access and fair wages.

So, Seward Co-op developed multiple access points to address food access concerns. One access point is a program called Nourish. While an ownership share of the cooperative is normally $75, via Nourish, anyone on SNAP, WIC or any other government-assistance program can access ownership for only $15. Additionally, a 10% discount on every purchase is available for those who request it. Another access point is the cooperative’s goal of having 32% nonwhite employees by 2018. Saying these numbers were soft and inadequate, however, community organizers called for a 70% goal.

The new store opened on October 6, 2015. By November 1, over 1,000 new owners had joined at the new location. Seward Co-op also exceeded its 2018 diversity goal ahead of target in 2015 by 3%, and today 61% of the new store’s staff are people of color. Moreover, the owners of the cooperative have confirmed their commitment to racial equity, as five of the nine board members are now people of color, making the cooperative the most diverse one of its scale in the country.

While this success is admirable, it should be noted that this kind of equity work in the food movement is the exception and not the rule. Indeed, it should be the goal of every food cooperative to embrace diversity by strategically working on racial and economic equity.

In February, Seward Co-op worked with the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls to conduct a survey of its owners’ satisfaction with the cooperative. Email invitations were sent to a random sample of 2,500 Seward owners. A total of 551 usable responses were received. We intend to use the findings from this survey to reexamine our product selection and services in both stores. Thank you to all who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback is very important to us. Click here for a summary of the results.

Saturday, May 14, World Fair Trade Day, is a global celebration of fair trade bringing together those committed to building healthy and sustainable communities worldwide. When you choose fair trade products and ingredients, you help improve the lives of small-scale farmers, farm-workers, producers and their families.

Create Positive Change with World Fair Trade Day
This May, we highlight the positive change we create though choosing fair trade. As consumers, every purchase we make is a choice that influences the market place. Our choices influence not only which products we see on shelves but where those products come from and how they are made. Choose authentic fair trade brands to create positive change this May and every day by purchasing products made by authentic fair trade brands like Alaffia, Alter Eco, Dr. Bronner’s, Equal Exchange, Farmer Direct Co-op, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Maggie’s Organics, and Theo Chocolate.

Authentic fair trade brands, with your support, are making positive change in the way business is done around the world. This means they are partnering with small-scale producer organizations for their raw materials. And that every step along their brands’ supply chains, workers have the basic rights that we expect to see in our own communities. Fair trade farmers and producers also create positive change by restoring and improving their natural environment, engaging in democratically run organizations, and more. So whether it’s your coffee or chocolate, t-shirts or socks, soaps and shampoos, or bananas and nuts, there’s a supply chain dedicated to positive change within the production of these every-day goods.

Find products from dedicated fair trade brands on sale at Seward Co-op this May. Other natural foods co-ops and stores across the nation are creating positive change by celebrating World Fair Trade Day, and showcasing dedicated fair trade brands. Click here to view other participating stores. We’re proud to see many retailers working together to offer more than just healthy food, but a healthy global economy too.

From early on in its history, Seward Co-op has made it a priority to give back to the community. “Concern for Community” is one of the seven fundamental principles of cooperation and in that spirit, the co-op launched SEED in 2011. SEED is a fundraising program that provides customers an opportunity to round-up their bill for organizations that share Seward’s commitment to a healthy community.

Now we are proud to announce this community giving program has surpassed $1 million in donations! Since SEED’s inception, more than 40 percent of co-op owners and shoppers have made upwards of 2 million individual donations. Over time, the co-op has also seen significant growth in total donations. When the SEED program was launched, the average total donation was around $8,000 per month. Since opening the Co-op Creamery Café and the Friendship store, the monthly average has increased to more than $23,000! The $1-million-dollar milestone and the growth of SEED has been possible because of you, co-op owners and shoppers. Thank you!

A few SEED highlights from over the years:

Donations from SEED have benefited more than 35 different community organizations and seven different emergency relief efforts. Over the years, there have been disasters —near and far —that have warranted preempting a recipient in order to use SEED dollars for disaster relief. In each instance, the response from co-op customers was astounding.

Since 2011, the Brian Coyle Center has been a SEED recipient 15 times, and they have received the most donations of any recipient, totaling more than $260,000. The Brian Coyle Center is located in the heart of Cedar-Riverside and strives to unite people across ethnicity and generations. The funds raised for Brian Coyle have specifically supported its food shelf, wherein $1 has the capacity to purchase more than a pound of food. The support of Seward customers has made a significant difference in the lives of individuals who benefit from the Brian Coyle Food Shelf. We look forward to rounding up for them again in September.

Since opening the Friendship store in the Bryant neighborhood, we have prioritized supporting organizations near there. Sabathani Community Center’s food shelf has been a recipient four times, and they will be a recipient again in December. Customers have donated more than $79,000 to Sabathani since May 2014. Sabathani provides a space where residents can gather in a welcoming environment, build community, conduct business, and receive programs and services that move people forward.

