On August 6, 2014, Seward Co-op General Manager Sean Doyle wrote a letter to Michael Potter CEO of Eden Foods in regards to the company’s widespread public controversy (there’s a decent synopsis of the issue in this CNN op-ed) and Eden Foods’ falling sales at Seward Co-op. Sean Doyle’s letter can be read here.

Below is a response from Demian Potter, Vice President of Sales at Eden Foods.

19 August 2014
Mr. Sean Doyle, General Manager
Seward Co-op
2823 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406

Re: Seward Co-op’s letter to Eden Foods postmarked 6 August 2014

Mr. Sean Doyle,

Thank you for contacting us and for sharing. Like you, we have received an energetic response as a result of frequent and dramatic mischaracterizations of Eden Foods relative to a recent decision by the Supreme Court. We regret that you, your staff, and your co-op have been affected by this. We would love to see people become so motivated in support of organic agriculture and toward the improvement of our nation’s food system, goals we share.

After nearly half a century of pioneering work in support of organic food and agriculture Eden Foods remains one of few independent food companies leading our industry in authentic organic food, BPA-Free can linings, and Non-GMO food.

While it is impossible to address all things that our action is not, Eden Foods provided statements offering clarity. You may find facts therein contradicting characterizations presented in your letter.

Eden Foods issued the attached statement 11 July 2014.

On 3 July 2014 we posted the following on our social media platforms:
Clinton, Michigan- Eden Foods is a principled food company. We were convinced that actions of the federal government were illegal, and so filed a formal objection. The recent Supreme Court decision confirms, at least in part, that we were correct. We realized in making our objection that it would give rise to grotesque mischaracterizations and fallacious arguments. We did not fully anticipate the degree of maliciousness and corruption that would visit us. Nevertheless, we believe we did what we should have.

The objection we filed has never been part of the Hobby Lobby lawsuit.

Eden Foods provided a letter last year in response to feedback we received after news of our objection to mandates in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A link to that letter is here.

I hope Eden Foods’ statements are helpful in clearing up misconceptions. We invite you to share them as you deem appropriate.

Thank you for your pragmatic response. We appreciate the merchandising you provide Eden food and value being part of, and a contributor to growth at Seward Co-op. Please let me know how I might be of service.

Very truly yours,

Demian Potter
Vice President Sales

Sunflowers, Wild Yeasts, and Red Turkey Wheat Flour

Bread baking is said to be a winter activity, but actually, you may find that loaves turn out better in warmer weather.

I once had a fellow bread-baking buddy who swore by baking bread in summer and early autumn. I wasn’t convinced, but he’d wave his hand at me as if something smelled bad when I said I loved eating warm bread in winter.

“No, no, no, you have to make bread when the air is full of wild yeasts,” he’d say, and his eyes would bug out in manic glee. “They’re all dead in the middle of winter. Summer breads have so much more bounce!”

I think he was right. Every bread I’ve ever baked in the summertime naturally had more lift and, yes, even tasted better. Grainier and more flavorful.

For P6 Month, give this recipe a try, bakers of bread. It was written to maximize P6 ingredients, like Sunrise Flour Mill’s Turkey Red Heritage Wheat flour (in the Bulk department). This is a real treat for bread bakers, a chance to knead dough like the German-Russian immigrants from the Ukraine who brought Turkey Red wheat seeds to Kansas more than 200 years ago. Turkey Red is very different from our modern, industrialized wheat strains. It has a deeper root system for pulling in more nutrients to this taller wheat plant. I think you’ll taste the difference immediately.

This recipe also includes Driftless Organics’ Sunflower Oil, available in both the Bulk and Grocery aisles. This is an underrated, healthful, local oil, cold-pressed (which preserved nutritional integrity), unrefined, and adds a delicious nuttiness, which complements the Turkey Red flour (and wild yeasts) perfectly.

So not only is this a terrific loaf of bread, it’s also the perfect way to celebrate those farmers and producers who share your version of a smaller, more localized, and cooperative food system.

