Your co-op community, December 2014

This article was originally published in December 2014

PCC grant winner

PCC is delighted to announce that our fourth community grant has been awarded to New Beginnings, whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence and mobilize community awareness on the issue. Founded 38 years ago, it’s the oldest domestic violence organization in Seattle. Its advocacy programs, emergency shelter and transitional housing services provide countless practical and therapeutic services. It also offers a 14-week curriculum in three Seattle middle schools that promotes development of healthy interpersonal and partner relationships. Our grant will provide support for the food security of New Beginnings’ short- and long-term residents. 


WildLights at the zoo

Now through January 4
Woodland Park Zoo
See the zoo in a whole new light! WildLights features wild animals and wild places recreated in thousands of sparkling LED lights inspired by nature. Experience amazing indoor and outdoor displays. Ride the zoo’s historic carousel. See a few of our animal friends, including visiting reindeer. Enjoy food, fun and entertainment. On December 19 the PCC TasteMobile will be there from 5:30 to 8:30 handing out hot cider. See www.zoo.org/wildlights for more info.


Holiday food drive

December 1 through 31 
Everyone deserves good food during the holidays. PCC is collecting contributions for our 11 local food bank partners this month, which will be used to purchase quality bulk foods at wholesale prices. To make a donation, visit your local PCC and look for our colorful displays near the registers, choose your donation amount, and have the cashier ring it up for you. You’ll see how much bulk food you can purchase with the amount you donate.
PCC’s 2014 drives have shown great results thanks to customers like you. Our spring drive raised nearly $18,000 and the summer drive raised more than $15,000. Let’s make this final drive of 2014 count!


Cookiefest

Saturday, December 13, 9 a.m.
Stewart Room at Macy’s (on Level 3)
1601 Third Ave., Seattle
PCC is delighted to participate in Cookiefest — a one-day-only bake sale open to the public that benefits the Seattle Milk Fund. Learn about Seattle Milk Fund’s good work at seattlemilkfund.org.


Pathway of Lights

Saturday, December 13, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Green Lake
Join us for this free event, when the entire 2.8 miles of pathway around Green Lake are lit up by more than 2,500 candles. Around the lake you’ll find musical performances, as well as PCC serving up tasty treats.  


12K’s of Christmas

Sunday, December 21, 9:30 a.m.
Marina Park in Kirkland
Brave the cold and join PCC for a 5k, 12k or Kids Dash! PCC is the official fruit sponsor, so be sure to visit us at the post-race celebration to refuel. Proceeds from the race go to the Sleep Country Foster Kids program. To register, visit promotionevents.com/ 12ks/12K_Registration.htm.


Give mason bees for gifts

Looking for gifts for your local Seattle area friends? Consider giving mason bees, non-stinging native pollinators. All you need to raise these harmless, environmentally beneficial pollinators is a very sunny spot to hang a nest, spring pollen and mud! Order your gift certificate today and pick up your bee kit in Bothell in March (no shipping available). For more details or to place an order, please visit rentmasonbees.com.

Also in this issue

Holistic health options for pets

Healthful choices for pets have increased exponentially in the past few decades. Raw food, grain-free kibble, joint supplements, digestive enzymes, homeopathic remedies and herbs — so many choices can make pet owners wonder where to start.

Robots in the milking parlor

Washington dairies are leading the way toward new technology. As sustainable dairies turn to robotic systems, the robots are helping them to become more sustainable businesses.

Food fads: how they differ from meaningful shifts in food culture

Consumers are maturing from obsessions with bacon and kale to a love of all sorts of dishes and cuisines, along with broader interests in wellness, organic agriculture, and what makes food taste good.