April is Earth Month and Earth Day is Monday, April 22. I want to take this opportunity to lift up the concept of “land ethic” introduced in 1949 by Aldo Leopold in his book A Sand County Almanac. It was certainly a call for all of us to recognize the importance of our relationship with the land, and for us to be an advocate for the land because it is what ultimately sustains and nourishes us all.

Farming has certainly had a profound impact on the land and has evolved from the early days of horse- and tractor-drawn plows where to get crops seeded, residue had to be turned over so that the seedbed was clean, friable, and weed free. But it soon became evident that plowing left the soil vulnerable to erosion and depleted in soil organic matter. Farmers adopted conservation tillage techniques to keep residue on the surface to help reduce erosion, but that left weed seeds in the crop seed zone which led to crop losses from competition. Back in the 1970s, farmers began to experiment with direct-seed no-till farming where soil was no longer tilled, but the technology and knowledge were not well developed and could sometimes result in crop failure. However, progressive farmers have led the way in designing and implementing technologies that have reduced the risk of crop failures while saving soil for future generations. Over time, farmers have recognized that they must do more than just keep soil from leaving the farm, they must be actively complicit in improving soil quality and interacting with the soil as a living organism that supports all terrestrial life. Terms such as regenerative agriculture are now being used to capture this recognition and practice.

Farmers have always had a relationship with the land they farm and have recognized their dependence on good soil and crop production. The “land ethic” that Aldo Leopold wrote about is truly alive and well as farmers adopt every practice they can to improve the quality of the environment around them. But the reality is that farming is not easy, it is not simple, and it is certainly not predictable. Farming is a huge gamble and is highly risky as everything from the weather, energy costs, trade wars, and events out of anyone’s control can result in crop failure, code for million-dollar losses, or losing the farm completely. Furthermore, stress can be extreme and mental health can suffer, and in the U.S., farming is in the top ten for mortality rates. Why would anyone want all this? My belief is that their connection with the land is keeping them going as it is something that goes all the way to the soul.

We often hear that we need to know where our food comes from and know our farmers, and I couldn’t agree more. Most of us have little awareness of what a farmer’s life entails and the range of day-to-day struggles that farmers encounter. With everyone’s busy schedules, it is difficult to make connections, but we should be open to opportunities when they present. One

such resource is a series of interviews with regional farmers conducted by a former Co-op Board member, Carol McFarland, through the PNW Farmers Network. She has interviewed farmers on their farms and produced very illuminating and insightful podcasts. The link to these podcasts is https://www.pnwfarmersnetwork.org/podcast/. Please give these a listen when you have some time and want to hear some great stories. Listen to hear how the “land ethic” is rooted in their perspectives and practices. Listen for how they are committed to protecting the soil and listen for the love they have in their work. And finally, listen for the knowledge, wisdom, and humility that have come through the generations and from years of communing with the land. And maybe we all should re-read A Sand County Almanac just to renew our own connection to the land. Happy Earth Month!

Mark Thorne, Board President

Moscow Food Co-op

Frances Moore Lappé emerged as an early advocate for plant-based diets at a time when the prevailing wisdom dictated a daily intake of animal protein. Her groundbreaking book, "Diet for a Small Planet," published over 50 years ago, challenged this mindset and thrust her into the spotlight of nutritional discourse.

I still possess a copy of "Diet for a Small Planet," a relic from 1971 that has accompanied me as I moved around the country. This $1.25 investment fundamentally shifted my perspective on the interconnectedness of human consumption and planetary health. Lappé’s work focused on two critical issues: the sources of protein in our diets and the environmental impact of protein production in the United States. She boldly posed the question: Is meat necessary? Lappé guided readers in evaluating the types of protein essential for a healthy diet while exploring sustainable methods of production that minimize harm to the planet.

Lappé's contributions were multifaceted:

1. She meticulously analyzed scientific literature and consulted with dietitians to establish protein equivalents. For instance, she revealed that 1 ½ cups of beans provided protein equivalent to a 6 ¼ oz beef steak.

2. Lappé raised awareness about our planet's finite resources and the disproportionate environmental toll of animal protein production. Her research highlighted the inefficiencies inherent in converting plant resources into animal protein, underscoring the environmental benefits of plant-based diets. Her data showed that resources – space, water, time – needed to produce animal protein are significantly greater than resources required for plant-based protein. Cattle must consume plants to produce energy and obtain carbon for growth whereas plants obtain energy from sunlight and carbon from carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Cattle produce methane (CH4) a potent greenhouse gas, whereas plants consume CO2 and produce oxygen that we breathe.

3. Through her advocacy, Lappé emphasized the nutritional superiority of plant-based proteins from legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products. These alternatives are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, while also being rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Studies have shown that the purported "cravings" for animal meat stem from a need for heme and iron, nutrients readily available from various sources in adequate quantities.

