Member Spotlights

This article was originally published in September 2022

PCC began as a food-buying club with 15 families. Now, it’s exceeded 100,000 members. To celebrate that milestone, we’re spotlighting several members this year who help make the co-op thrive. If you have a membership story to share in our letters page, let us know at editor@pccmarkets.com.

 

Member Julie

Member Julie

Meet longtime PCC member, Julie! Since 1984, she’s called View Ridge PCC her home store and remembers shopping at its original location where Third Place Books is today. She even volunteered at the co-op, supporting member relations. Julie recalls the wonderful conversations between staff and shoppers—PCC was always a place that welcomed people from all backgrounds and abilities. Back then, Julie attended nutrition tours led by beloved staff member Goldie as she shared her evidence-based advice on food and nutrition. These tours were the jumping off point for PCC’s cooking class program. Julie appreciates the connections she gets to make with staff and that PCC puts effort into intentionally sourcing products. Thank you for your decades of dedication, Julie!

Also in this issue

Growing a new kind of cafeteria food

Cauliflower mac and cheese? A salad bar stocked from the school’s own farm? Nearly 15 years after state legislation supporting “farm to school” cafeterias, see how one Washington district has navigated the “three legs” of a successful school lunch.

News Bites

Bluebird Grain honored • Pulse export shortages • Skagit farms preserved • California water woes • Vashon solar energy • Pesticide battle • Canada plastics ban • Parks and plastic • Juice lead limits • Edamame options • “Forever chemicals” law • Clif organics grant • Farmworker health care • Wasterwater treatment • Beer, yeast and recycling

Tips for baking the best “Everyday Cake”

Polina Chesnakova, a professional baker and cooking teacher, shares the secrets of success for baking great cakes (plus a recipe for the Tres Leches Cake in her new cookbook.)