Co-ops set a standard for the surrounding business community by our commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The cooperative principle of “Concern for Community” guides us to work for the sustainable development of our communities. When we pool our resources, particularly through efforts like SEED, we make progress towards this end. Kudos to Front End staff, including cashiers and customer service staff at Franklin and Friendship and servers at the Creamery Café. They are the engines that drive our successful SEED program!

Become a SEED recipient–we are now accepting applications for 2017. The application deadline is August 1, 2016.

Depending on where you are in the world, May 1 can mean different things to different people. Some cultures recognize May 1 as May Day, while others know it as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day. International Workers Day commemorates the 1886 Chicago Haymarket riot, a public assembly during a general strike for the eight-hour workday that turned violent. Dating back to the 1820s, May Day was a Celtic celebration marking the six weeks between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. In many European countries, Labor Day has become synonymous with International Workers’ Day, a day during which to celebrate workers’ achievements. Its origins lie in the eight-hour work day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours of rest.

In the late 20th century, many people began reconstructing pagan traditions and designated May Day as a celebration of spring. Here in the Twin Cities, the MayDay parade put on by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) was first held in the 1970s. The essence of this parade is rooted in the local community and contemporary issues, as well as visions for a better world.

We look forward to this April, when all SEED round-ups at the co-op will benefit the production of In the Heart of the Beast’s 42nd annual MayDay Parade and Festival. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the preservation of a vital South Minneapolis event. This event brings together 1,200 volunteers to build and stage a parade and pageant welcoming spring and inspiring positive change for 50,000 participants and spectators. This year’s MayDay parade will be held Sunday, May 1, at noon. It will start at the intersection of E. 25th St. and Bloomington Ave. S. and end in Powderhorn Park. Following the parade is the Tree of Life Ceremony in the park that goes until dusk. Stop by the Co-op Creamery Café for brunch or either of the stores on your way to the MayDay events to gather all of your snacks and goodies. The full itinerary of the events can be found here.

Mark your calendars for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, and make sure to plan something special for the important moms in your life. What it means to be a mom is a continually evolving concept that looks different in every family. There are stay-at-home moms, birth moms, adopted moms, step-moms, and many people who just step up to the plate and stand in as “Mom.” We should celebrate these individuals in our lives every day, but picking up a little something special or doing something thoughtful this Mother’s Day will mean a lot to those who do so much for us day in and day out. Seward Co-op has a wide array of gift options and plenty of seasonal ingredients to prepare a delicious meal sure to please any mom.

Mother’s Day Preview Event
Saturday, May 7 Noon–3 p.m.
Both stores

Browse locally made gifts, sample treats from our bakery and pick up some kid-friendly recipes for breakfast in bed. On Mother’s Day, May 8 from 8 a.m.–noon, treat Mom to a special brunch made fresh in our Deli. We’ll be rolling out white tablecloths and flowers to beautify our dining area. And if you’re planning to pick up a floral bouquet, we’ll custom wrap it for you from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

P6 Meal for Mom

Honey takes center stage in this quick, easy and delicious meal for mom. The beeconscious sides that accompany the bee-centric main dish are simple and require very little preparation. Wherever possible, we call out P6 ingredients — products from farms or companies that meet at least two of the following criteria: small, local, and cooperatively owned. Whether or not the mom in your home cooks, we are confident she will be impressed and appreciative of your efforts and thoughtfulness.

Grilled Spring Chicken Sausage

4 Seward Co-op handmade spring chicken sausages (meatless options are available in our Grocery department)

1 package brat buns

1 jar Fleur de Beez Creole-style mustard

Weather permitting, get the grill started by filling a chimney with charcoal. Once all of the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour coals into grill. Arrange the sausages in a sauté pan and fill with water (or beer) until sausages are submerged in cooking liquid. Poach over medium-high heat until the internal temperature of the sausages registers 140°–145° F. Place sausages directly on grill grates to carefully char sausages for 3 minutes. If grilling is not an option, brown in sauté pan after poaching. Serves 4.

Honey-roasted Carrots

2 bunches of carrots

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. Beez Kneez Honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450° F. Cut carrots into thirds, then toss with oil, honey, salt and pepper. Place carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes. Serves 4.

Blue Cheese with Honey Spread

½ lb. Monforte bleu cheese

¼ cup Beez Kneez honey

1 Rustica baguette

2 Tbsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 450° F. Make crostinis by cutting baguette into ½-inch discs. Place discs on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toast in oven until bread is browned around edges, about 5–8 minutes. Place bleu cheese on plate and drizzle with honey. Serve with the crostinis. Serves 4.

Spinach Salad with Honey-glazed Pecans

1 Tbsp. Nordic Creamery butter

½ cup pecan halves

1 Tbsp. Beez Kneez honey

8 oz. spinach

1 pint raspberries

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. Locus Lane Vineyards verjus blanc vinegar

Melt butter in small frying pan over low heat, then add pecans and honey. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture is caramelized. Spread out on wax paper to cool. In a bowl gently toss together spinach, pecans, and raspberries. Add oil and vinegar and toss again until everything is coated. Serves 4.

