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The Latest News from Wheatsville

Plant Sale and Sustainability Fair

Join us Saturday, March 2nd at our 4001 South Lamar location from 11 am to 2 pm for our 2nd annual Plant Sale and Sustainability Fair. Our parking lot will be filled with a wide variety of local, organic plant starts from three vendors. All Wheatsville starts are buy 5 get the 6th one FREE. While you are here connect with master gardeners, permaculture experts and sustainability organizations. Visit the vendor village to pick up handcrafted tie dye and candles. Load up on free samples from Rambler GoodPop and Fara Coffee and be sure to check out the interactive Mobile River experience from our good friends at the Colorado River Alliance

Follow the event here!

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2024 WHEATSVILLE COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNER NOMINEES

Annual Owner Election

It’s that time of year again!  Our Annual Owner Election commences on September 6th and runs until November 7th, and we need the participation of our ownership to select our 10 nonprofit Community Action Partners. 

You must be an owner to vote in Wheatsville’s annual election.  To vote, check your email (don’t forget to search your spam folders!) for an email from our SimplyVoting software, complete with a link to the digital ballot and your unique elector ID and password.  Additionally, there are paper ballots and election info packets located at the hospitality desk at both locations. 

If you have questions or need to be resent your digital voting information, please email [email protected].  

Community Action Partners

Each winning organization will receive register round-up donations, Wheatsville staff volunteer time, and our advocacy for one month during 2023! Our community never ceases to impress us with all the efforts that are made in order to improve the lives of Austinites, and this year’s applicant pool is no exception. We can only accept 10 nominees in the running that will join our Let’s Feed Austin and Cooperative Community Fund programs next year. Please read more about the incredible organizations in the running & the work that we would support them in, if selected:

African American Youth Harvest Foundation

Any Baby Can

Austin Creative Reuse

Austin Habitat for Humanity

Austin Humane Society

Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Wildlife Rescue

Caritas of Austin

CASA of Travis County

Central Texas Food Bank

Central Texas Pig Rescue 

Colorado River Alliance

Common Threads

Creative Action

Ecology Action of Texas

Farmshare Austin

Foundation Communities

Friends of the Children Austin

Good Work Austin

Hospice Austin

Keep Austin Beautiful

Lirios Pediatrics - Free Care for Kids

Meals on Wheels of Central Texas

Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin

Multicultural Refugee Coalition

NICE Project (Narcan in Case of Emergency)

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS)

People’s Community Clinic

Planted Society

Power for Parkinson’s

Rainbow Connections ATX

Rebuilding Together Austin

Red Salmon Arts

Solar Austin

Sustainable Food Center

Texas Legal Services Center

Texas Water Trade

The Foundation for the Austin Sanctuary Network

The SAFE Alliance

Thinkery

Torch Literary Arts

Trinity Center

Urban Roots

VELA

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES 2024

Brianna Menard

I’ve been a proud owner of the co-op for almost ten years. I became a member in my first year at The University of Texas. Since that time, Wheatsville has nourished me and taken care of me as my home grocery.  I’ve spent my career serving in the Texas Legislature and working on political campaigns across the state with the goal of making Texas a healthier and more equitable home for all of us. I’m also a foodie and a committed vegan! I love to cook and share food with others, something Wheatsville makes possible by offering a variety of locally sourced, plant based whole foods.  I’ve dedicated my career to serving our state. Now I want to serve my home community.  I think I could bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and I would love to give back to the community that has given me so much.

Lisa Mitchell

I’ve lived in Austin for 24 years and have been on the Board a total of four years.  I’ve served as Board Treasurer, and on three Board committees: Nominations, Owner Engagement, and Audit Review.  It’s been interesting to see our co-op adapt to changes that came with COVID. And although much has changed, Wheatsville remains my go-to store. Wheatsville still feels like home. I love the fresh foods and local products. I am energized by uplifting chats with staff and fellow owners every time I shop. No other grocery store embodies the Austin most of us want to live in – a place that welcomes and respects everyone, gives back to and engages the community, and is democratically operated.  If re-elected, I will work to engage owners and recruit new ones so Wheatsville continues to grow and remain viable—while retaining its co-op values—as Austin expands.

Mindy Nobles

I grew up in diverse social and geographic environments that shaped me to seek a kind, just world.  Somehow, food became central.  I joined my first food coop in the early 1990s. When I first walked into Wheatsville Co-op in the mid-1990s while visiting my son at UT, it was a revelation. My son joined Wheatsville in 1995. When I moved to Austin in 2013, I joined the co-op as one of my first commitments to the city. I regard Wheatsville as a kind of home place.  When the board candidate call came this year, I decided that it was time to give back to Wheatsville some small portion of what the co-op has given to me and the larger community over the past 47 years. Wheatsville survived the pandemic. I hope to help steer the co-op into the next three years and on to its second half century.

