Based on my stature, weight, and age, I figured I needed about 1000 mg of calcium per day. So I did some research on all the plant foods highest in calcium.  Here are my findings:

White Beans 889mg (per 100g); Sesame Seeds 980mg (per 100g); Chia Seeds  400mg (per 100g); Black-strap Molasses 344mg (2 Tbsp); Almonds 248mg  (per 100g); Flax Seeds 160mg (per 100g); Qiunoa 80mg (1 cup cooked); Dried Figs 160mg (6 figs); Orange Juice 72mg (1 cup); Broccoli 74mg (1 cup cooked); Spinach 56mg (1 cup cooked).

Taking some of the items in the list above, I came up with a recipe for Calcium Squares.  None of the ingredients in this recipe are found in the produce department, but all the ingredients can be found in the Co-op.  One batch of this recipe contains a whopping 980mg of calcium and each small square holds   122 mg of calcium.  These may be a little “strong” for some, but my husband and I love these little extra treats of nourishment.  Give them a try and see what you think!

Erica’s Calcium Squares

1/3 cup sesame seeds, finely ground
1/3 cup almonds, finely ground
1 Tbsp chia seeds, finely ground
5 dried figs
1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses

1. Mix all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Form into 8 balls or squares.
3. Store in the refrigerator.

If the recipe above is too strong or heavy for you, try the calcium milk recipe below:

Erica’s Calcium Milk (contains 610mg calcium)
3 Tbsp sesame seeds
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp almonds
1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses
2 cups water

1. Blend 1 cup water with the seeds, nuts, and molasses in blender until smooth.
2. Add second cup of water and blend well.
3. Strain through a bread towel for a really smooth drink.

For a shake and more fiber, just don’t strain the mixture; add a banana, figs or other fruit while blending in the last cup of water!  This recipe contains 610mg of calcium or 305mg of calcium per cup!  So, between the Calcium Squares, Calcium Milk, and other plant foods, I am now getting all the calcium my body needs!  And it’s all YUMMY!

Erica Vaughn, Produce Manager

Among the green food supplements are the microalgae-spirulina, chlorella, wild blue green algae and the cereal grasses, wheatgrass and barley grass.

Microalgae are substances from the sea.  Microalgae were among the first forms on earth.  Spirulina is highly digestible with a mild detoxifying action and contains many essential nutrients.  Chlorella is similar but contains the most chlorophyll of the green foods.  It also contains more nucleic acids and a few less nutrients.  Wild blue green algae is the most detoxifying of the microalgae.

Cereal grasses are also an excellent source of chlorophyll and other nutrients, including many additional enzymes.  Some of these enzymes aid digestion, while others work as antioxidants, protecting the body from free-radical damage.  Wheatgrass and barley grasses are very similar, with barley grass being slightly easier to digest.  People who are allergic to wheat seem to be able to tolerate wheatgrass.

Caution:  Green food supplements may be rich in vitamin K, so caution should be exercised if you are taking anticoagulant medication.

~Lois Dickey
Vitamin Department Manager

March 2012, the Co-op gross sales were over $50,000 for the first time ever!  Of course, March was a long month (we were open 27 days) and the Tasting Fair helped.  We are growing!   The first 3 months of 2012 averaged over $46,000.

Several factors contribute to this growth, not the least of which is an increased membership.  Also, a major factor is our store, which is four times larger than the 10th Street store, plus we’re more centrally located.

The last year (2009) in the little store on 10th Street, we averaged less than $33,000 a month.  The first year here on Broadway, we averaged almost $40,000 a month.

This extra space has allowed us to expand, especially in the spice department and our gluten-free department—two things we have offered for years and the supermarkets are just beginning to recognize.  We have a lot more products in each department now.

All departments have expanded.  The next time you come in, browse a little.  You never know when you might stumble across a treasure.

~Ken Johnson, Board Member

Special Recognition To: Alisa Anderson & Fabriana Salerno.  These Working Members worked 12 or more hours in April.

Assistant Department Head for Snacks and Beverages:  Assist the Department Head with stocking & packaging of bulk candies and goodies.

Assistant Department Head of Produce:    Do inventory weekly and place an order.  Check it in when the truck comes on Tuesday.  (The produce crew will package it and put it out.)

Cashiers:  We are looking for dependable people to train on the cash register.  This is a 2 hour shift which you can choose to fit your schedule.  No experience is necessary and training will be provided.

Handyman:  Do minor repairs and odd jobs such as build shelves, make bulletin boards, etc.  Need to have your own tools.

Our Co-op is divided up into several departments which each have small jobs that need to be done.  By having our members come in and do  those jobs we keep our retail prices down and give those Working Members a discount of up to 30%.  Nothing is particularly hard and everybody benefits!  So, let me know if you want to join the Working Member Team.

Check out the Frozen Ravioli in Cheese and Spinach options.  They are tasty in a pasta sauce or white sauce. We have a new King Arthur Muffin Mix and our new item called Bagel Chips in a Cinnamon & Sugar that are wonderful and a great snack.  I make it a practice to try anything new I find to order and I may need help with this task as I may outgrow my clothes without some volunteer tasters!

Every day I give thanks for all the wonderful new Gluten Free products that are available.  It is a different world since I started needing to be gluten free 22 years ago.

Good Eating ………Betty Lissman