One of my absolute favorite fragrances is the scent of a fresh ripe tomato still on the vine. It’s the vine itself that carries the smell I love, and during the spring, Living Water Gardens’ fresh picked tomatoes arrive with pristine green vines. Living Water Gardens, located in Wells, MN, is a hydroponic growing operation that provides us with tomatoes, basil and English cucumbers every spring, summer, and fall.

Hydroponic growing practices involve growing food in water and nutrients and allow us to have local produce before and after the growing season. Whenever Steve from Living Water Gardens calls and says he has tomatoes ready, I know spring is here–regardless of the weather. While Living Water Gardens’ hydroponic tomatoes are the first local tomatoes of the season, they are certainly not the last. Below are some of the other tomato varieties we will bring in locally as the spring and summer months progress.

Cherry tomatoes—sweet, tangy and very juicy. Cherry tomatoes come in a few different varieties and are great for salads and pasta dishes. Featherstone Farms’ sungold cherry tomatoes are the most flavorful.

Grape tomatoes—very sweet, tend to be smaller in diameter. Perfect for salads and pizza.

Roma tomatoes—flavor can vary, but generally milder and sweet. Good for canning and making sauces or salsa.

Slicer tomatoes—sometimes called beefsteak tomatoes; these are a very versatile tomato with a balanced sweet and tart flavor. They can be used on sandwiches, in salads, sauces, salsa, or sliced and eaten with preferred seasoning.

Heirloom tomatoes—there are hundreds of varieties of heirloom tomatoes that have been saved and planted over the years. Their flavor varies according to variety. You will see 15-20 varieties including a few top sellers such as:

Cherokee Purple –rich and sweet

German Stripe–rich and bright

Brandywine –light and balanced

Most heirlooms are best savored simply, sliced for caprese salad, or on sandwiches, but some are good for sauces and salsa. Talk to our knowledgeable Produce staff for cooking and preparation advice.

Green Tomatoes— firm and tart. Typically used to make fried green tomatoes, green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes that can also be used in salsa.

Tomatillos—tart little green husked tomatoes. These are great roasted on their own or made into salsa.

Seward Co-op’s 2016 Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair on Saturday, April 16, was once again a huge success, both for farmers and attendees. For the second year in a row, it was a sunny, temperate spring day for the event, which showcased more than 30 area CSA farms. For those interested in exploring CSA available in our region, look to the Land Stewardship Project’s directory published on Seward Co-op’s website here. Thanks to all farmers and fair-goers who attended — here’s to a bountiful growing season!

Back to Nature Foods, LLC is issuing a voluntary recall of its classic crème cookies, because they may contain undeclared milk, not listed as an ingredient on the label. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Between Mar. 11, 2016 to Apr. 11, 2016, Seward Co-op may have sold products affected by this recall at both the Franklin and Friendship stores.

Back to Nature Classic Crème Cookies –12 oz. on sale for $3.33 from Mar. 30, 2016-Apr. 12, 2016 (reg. $5.19)
UPC: 8-19898-01103
Best by date: Sept. 10, 2016

Back to Nature Classic Crème Cookies –12 oz. on sale for $3.33 from Mar. 30, 2016-Apr. 12, 2016 (reg. $5.19)
UPC: 8-19898-01103
Best by date: Sept. 16, 2016

Back to Nature Classic Crème Cookies –12 oz. on sale for $3.33 from Mar. 30, 2016-Apr. 12, 2016 (reg. $5.19)
UPC: 8-19898-01103
Best by date: Aug 13, 2016

Back to Nature Classic Crème Cookies –12 oz. on sale for $3.33 from Mar. 30, 2016-Apr. 12, 2016 (reg. $5.19)
UPC: 8-19898-01103
Best by date: Oct. 8, 2016

Back to Nature Classic Crème Cookies –12 oz. on sale for $3.33 from Mar. 30, 2016-Apr. 12, 2016 (reg. $5.19)
UPC: 8-19898-01103
Best by date: Oct. 21, 2016

Back to Nature Classic Crème Cookies –12 oz. on sale for $3.33 from Mar. 30, 2016-Apr. 12, 2016 (reg. $5.19)
UPC: 8-19898-01103
Best by date: Oct. 22, 2016

If you purchased either of the above products at Seward Co-op between Mar. 11, 2016 and Apr. 11, 2016, recalled products will be fully refunded at either our Franklin or Friendship store Customer Service desk. Questions may be directed to Seward Co-op’s Franklin store at 612.338.2465 or Friendship store at 612.230.5595. Consumers with questions may call Back to Nature’s Consumer Relations Center at 844-275-5845. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Consumers also may contact the center via e-mail by visiting the Contact Us page for a replacement coupon.