2022 Outreach Wrap Up
As we head into this new year, our Outreach Coordinator Rebekah takes a look back on her top 5 most eventful and exciting Outreach Happenings in 2022. What were some of your favorite co-op events in 2022? We’d love to hear in the comments!
1. 25th Birthday Party
We took over Wetmore Theatre Plaza to celebrate 25 years in Downtown Everett, complete with birthday cake, a balloon artist, kids art activities courtesy of the Schack Art Center and the Everett Public Library, a beer garden (which raised over $400 to support KSER, Everett's finest public radio station!), local musicians rocking out, and local food trucks Ryan's Rez-ipes and Road Dawg hot dogs. The weather could not have been better, and the day was a smashing success by all accounts.
2. Annual Meeting of Owners
This was our first in-person meeting since 2019. Over 120 people attended! We had a delicious dinner catered by our Deli, tasty beverages, including locally-made kombucha from GloryBucha, live music by The Porters, and a costume contest! It was beautiful to be able to mix and mingle with Co-op Owners, Board members, staff, and community partners once more and to celebrate the resiliency and success of our Co-op. Save the date for our 2023 Annual Meeting--October 6th at Floral Hall.
3. Care for the Community
Together, we raised over $13,000 for local nonprofits through Register Roundup, donated hundreds of pounds of food to local food banks and pantries, numerous auction items to fundraisers for local nonprofits, and provided in-kind and financial sponsorship of community festivals and events, such as Nubian Jam, Green Everett Day, and others. We hope to do even more in 2023!
4. Continued to support work in the food justice movement
I was able to attend the dedication of Black Seed Agroecology Farm & Village on Whidbey Island and a new community garden at Highland Elementary School in Lake Stevens. It's a privilege to be part of a movement expanding access to locally-grown organic produce in our community. Check out the local non-profits Modest Family Solutions and Down to Earth Community Gardens to learn more about the work they are doing and get involved!
5. Community Events
Doing outreach at events like Farmers Markets (Everett & Lake Stevens) and Poochella in the Park in Marysville is one of my favorite things. There's nothing better than being out in the community and getting to meet folks, some of whom already know and love the Co-op and others who are hearing about us for the first time! Keep an eye out for our booth at community events throughout 2023. Want the Co-op to table at an event you are involved in? Tell us more! Email outreach@snoislefoods.coop to discuss details.
Looking Forward
Be sure to keep an eye on our events & classes page right here for more goodness in 2023!