The Mail Tribune’s article in Saturday’s paper, “Medford Food Co-op picks site” was great. The Bear Creek Plaza site offers several opportunities including enthusiasm from the owner and support from the surrounding businesses. Although the Foodland people haven’t yet stepped-up to offer acceptable terms (particularly regarding site renovations), we haven’t eliminated it as a potential location like we have the Spearco site.We won’t enter into a lease commitment with anyone until we raise enough capital to open the store. No site will be considered “finally selected” until that occurs. It’s even possible that another location might come available that is even more cost effective or that the Bear Creek owners will rent the space to someone else before we can sign on. Clearly, the Mail Tribune is as excited as we are with how far we have come with plans for the Medford Food Coop. It is exciting to know that there is a good site within reach and that the owner wants to work with us. Help us take the next step … help us by committing to make the MFC an owner-loan, by becoming a sponsor, and by buying new (or additional shares) in the Medford Food Coop. Remember, support in the form of Shares and Owner-Loans are held in a trust account. If the store doesn’t open by June 30, 2010, those funds will be returned. Sponsorship funds are being used for our current organizing work, which makes our Sponsors very special indeed. Jim Sims, President MFC

To find out more about the owner-loan program and how to become a sponsor please call Robin E. Brown at 826-9355,

To download a Subscription Agreement to become a member-owner please visit this link.

We also want to draw your attention to this upcoming event where our MFC President, Jim Sims, will be speaking. There will also be a door prize of one Medford Food Co-op Membership Share!

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Toward Food Independence –

The “Eat Local” Imperative

S a t u r d a y , N o v e m b e r 1 4 t h C o n f e r e n c e

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Did you know that over $1 Billion was spent on food in Jackson and Josephine Counties in 2008, 90% of which was produced outside the area?

Did you also know that nearly all the meat raised here is sold outside the valley?

Local food is fresher, healthier, safer. We know where it comes from. The more we produce and sell locally, the stronger our economy, the healthier our food, and the more secure our supply.

Please join us to learn more about what is being done to grow more food locally and in greater variety; and as well, how we can increase consumption of locally frown products.  The event will feature educational speakers followed by a unique community brainstorming session.

• David Mostue – Owner/manager of Dunbar Farms, his family’s 100-year old farm in East Medford. David has done an extensive audit and critique of the Rogue Valley’s food system. Under his management, Dunbar Farms has become a test-bed for the techniques and approaches that will be essential to ensuring stable food production.

• Carl Norgauer – Former computer programmer on the Apollo Space Project; PhD in holistic medicine, teaches nutrition as chapter head for the Weston A. Price Foundation. He will discuss strategies for the development of local nutrient-dense food production.

• Melissa Matthewson – Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farm Program.

• Glenn Archambault – Local rancher, lamb producer, 33 years experience land use law and regulations.

• Jim Sims – President of the Medford Food Co-op Board of Directors and former president of the Ashland Food Co-op during its start up years.

• Annie Hoy – Outreach Manager at Ashland Food Co-op since 1994. Safe, whole food is her passion.

Location: 525 Bigham Knoll, Jacksonville (formerly Cascade Christian High School Gym)
Time: Saturday, Nov 14th, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission: $12 for pre-reg (deadline Thurs, Nov. 12th at 5 PM)  $15 at the door

Lunch, provided by Grilla Bites, is included in registration fee.
Please visit www.JCLAC.org to register using PayPal.

DOOR PRIZE:
Membership to the
Medford Food Co-op