Summer Red Turkey Bread

“Starter”
2 tsp. instant yeast
2 Tbsp. Ames Farm honey (bulk)
¾ cup water

Wet Ingredients
1 cup lukewarm water
I egg, whisked
1 Tbsp. organic orange juice
2 Tbsp. Driftless Organics Sunflower Oil

Dry Ingredients
1 ½ tsp. salt
6 cups Sunrise Mills Red Turkey Whole Wheat Flour

Mixing

Mix the “starter.” This isn’t starter, as in, sourdough starter. It’s just how you’ll get the dried yeast started (i.e., activated). Make sure the water is warm but not hot to the touch or you’ll kill the yeast. The yeast is activated after it begins eating the sugars in the honey and, when fully activated, forms a nice, foamy head atop the water.

While the yeast is getting ready, add the salt to the flour and sift thoroughly in a large mixing bowl. Form a well in the middle of the flour.

Once yeast is fully activated, pour starter into wet ingredients and give it one or two gentle stirs, then pour that mixture into the well. Slowly stir flour into the wet mixture until it starts to turn stiff and sticky. (Add flour if too sticky or water if it’s dry and stiff.) Turn out dough onto a floured tabletop and knead steadily for 15 minutes.

Let the dough rise for two hours at room temperature. It should roughly double in size. Turn out and beat out all the gas bubbles. Let rise for another hour then turn it out again.

Shaping and Baking

Butter or oil an 8.5″ x 4.5″ bread pan or form into two rounds. To properly shape the loaves for sandwiches, stretch, fold, and other wise tuck the dough into an oblong, slightly football-shaped “loaf” that’s narrow enough to fit into your loaf pan. Form loaves with the crease on the underside of the dough (very important).

Let loaves rise for 30 more minutes.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake 45–55 minutes (longer if the loaves were wetter, a bit shorter if drier).

* Photo by Karl Gerstenberger

A consistent complaint about the organic and sustainable food market is price. Seward Co-op is too small a store to correct market realities single-handedly, but we do believe in making economic relationships in our co-op as equal as possible.

So we created “Nourish,” a program aimed at making healthy foods and buying co-op ownership more accessible for everyone.

So, Nourish is for YOU, if you:

• Want to save money shopping at Seward Co-op.

• Would like to cook great recipes that feed four — for $10 or less!

• Would like to attend free “Nourish 101” classes to discover healthier eating.

• Value simple living and getting back to basics.

We want to welcome folks to Nourish especially if you…

• Receive federal dollars for groceries.

• Want to buy ownership to the co-op but live on a very limited budget.

Here’s how you can take part in Nourish:

• Pick up a list of Nourish Staples (available at Customer Service) showing all the Nourish items in the store.

• Look for the white-on-green Nourish “N,” highlighting Nourish staples. These are some of the best values for your dollar.

• Try a Nourish recipe. These are easy to make, feed four, and priced under $10 (under $15, if the recipe includes meat.)

• Check out seward.coop’s calendar for opportunities to sample Nourish recipes at the store.

• Sign up at Customer Service for a Nourish class or check the website to see which classes are available. They’re free for everyone!

• All co-op shoppers who have financial need may apply for our everyday needs-based discount of 10% (previously 5%). Visit Customer Service to apply.

Stop by Seward Co-op on Saturday, September 6, for our big Nourish Kickoff!

In April, with just under $1 million raised, we officially extended the capital campaign until the end of September. Just a few months later we surpassed our $2.5 million capitalization goal and now with just over $2.9 million in owner investments the capital campaign is coming to a close. We will continue to distribute investment packets through Sunday, August 31. After which, for the month of September we will continue to accept investments from owners who already hold packets. We are thrilled at the success of the campaign and are thankful for the support of our owners.

NSpire Natural Foods Inc is voluntarily recalling its “Marantha” peanut and almond butters due to possible salmonella contamination. There have been no incidences of illness at this time.

