Awhile back, while surfing the web on the health hazards of BPA (bisphenol A), Jenn came across an article that revealed that “Two-fifths of the paper receipts tested by a major laboratory commissioned by Environmental Working Group were on heat-activated paper that was between 0.8 to nearly 3 percent pure BPA by weight.”

As the article pointed out, “The plastic component bisphenol A (BPA) has been in the headlines nonstop as scientists, health experts and consumers press for a federal ban on food packaging made with this synthetic estrogen, shown to leach readily into infant formula, beverages and canned food. But most Americans are probably unaware that they are regularly exposed to the same endocrine-disrupting chemical in cash register receipts.”

Concerned about the potential health impacts on our cashiers and customers, and discovering in the article that BPA-free receipts were being adopted by major retailers, Jenn and her Customer Service co-workers pushed for Boise Co-op management to make the switch as well.

The Co-op has a long history of business practices that are earth-friendly, including the use of recycled shopping carts, biodegradable plastic bags, and even fertilizing our lawns with fish emulsion rather than chemicals.  Our customers may not notice many of these things, but the world we all call home most certainly does, thanks to folks like Jenn Mcfarlane and our Customer Service team.

Click here to see a video interview with Jenn Mcfarlane.

Boise Co-op Progress Report

November 2009

The Boise Co-op is a local, member owned cooperative with a mission to provide healthy, great tasting food at reasonable prices since 1973. Our customer-driven organization strives to assemble the best people and resources to deliver the finest sustainable and specialty products to the community. Boise Co-op features a comprehensive grocery department of natural, organic and ethnic products, a full service deli, over 300 domestic and imported cheeses, locally-grown and organic produce and highest-quality meats. The Co-op also offers unique gifts and housewares, full service health and beauty departments and an expansive selection of local, domestic and imported beer and wine. Located at 9th and Fort Streets in Boise’s North end, we are open seven days a week. Non-members are always welcome.

Boise Co-op has enjoyed great success in 2009. We worked hard to cut unnecessary expenses to safeguard us during this low economic time, and as a result had our best year ever! We proudly achieved this level of success through hard work and dedication of our staff, and the continued support of our loyal customers. In turn, we have not laid off any employees, nor have we asked employees to work for any less. Our success is proof of the dedication and team effort of all.

The Co-op values its loyal members and strives to maintain transparency to all, while providing continued education and member rewards. This year we welcomed Linda Ledbetter to the position of Member Services Coordinator, serving as liaison between Boise Co-op members and employees. Her focus is to add value to Co-op membership, providing benefits such as special pricing on products and educational opportunities. Members receive benefits and store information via our newly debuted email newsletter, and can get up-to-date at the new in-store kiosk/information bulletin board at the front of the store. To join our newsletter, please visit www.boisecoop.com or stop by store kiosk.

Also new to the Co-op are cooking classes! We are very excited to provide a full Culinary Education Program, with classes offered weekly. With culinary educator Sylvie Ryan at the helm, our amazing instructors provide a wide variety of classes for all ages and experience levels. Many of the classes are hands on, and perfectly paired wine is provided courtesy of the Boise Co-op Wine Shop for those 21+. Learn to transform everyday ingredients into spectacular dishes simply and affordably. Discover the value and benefit of cooking with fresh and local ingredients. Fun, delicious, informative and members receive special discounted rates! Visit our website for more information, but reserve your spot quickly, as these classes have been selling out.

Boise Co-op was honored this June, when Easter Seals-Goodwill President and CEO for the Northern Rocky Mountain territory presented the Co-op with the 2009 Business of the Year Award “for outstanding commitment in promoting the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and disadvantages.” The Co-op sold tulip bouquets and donated a percentage of net sales during our annual wine and cheese event to project P.L.A.Y., a play based, in-home early intervention program for children in the Treasure Valley diagnosed with autism.

Currently, we are partnering with the Hispanic Business Association to raise funds for Idaho teachers in need. On Wednesday, October 28th, Boise Co-op will donate 4% of the day’s net sales to the Hispanic Business Association’s Dollars for Teachers program. Funds will be distributed to the 25 hardest-hit school districts in Idaho, to help teachers purchase the supplies they need. Visit our website to learn how you can help.

At Boise Co-op, we encourage consumers to be conscious of resources and waste. Conservation starts locally, and Boise Co-op asks you to be proactive in your consumer behavior: SHOP CONSCIOUSLY AND USE REUSABLE BAGS. We now have reusable shopping bags from post-consumer recycled material for 99 CENTS available at the front of the store. Thank you to all who commit to waste reduction!

Over the next couple weeks, watch for a new face to our produce department! We’ll be undergoing a remodel, and we’re excited to bring you a much more comprehensive and expansive produce area.

For more information about Boise Co-op, please visit www.boisecoop.com or call customer service at 208-472-4500.

Thank you all for your continued support over the years.

~Robin Zimmermann, Boise Co-op Marketing Director