The Co-op Scoop

Rob Ferguson’s journey to good health led him to create Sourdough Solutions. Once the pandemic started, a lot of people were teaching themselves to make sourdough. Rob had been baking bread since 2012, and his granddaughters inspired him to bring their favorite bread to the marketplace. One of his first wholesale customers was the Sac Co-op, and his beautiful, dense and delicious loaves are already a precious commodity in the Co-op’s fresh bread aisle!

Jeff and Annie Main started Good Humus Produce in the Hungry Hollow near the Capay Valley over 40 years ago. They’ve been growing food for our Co-op for even longer than that! Long relationships with our growers is one of the things we cherish most here at our Co-op, and our relationship with Good Humus became even stronger when we partnered with them to permanently preserve their farm through the One Farm at a Time Project.

Antonella Aguilera-Ruiz is a naturopathic doctor based in Northern California. Her virtual clinic, Wild Lemon Health, is a whole-person approach to health care. She started teaching wellness workshops at the Co-op about eight years ago. Since she’s also an accomplished cook, we worked together to offer a series called The Dr & the Chef. We are pleased to re-launch the series online later this month.Check out her website by clicking here.

Chanowk Yisrael and his wife and partner Judith started Yisrael Family Urban Farm in South Oak Park Sacramento more than ten years ago. . In that time, they have transformed their plot into an abundant urban farm and are one of the most successful urban farms in the country. Growing food is just the beginning, though - and they’re committed to creating opportunities for youth and adults to improve their health, gain self-reliance and transform the hood for GOOD!

If you’ve spent any time in Northern California, you’re probably familiar with Clover Sonoma—a much beloved local brand of dairy products for over 100 years. Famous for their billboards featuring spokes "cow” Clo, the company is also known for a commitment to family farmers and sustainable practices. Kristel Corson of Clover Sonoma joins us today.

The River City Food Bank is the Co-op’s neighbor on 28th Street in Midtown Sacramento. It is Sacramento’s oldest continuously serving food bank, and now it serves more of our neighbors than ever before. Amanda McCarthy has been their executive director since early 2019, and the Co-op is proud to call her a valued community partner.

Mark Keller is the owner of Keller Crafted Meats, makers of fine charcuterie, hot dogs, ham and bacon. He is also a champion of independent farmers and ranchers who treat the land, their animals and their communities with care and a long range vision for the future.

Community Alliance with Family Farmers has been supporting small farms and promoting sustainable agriculture since 1978. We chat with our friend Paul Towers about the past, present and future of CAFF and how they help to grow more resilient family farms, communities and ecosystems.

Who grows your bananas? Learn about what it takes to bring this fragile crop from Ecuador to your Co-op. We close out Co-op Month by chatting with Nicole Vitello from Equal Exchange, who partners with farmer co-ops to bring us a better banana!

Pachamama Coffee Cooperative is 100% farmer owned, which means that farmers are in control of the business and ensure that they are paid a fair price for their product. Although the beans are grown far away, they are roasted right here in Midtown Sacramento! CEO Thaleon Tremain was their first employee and has been building the market for farmer-owned, organically grown specialty coffee ever since.