Farmworkers are the food system’s most vital workers; their labor allows us to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Despite farmworkers’ economic and cultural contributions to the communities in which they live and work, they continue to be among the lowest paid, least protected and unhealthiest workers in the United States. The international principles that…  Read More →

Co-ops around the world share a set of guiding principles with Seward Co-op, including “cooperation among cooperatives,” and “concern for community.” When you purchase delicious healthy food at the co-op, you’re supporting a business that cares about people and contributes to a livable, sustainable community. And when you choose products from co-op farmers and vendors,…  Read More →

This year, fair trade pioneer Equal Exchange marks its 30th year as an organization and its 10th year in the banana trade. Since its inception, Equal Exchange has worked tirelessly to give small farmers a place in the global marketplace with the mission of connecting farmers with consumers. Embedded deep within Equal Exchange’s mission is…  Read More →

We are proud to introduce the management team of the Friendship store! This talented group of leaders brings a wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds to the co-op. Raynardo Williams, Store ManagerSamuel Bjorgum, Produce ManagerNick Cronin, Assistant Store ManagerKarl Gerstenberger, Meat & Seafood ManagerAngel(ika) Matthews, Deli ManagerDiane McCarthy, Wellness ManagerVivian Mims, Front End ManagerRebecca Yuzefovich,…  Read More →

Throughout the year we are able to offer a selection of hot peppers including Jalapenos, Poblanos, Serranoes, Anaheims, and Habaneros. Yet, the world of hot peppers is so much broader and diverse than these five standards. We frequently receive requests for chilies we cannot source until the summer months when our local growers bring in…  Read More →

For the most part, I adore living in a seasonal landscape. Still as I cycled to work this morning pushing against a truly Arctic wind, I felt defiantly not ready for the weather to change. One of our flower farmers dropped off buckets of celosia (cockscomb) and asclepia (Oscar) earlier in the week and he…  Read More →

As an important source of protein, an alternative to peanuts for those with allergies, and a unique ingredient for many traditional dishes, cashews are a key staple sold at Seward Co-op. Cashews are so popular with Seward customers, in fact, that we’ve sold over $56,000 worth since the beginning of 2014. So when our long-time…  Read More →

Love GMOs? Then Label ‘Em! A coalition called Right to Know Minnesota (RTK-MN) has organized a campaign supporting passage of a labeling bill to require foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be labeled as such. This joins with over two dozen other state initiatives for GMO labeling and 64 countries that currently label. RTK-MN…  Read More →

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…  Read More →

by Hannah B., Produce staff This week a customer asked me if the local spinach we have right now is a different variety than the kind we had last week, because the leaves are so much thinner and flatter, and also somewhat pointed. Meanwhile, I spent some time researching Vidalia sweet onions to see what…  Read More →