Frances Moore Lappé's legacy extends beyond nutrition; it embodies a paradigm shift towards sustainable living and conscientious consumption. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor Lappé's pioneering contributions, which continue to inspire a healthier future for both humanity and the planet.

Lappé, born in Pendleton, Oregon 80 years ago, continues to be a leader in promoting low-impact agriculture, equity, and democracy. This internationally recognized woman has received numerous awards, including the Rachel Carson Award. She is currently working with her daughter at the Small Planet Institute that she founded in 2002. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Moore_Lappé

Trish Hartzell

Board of Directors

Moscow Food Co-op

thartzell@moscowfood.coop

Tim Gresback, a local lawyer and former President of the Idaho State Bar Association, spoke to the Moscow Food Co-op Board of Directors about Access to Justice Idaho. Access to Justice raises funds for Idaho Legal Aid Services, the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program, and DisAbility Rights Idaho. For decades, these three legal groups have been serving low-income Idahoans who need help with custody cases, eviction, guardianship, long-term care issues, family law, domestic and elder abuse, debt defense, and other cases.

Idaho lawyers and University of Idaho law students do “pro bono” work where they freely donate their time and expertise to clients in need. Access to Justice Idaho helps cover “hidden” out-of-pocket costs such as malpractice insurance, administrative expenses, court costs, and filing fees.

Access to Justice is one of the Co-op’s beneficiaries as part of the Change for Good program. Every time you use a reusable tote bag, coffee mug, bulk container, produce bag, or EcoToGo box, a token gets awarded to the featured Change for Good nonprofit of your choice. When you choose to designate your token to Access to Justice, the group receives funds that it can then distribute to the above-mentioned legal groups.

We are fortunate to have highly educated, compassionate lawyers in the state who want to ensure that everyone has access to legal help regardless of their ability to pay. If you would like to know more, or would like to donate to the program directly, please visit isb.idaho.gov/ilf/accesstojustice

Trish Hartzell

Board of Directors

Moscow Food Co-op

thartzell@moscowfood.coop

Fall is approaching and classes are underway. On behalf of the Moscow Food Co-op Board, I want to express my excitement and appreciation to students, teachers, faculty, and staff for continuing the great traditions that we have here in education and learning. I am always moved by the rekindled energy that radiates across our communities as classes resume. I am also heartened to see younger people coming to the Co-op, both at the main and campus locations.

I sincerely encourage students and anyone new to this area to check out the Co-op website https://www.moscowfood.coop/ and discover how the Co-op is different from other grocery and food businesses. We are not here just to make a profit but to also be an important part of the community.  

Our mission, as stated in our Ends policy, directs the Co-op to be at the heart of a thriving community, and of course, students are integral in our communities. We are also directed by the Eight Cooperative Principles (https://uwcc.wisc.edu/about-co-ops/cooperative-principles/) which were an outcome of the early cooperative movement beginning over 170 years ago, to honor values that include democracy, ethics, and equality. I want to welcome all students to our community and hope you might also consider becoming members of the Co-op.

Of course, there are member-only discounts and specials, as well as good food, but being a member also gives you the opportunity to voice your concerns at our monthly board meetings and a way to connect with others in the community.

To me, the Co-op feels like a safe home, and I hope it could be that for you, too! Have a great year!

Written by Priscilla Schmidt, Chair of the Board-Owner Communication Committee

On April 29th the Co-op took over Maialina Pizzeria Napoletana for the Annual Meeting. We had memorabilia from the past 50 years on display, balloons and a Moscow Food Co-op sign proudly displayed. Music from the 70’s played in the background while we mingled, grabbed a drink and found a spot a to sit. Sam Martinet, the Executive Director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce + Visitors Center standing in for Mayor Art Bettge, read a proclamation declaring April 29th, 2023 Moscow Food Co-op Day. We then got to fill our plates with delicious food provided by our wonderful hosts.

Melinda Schab, General Manager, updated us on the state of the Co-op. The Co-op has had a positive financial impact on the community and partners with serval business from within the community. Melinda also spoke to some challenges facing the Co-op. Mark Throne, Board President, gave us some history of the Moscow Food Co-op and gave a warm farewell to Alice Ma, outgoing Board Vice-President. Dulce Kersting-Lark, Board Treasurer, talked about the sales numbers from this year and the past year. Alice Ma was our MC and graced us with a poem about the Co-op. The presentations were followed by some audience Q&A.

We played a game were we had to guess the price of Lentils, Flour, Rice and Kidney beans in 1973. We talked about what the Co-op has done right these past 50 years in our homes and communities and speculated on what it can do in the next 50 years. Finally, four amazing raffle prizes were handed out.

I would like to thank the members of the Board Owner Communication Committee for all the hard work in putting together an exceptional event and the marketing team for working so hard to make those ideas a reality. I hope to see you all at next years Annual Meeting.