Every day we offer fresh brewed coffee to customers at the requested donation price of $1.00 per cup. After covering the costs of the coffee supplies, which are kept at a minimum thanks to Griffin Creek Coffee providing the coffee at a discount, we donate the proceeds to local organizations dedicated to the health and sustainability of our community. We are proud to announce that in 2015, we were able to give a total of $1,500 to seven organizations, including:

• Rogue Farm Corps was founded in 2003 by a community of Southern Oregon farmers that recognized the need for beginning farmer training and shared a commitment to mentoring the next generation. Rogue Farm Corps exists to train the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on educational programs. They support our local agricultural economy and serve as a model for other communities.

• Rogue Valley YMCA Afterschool Program offers a family-centered, values-based program for kids at local elementary schools in the Medford, Phoenix-Talent, and Central Point school districts. The afterschool program is offered for children in kindergarten to sixth grade. Program components include physical education, homework assistance, art, science, recreation, character development and more. A healthy snack is provided every day.

• Kids Unlimited is dedicated to creating empowerment opportunities for all local young people, regardless of economic, social and cultural barriers. The Charter School offers Extended Learning Time, Afterschool and Summer programs, mentoring, and 3 fresh, cooked-from-scratch meals each day.

• The Maslow Project's mission is to find and assist homeless children and ensure their basic survival needs are met (food, clothing, safety), and support them as they work toward reaching higher-level goals. They focus on “the big picture”– making sure kids can get to, and stay in school – learning valuable life skills, becoming employable, and ultimately, finishing their education.

• ACCESS Cooking Skills Education Program addresses the need for food skills education in the community and to have a more informed and self-sufficient consumer who is inspired to eat more fresh, local fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Accomplished home cooks trained as volunteer Cooking Skills Educators (CSE) prepare whole foods recipes at a variety of community venues in Jackson County.

• Phoenix High School Culinary Arts Program teacher Jim Janousek says he focuses on nutrition, food, and getting kids interested in cooking for themselves. Janousek partners with Rogue Valley Farm to School (link is external) and with local farms, restaurants, and grocery outlets to enhance the classes. Students also work in the school’s garden and greenhouse.

• Umpqua Community College Relief Fund was created by Umpqua Bank and the Greater Douglas County United Way for those affected by the shooting at the UCC campus in Roseburg on October 15, 2015. All contributions go to support the victims and their families.

Not only is your morning coffee from Medford Food Co-op hot, delicious, and a great price, it also directly benefits our community.