Monthly Archives: October 2018

From the Board President: See What’s Poppin’ at the Co-op

Before we get into this month’s column, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Fall Food Fest a smashing success! From the farmers, producers, and restaurateurs to the musicians, to the face painters, to all the volunteers who helped move tables and chairs, hung posters around town, and more. This is what it means to build community. This is what happens when people work together for a cause. It’s amazing to see. I can’t wait to see all the good things that happen after we open a store!

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Fall is here…Find out what local producers are offering Co-op member-owners this month

We are thrilled to partner this October with FOUR! local producers who not only provided free samples and information at our fifth annual Fall Food Fest last month, but also have each generously offered approximately $20-worth of their fall bounty to help us grow more member-owners in October. If you are not yet a member-owner, this is a great month to become one. Join by the end of the day on Sunday, and you’ll be entered into the drawing for that week’s incentive. Already a member-owner? Encourage a friend to join and, if they write your name in regarding how they heard about the Co-op, you’ll also be entered into the drawing.

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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Well, friends, fall has graced us with its presence. Nice! The colors, smells, tastes, and feel of this time of year make me happy to discover new recipes that are simple and tasty. This recipe happens to be colorful too which makes it taste that much better. It has quickly been added to my “Make that again” list. It was so good! We get to use some scrumptious in-season veggies, fresh herbs, and warming spices. You may have already noticed the jar of Frontier Co-op cumin in my photo. Definitely one of my favorites! The recipe called for yellow pepper, but I had red on hand. It also calls for shredded mozzarella but I used fresh. The flavors were so tasty, and the leftovers didn’t last long! This one gets two thumbs up! Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Serves 4

Ingredients:

3 small or 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
1 pound ground turkey
1 yellow bell pepper
1 cup onion, diced
½ cup mozzarella, shredded
½ cup water
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute and then add ground turkey.
Use a wooden spoon to break apart meat and continue cooking approximately 8 minutes until browned.
Add cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir well to incorporate.
Add onion and bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add diced sweet potato and water.
Stir and cover with a lid for approximately 6-8 minutes until the sweet potatoes soften.
Add additional water during this process if needed to keep the meat from drying out.
Remove lid and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
Top with shredded mozzarella and allow it to melt.
Remove skillet from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

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Member Spotlight: Brenna Griffin

This month’s member spotlight is volunteer extraordinaire and outgoing board member Brenna Griffin! Brenna has been involved with the Co-op almost since the very beginning. In her six years of service she has served on the Membership Committee, later becoming co-chair, and has spent the past three years serving on the Board of Directors.

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Board Happenings: September 2018

Take a minute to see what your board has been up to!
– Through July of this year our volunteers have donated over 2,400 hours of their time, resulting in the equivalent of over $60,000! Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers! We wouldn’t be able to do this work without you!
– Our Annual Member Meeting is coming up on October 23rd. Members will receive an email invitation to the event. This is a member’s only event, but if you want to join in you can become a member at the meeting.
– Don’t forget to vote for your Board of Directors. Voting is one of the major benefits to being a co-op member, so don’t miss your opportunity to exercise your democratic rights.
– We are on track to have our business plan finished in November. The Finance team has been working hard with the Small Business Incubator at the University of Northern Iowa to develop a strong plan that will set us up for success.
– The next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17th, at 7pm at Millrace. All members are welcome to attend the open sessions of the meeting.