MeriJayd O'Connor

I have been honored to serve 2 terms on the Board. During which I have fallen in love with Wheatsville even more than when I first discovered the co-op 28 years ago as a college student. I love shopping at Wheatsville for the quality of products, friendly staff, and sense of community. I am a mom, a CranioSacral Therapist and wellness educator. I love gardening and sharing my harvests with friends and neighbors.  I appreciate what an experienced Board can bring to Wheatsville. With Board continuity, we can focus on strategic planning, owner engagement and future expansion. I am especially passionate about educating the community about the cooperative advantage and engaging owners to spread the word about Wheatsville to ensure financial health. It is also important to capture Wheatsville’s history and invigorate the younger generation of cooperators.

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Proposed Bylaw Change added to 2023 ballot

Proposed Bylaw Change:

Your Board of Directors is proposing the following bylaw change with the goal to shorten the minimum required election window in subsequent elections from 60 days to 21 days. This change will provide more time for the candidate application process and candidate campaign activities prior to the commencement of the vote. Having a three-week voting period will also put Wheatsville in line with other food co-ops across the country.

A yes vote means you agree to the proposed changes. 

A no vote means you disagree with the proposed changes. 

Current language:

3.3.1 Procedure for Co-op Vote. The Board of Directors shall define procedures consistent with these Bylaws for Co-op Votes to assure that owners are properly informed and have a fair opportunity to participate. A Co-op Vote may be initiated by a majority of the Board of Directors, by a majority of owners voting at a regular or special ownership meeting where a quorum is present, or by petition as described in Bylaw Section 3.3.3 below. The exact content of any proposal being submitted for a Co-op Vote shall be made available to the ownership at least fourteen days before the vote commences. The vote shall terminate at a date and time specified in the notice by which the vote was initiated (described in Bylaw Section 3.3.2), not less than 60 days from commencement of the vote. The Board of Directors shall schedule a Co-op Vote Confirmation Meeting open to the ownership to be held at the conclusion of the Co-op Vote, in accordance with Board of Directors policies, at which the Co-op Vote will be concluded. The Board of Directors may provide for Co-op Votes to include ballots cast in the store, ballots cast at ownership meetings or events, votes by mail, votes by electronic transmission, or other means provided that appropriate measures shall be taken to assure that each owner has only one vote and no votes by proxy are allowed, as required by the Code.

Proposed language: 

3.3.1 Procedure for Co-op Vote. The Board of Directors shall define procedures consistent with these Bylaws for Co-op Votes to assure that owners are properly informed and have a fair opportunity to participate. A Co-op Vote may be initiated by a majority of the Board of Directors, by a majority of owners voting at a regular or special ownership meeting where a quorum is present, or by petition as described in Bylaw Section 3.3.3 below. The exact content of any proposal being submitted for a Co-op Vote shall be made available to the ownership at least fourteen days before the vote commences. The vote shall terminate at a date and time specified in the notice by which the vote was initiated (described in Bylaw Section 3.3.2), not less than 21 days from commencement of the vote. The Board of Directors shall schedule a Co-op Vote Confirmation Meeting open to the ownership to be held at the conclusion of the Co-op Vote, in accordance with Board of Directors policies, at which the Co-op Vote will be concluded. The Board of Directors may provide for Co-op Votes to include ballots cast in the store, ballots cast at ownership meetings or events, votes by mail, votes by electronic transmission, or other means provided that appropriate measures shall be taken to assure that each owner has only one vote and no votes by proxy are allowed, as required by the Code.

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New Vendor: Greener Pastures Chicken



Greener Pastures Chicken started up in Elgin, Texas in 2018 where they’re still farming today

Von Miller, Co-founder, grew up raising chickens in Desoto, Texas, and went on to major in poultry science at Texas A&M University while playing college football. Initially, Von took Poultry Science as an “easy class” so he could focus on football. He would fall asleep in class and the professors would make him stand up in front of the whole class and talk about chickens. Now an outside linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, Von continues his award-winning football career while pursuing what’s become a passion of raising happy chickens.

Cameron Molberg, Board President, has been working in organic agriculture for over 15 years with a focus on projects in regenerative organic production systems. Known to some as an “encyclopedia in blue jeans,” Cameron serves as a resource for farmers, consumers, and organizations across the country.

So why should someone but a Greener Pastures chicken? First, they are the only farm in Texas that raises their birds on grass while supplementing their diet with certified organic feed. Second, the chickens live an outdoor lifestyle with full access to sunshine and fresh air. This affects the chemicals they secrete, their body composition, and ultimately the finished product. Third, Greener Pastures is a regenerative farm that adds from 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil back to the Earth each year. Fourth, and most important, the texture is going to be superior to a traditionally raised chicken. Greener Pastures Chicken actualizes a vision of happy chickens, regenerative organic agriculture, and a better food system for all.