All Marantha brand products have been pulled from Seward Co-op shelves. But affected product was potentially sold between May 19 and August 19, 2014 with the following barcode numbers (or “PLU’s”), weights, and “best by” (“BB”) or expiration dates, which you will find on the product packaging; prices are also included:

051651060325, Roasted Creamy Almond, 16oz, BB 24DEC14-17JUN15, $17.49
051651092173, Organic Raw Almond 16oz, BB14APR15-01JUL15, $25.99
051651092180, Raw Almond 16oz, BB05APR15-02JUL15, $17.49
051651092210, NoStir Crmy Pnut No Salt 16oz, BB06JAN15-20MAY15, $6.69
051651092326, Organic Creamy Peanut w/Salt 16oz, BB03JAN15-15JUN-15, $8.59
051651092333, Organic Crunch Peanut w/Salt 16oz, BB02JAN15-15MAY15, $8.59
051651092357, Organic NoStir Crmy PBw/Salt 16oz, BB04JAN15-27JUN15, $7.79
051651092364, Organic NoStir Cnchy PBw/Salt 16oz, BB05JAN15-28JUN15, $7.79

Recalled products will be fully refunded at the Seward Co-op Customer Service Desk for a full refund.

For more information, visit the FDA site on this recall.

Questions and Answers with Gardens of Eagan Farm

Overnight, in 2008, Wedge Community Co-op‘s 10,000 members became farmers by proxy when the founding farmers at Gardens of Eagan sold their business and fleet of tractors to the Wedge.

Since that date, there have been many changes at Gardens of Eagan, including purchasing and transitioning to organic 127 acres just outside of Northfield. At the new location GOE has many greenhouse bays for growing garden starter plants and custom growing transplants for farmers. Some things haven’t changed though; kale, broccoli, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and cauliflower are still the signature crops. Minneapolis food co-ops are still the primary customers of GOE produce and many of the original farm team that took over in 2008 are still in the tractor seat, so to speak.

(above: Gardens of Eagan’s farm team, 2013)

1. When did you begin farming and what inspired you to pursue farming as a profession?

Since Gardens of Eagan has a farm team, not a single farm owner, it is hard to say when we all started and why. What we do all have in common is that we imagined we be something else, like a teacher, or a contractor or a nurse. Farming was our second passion, we sacrificed security, benefits and prestige to follow our hearts. No regrets!

2. How does GOE as an organization differ from other farms?

We farm in partnership with Wedge Food Co-op so we are dedicated to more than just growing and selling produce. We operate a farm incubator which provides a leg up to new farmers just starting out, and we conduct workshops and tours to educate others about organic food and farming.

3. What distinguishes your products from other local produce?

We are drawing on years and years of experience, and it shows. We grow lots of produce that other farms won’t attempt — like sweet corn and summer broccoli.

4. What is your favorite way to enjoy your own produce?

In the field and with knife in hand. Nothing better.

Come to Seward Co-op on Saturday, August 16th from 12 noon to 3 p.m and meet members of the Gardens of Eagan farm team.

Update on the Eden Foods issue from Seward Community Co-op

Background

Eden Foods produces 70+ packaged organic products and has been an exemplary member of the natural foods community for over four decades.

Last year, Eden Foods’ CEO Michael Potter filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration, challenging its ability to compel Eden Foods and other privately held businesses to cover birth control with Eden Foods’ employee benefits. That lawsuit was dismissed by the Sixth Circuit Court last year.

The issue resurfaced in July 2014, however, when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, a company that had filed a very similar lawsuit to CEO Michael Potter’s.

In the aftermath of the SCOTUS ruling, the Second Circuit Court is currently reviewing Michael Potter’s suit from last year.

At Issue

Many Seward Co-op owners and shoppers have written Seward or commented on Facebook and Twitter, saying that in light of Eden Foods’ Michael Potter’s actions, the co-op should consider removing Eden Foods products from our shelves. These customers argue that Eden Foods has proven itself discriminatory against women and conducting business contrary to Seward Co-op ideals.

Seward Co-op’s Response

Seward Co-op does not have a boycott policy, which means, we don’t boycott product because we have no policy to guide us on how to do that. We’ve told customers through our comment system and via social media to “vote with your dollars,” and if Eden Foods products stop selling well, we’ll stop buying them.

