AUGUST 2023

Co-op shoppers and owners –

Backpacks, sweaters and national coffee chains pretending 5 spices mixed together are pumpkins. These things can only herald the arrival of Fall. For many it’s a return to routine, a break from summer break. Grilled vegetables give way to stovetop stews. Sunscreen is stowed and warm mugs of cider reappear.

At TPSS, Fall also means democracy in action. The co-op difference is that each of our member-owners have the opportunity to use their voice in governing our cooperative. In this edition you’ll find information about running for the Board of Representatives. We hope to see each of you at our Fall Meeting to learn more about the candidates and be the first to see our 2023 Annual Report.

Keep reading to the end to see exciting Buy One Get One sales going on now. Stock your pantry for the changing season and save money every day with your 10% monthly discount for members. If you’ve been away this summer, we’re excited to see you back at the store.

In cooperation,

The TPSS Team

RUN FOR THE TPSS BOARD

TPSS is now accepting nominations for our Board of Representatives. We encourage member-owners who would like to contribute to the continued health and growth of the co-op by serving on our Board, to submit an application.

Board President Bob Gibson wrote a piece about why you should think about running for the TPSS Board

Save the date for our Fall Member Meeting on Saturday October 14th from 2-4pm at the VFW. The meeting will feature updates about the Co-op from staff and board, the release of our annual report and a candidate forum for board nominees.

FARM BILL

ADVOCACY

National Cooperative Grocers (NCG) has put together an advocacy guide for the 2023 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is an incredibly important piece of legislation for our food systems. Contact your representatives to make sure we continue to build a better food future.

Our General Manager Mike Houston is a member of the NCG Advocacy Advisory Committee which reviews policy recommendations and advocacy positions that NCG takes on behalf of co-ops across the country.

Apply To MoCo Food CouncilHI

The Montgomery County Food Council has open positions; select spots are available on both the 25-member council and the 9-member board of directors. The Board of Directors govern the affairs of the Council as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ideal candidates have a strong investment in Montgomery County progress, and bring their individual skillsets as Council assets. Click this link to learn more.

Register here for free to attend the 2023 MoCo Food and Beverage Expo sponsored by TPSS!

SEPT BOARD MEETING

Our monthly Board meeting will take place on Thursday Sept 14th, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. This meeting will be virtual.

The meeting will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. The meeting is open to all until about 7:45 and a standing “member forum” for comments and questions is held at 6:40. All Board meetings are open to all member-owners!

Click here to find the Zoom information for the meeting.

TAKOMA PARK STREET FESTIVAL & BEER FEST

Join TPSS and 150 other local vendors at the Takoma Park Street Festival on Sunday October 1st from 10am-5pm. Stop by the Co-op tent and enter to win fall prizes!

Mark your calendars for the Takoma Foundation’s Beer Fest on Sunday October 8th from 3-7pm at the VFW

CO-OP BLOG

Board Member Susan Cho Breaks Down Biodegradable vs

Compostable and a piece on Farmer Mike Tabor

Biodegradable vs Compostable: What’s The Difference?

Have you gotten the hang of what you can compost with respect to food waste and yard waste? Hooray! Now there’s a growing trend towards more responsible product packaging. Double hooray! But it can be confusing when things are labeled either “compostable” or “biodegradable.” These are not interchangeable terms; not everything that biodegrades is compostable.

Read the rest of this article here.

At age 80, farmer Mike Tabor is still selling TPSS high quality produce at low prices. He was recently profiled for Lancaster Farming which gave excellent insights into the history of Licking Creek Bend Farm and Mike’s advocacy work. Stop by TPSS for delicious apples and more from Mike.

BIWEEKLY SALES FLIER

August 30 – September 12

Click here to access a virtual version of the current sales flier.