Greener Pastures has 12 staff members working hard to bring this wonderful product to your local co-op. When asked what the best part about working for the company Jose Olalde said “It is a privilege and there is a pedigree around Texas about working at Greener Pastures Chicken. People in the farming community around Texas know about Greener Pastures. When I show them pictures, they think it’s pretty cool. I feel pretty lucky.”

Wheatsville currently carries Greener Pastures Chicken at both store locations. We’re in the process of bringing in other parts as well. Hopefully this will be a new favorite for you all. We’re so happy to partner with such an amazing farm!

- Kerie McCallum

Category Management Coordinator.

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Pickles Please!

How to Preserve Peppers as Pickles & Hot Sauce Pickled peppers are a delicious and tangy addition to any meal. They are easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking.

The basic steps for making pickled peppers include combining water, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil. Wash the peppers and place them in a clean glass mason jar. If you prefer less spicy pickles, remove the seeds. I recommend wearing gloves if the peppers are of a very spicy variety or if you have a sensitivity to capsaicin. Cover the prepared peppers with the boiled vinegar solution and add in any desired seasoning and spices. Allow the pickles to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. The peppers will be ready to enjoy after 8-12 hours. Sometimes even the pickled variety ends up in the fridge for longer than is ideal. Last year, my pickled peppers languished in the back of the fridge all summer before I found them again while deep cleaning before the holidays. The peppers still had a vibrant color and good flavor but had lost all their crunch and texture. Rather than toss them, I strained and blended them, resulting in hot sauce! The pureed peppers made a serviceable sauce but were much improved with a little seasoning. I like to season my hot sauce with ginger, cumin, and coriander to give it more dimension and flavor.

Once you have blended the peppers, you can get creative with your seasonings. Mellow out a spicy habanero with some pureed bell pepper or add a little sweetness to a Carolina reaper with some pineapple or blueberries. Add more sugar to make a sweeter sauce or add smoked paprika for a smoky taste.  You can also try pickling your peppers in tequila for a boozy hot sauce. There are so many possible variations. I hope this helps you find your perfect sauce recipe.

10-15 washed and trimmed peppers
(halved and seeded if desired)
1 cup white vinegar
(I often mix apple cider and white vinegar)
½ cup water
¼ cup sugar (optional)
2 tbsp salt
3-4 whole garlic cloves (optional)
peppercorns (optional)

1. Place the cleaned peppers into a mason jar.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour the vinegar solution over the peppers and cover. Allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
4. Enjoy the peppers as pickles after 24 hours or leave until soft and puree into a sauce. Add spices and other seasonings to taste.

- Katie Brown

POS Coordinator

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A message from the General Manager




Howdy Wheatsvillagers,

It’s been a few months since we first announced Owner Extras, our new exclusive benefit for Wheatsville owners. We officially launched the program with the start of our new fiscal year in June, and we’re excited to share that owners are now reaping the benefits with each and every shop!

In case you missed the prior announcement, this program grants owners an additional 10% off all sale items marked with our green Co+op Deals signage. As our flagship sales program, these deals were already some of the best and most numerous sales in our stores, with more than a 1,000 SKUs marked down in any given week. With Owner Extras, they now offer even better savings for co-op owners! If you haven’t taken advantage of this program yet, I would encourage you to check out our latest sales flyer to explore some of your opportunities to save this week.

The success and long-term sustainability of this new owner benefit hinges upon the participation of our ownership. In modeling the cost and impact of this program, we determined that it can pay for itself if each active owner—defined as those who have shopped within the past year—visit our stores just one more time per year on average. We hope that this day-to-day benefit will encourage you to come and see us just a little more frequently. As Board President Brandon Hines notes elsewhere in this newsletter, the strength of our shared cooperative enterprise depends heavily on the regular participation of our community of co-op owners. We literally cannot do it without you!

In addition to highlighting this new program, I also wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who participated in our recent shopper survey. Because this was sent to a random sample of owners and shoppers, many of you reading this may not be aware it was conducted. Nonetheless, we appreciate the candid and insightful feedback of those who participated. We look forward to using your feedback to continuously improve the co-op shopping experience and to further refine our products and services with the goal of better meeting your needs. Serving as the heart of this community is our highest purpose, and your feedback is critical to that process.

And finally, I would be remiss not to highlight the many events we have undertaken at both co-op locations as yet another reason to come and see us. If you haven’t been to one yet, we would love to see you at one of our Party on the Patio events, held each third Thursday of the month on the Guadalupe patio. Come enjoy an affordable meal and beverage (adult or otherwise) along with live local music. Our Taste of Plant-Based sampling was on Saturday, July 22. We went even bigger this year, with sampling and activities throughout the store and spilling out into the parking lot.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and patronage of the only
consumer-owned grocery co-op in Texas. Take care y’all!

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