We tracked product movement in July, and Eden Foods sales have indeed slowed down (specific numbers in Sean Doyle’s letter posted below). Several Eden Foods’ products whose sales have slowed considerably have been discontinued altogether.

Sean Doyle, Seward Co-op General Manager, wrote to Eden Foods’ Michael Potter to express sharp disagreement with his position and to express deep concern about Eden Foods’ future.

The text of the letter is posted here for Seward owners and shoppers to read.

Text of Seward General Manager
Sean Doyle’s Letter to Michael Potter

Dear Mr. Potter:

For over four decades, Eden Foods has been a unique brand for natural foods co-ops. Your products have been a mainstay on our packaged grocery shelves, your company has been a stalwart ally in the fight for strong USDA organic standards, and you’ve been an industry leader in the use of BPA-free lined cans. As a result, Eden Foods products have enjoyed a welcome place on shelves here at Seward Co-op.

Unfortunately, your decision to go forward with your case against Health and Human Services in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has opened Eden Foods to harsh scrutiny and review at Seward Co-op. This political action on your part has opened our cooperatively owned business to criticism and scrutiny as well. We are accused of supporting a business that violates a fundamental human right.

As a result, I’m writing as the general manager of Seward Co-op and a longtime purveyor of your product to ask you to reconsider your decision to adjudicate your opposition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and to accept that it is the decision of female employees to decide on their own reproductive choices. Many owners and customers of Seward have informed us that they feel the co-op is complicit in a human rights violation by selling Eden Foods. They cannot understand why we would sell products from your company when our mission reads:

“Seward Co-op will sustain a healthy community that has equitable economic relationships; positive environmental impacts; and inclusive, socially responsible practices.”

In short, they’ve asked us to discontinue selling your brand. Since April 2013, we’ve received 59 written customer comments expressing this sentiment and far more comments on the sales floor and through various social media platforms. This represents more comments than Seward Co-op has ever received related to products we sell.

Since Seward Co-op doesn’t have a boycott policy, when pressed to drop Eden Foods we’ve told customers to “vote with their dollars” — and they have. In the week immediately following the Supreme Court’s Burkett v. Hobby Lobby decision, sales of Eden Foods products dropped by 12%. When we compare the four weeks since the decision to the same period last year, Eden Foods sales have dropped 15%. These are sales that we have lost as well.

I assume you’re experiencing similar decreases in sales. Consequently, I’m writing on behalf of the nearly 12,000 households that own Seward Co-op to strongly urge you to reflect carefully on the impact your political decision is having on the natural foods market you’ve supported for so long. Eden Foods may not be the largest organic foods manufacturer in the world, but I believe that your role in this market is unique. Your actions are impacting not only the employees of Eden Foods and Seward Co-op shoppers, but they also affect Seward Co-op employees and our ability to conduct business. Worse, your actions will impact small organic farmers and food producers, as well, because they too will suffer from lost sales. It would be a tragedy if your political decision put some of these farmers out of business.

I hope you will consider the impacts that your decision has had, drop your lawsuit against Health and Human Services, and fund insurance coverage for contraception for all of your employees. I hope you’re heeding market realities and that you’ll take action to prevent ongoing damage to Eden Foods.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience in regards to Eden Foods’ future.

Cooperatively,

Sean Doyle
General Manager
Seward Community Co-op

Eden Foods’ response to this letter can be read here.

We are pleased to announce that we have reached $2.5 million in owner investments on July 31. This achievement belongs to all of us in the co-op community – and we celebrate not just an amount raised but the opportunity this represents. We are moving forward with our expansion projects that will offer greater access to healthy food, offer 80-100 living-wage jobs, and provide an expanded marketplace for our farmers and vendors.

Over the past five months more than 380 owners have made investments that ranged from $30 to over $200,000. During this time we’ve heard so many stories behind these investments and it is heartening to know that as we expand we have your support and affirmation. Thank you to all of our owners for your continued support as co-op owners, shoppers, and investors!