Winter Hours: Mon - Sat 8AM - 8PM Sunday 8AM - 7PM

Christmas Hours: Christmas Eve: 8 am - 3 pm

Christmas Day: CLOSED

Brian Gaddy, Operations Manager, can not only handle multiple turkeys, he is a pretty darn good portrait photographer as well! Thanks, Brian, for all you do!

If you didn't get your fill on Thanksgiving, DNF has frozen turkeys for you!

We have only a few Organic Mary's birds left and plenty of Ferndale Market natural turkeys, mostly 11-13 pounds and a few larger 14-20 pounders.

Stop in TODAY for your scrumptious bird!

THE FANTABULOUS DNF CO-OP MEMBER SURVEY

Here are some fun & interesting stats we have pulled from your surveys so far:

Knowing what our Member-Owners think and want will really help us develop a better business and serve you better. And thank you to the over 200 Member-Owners who have already taken the survey!! It’s long. It will take about 25 to 30 minutes to complete.  And because we know that your time is valuable to you, we are issuing a one-time use 15% off e-coupon for use in January or February.

Back to my thoughts:  Often I ask myself, if I were at the farmer’s market and I see two vendors selling essentially the same product, but I know that one of the vendors also has a gun store and sells the assault rifles that have taken so many away from us.  And I know the other vendor uses a lot of their profit to help the hungry and needy.  Who would I buy from?  How much of a price difference would there need to be to buy from the vendor who’s actions I don’t support?

Again – not hypothetical. Walmart is a privately held company owned by one of the richest families in the world and is notorious for poor treatment of its workforce as well as ruining many small businesses that help make a community a community. I avoid them too.
 

City Market? Well, it’s a Kroger company.  Kroger is the second largest grocer behind Walmart.  They are not privately held but are on the Stock Exchange.  Their mission is to make as much money as possible for their investors.  They will carry anything to make a buck.  They are gobbling up small local chains left and right.  Kroger stores exist under many names.  Two other names it goes by are Frys (very big in AZ) and Smiths. My preference is for smaller and more local so I tend not to be a fan of theirs.
 

Our other two main markets in Durango? Well, I don’t know much about how they operate although I do hear negative comments about the corporate chain's treatment of Staff from those I know who work there. And the other one – well, I really do not know much about them other than they are family owned.

But I do know about Co-ops. I know we are people/community owned. That we are a buying agent for our Member-Owners and community providing the best healthiest foods, as well as local foods, as we can find at a fair price rather than a business focus of 'make as much profit as we can.' It’s more than a subtle difference.

I know that we have a Staff that will give personal attention all our Member-Owners and shoppers. I know that this is where I want to spend my dollars. I always seek to sync my spending with my values.

But what about you?  So here’s my final plug:  Help us serve you better!  Please take our Survey.  It’s a win-win situation for all of us!

WELLNESS WITH DASI

Introducing Dasi, DNF’s new Wellness buyer, whose passion for well-being is bringing needed direction and energy to the supplements and body care products we offer. The entire department has new lower and competitive prices, new merchandise and a more organized display.
 

                   There is change in the air! Come in and get a whiff!
Infuse your indoor air with aromas that soothe, stimulate or just make you smile! The Wellness Department is currently featuring the brand Pranarom, and pairing its ultrasonic essential oil diffusers with new essential oils including the limited edition holiday blends Heart of the Woods, Warm Welcome and Winter Bouquet. Wellness blends include Digital Detox, Down Time and Find Focus.

We are having a 20% off sale on all Pranarom products. And through December 31, when you buy any two items from Pranarom, you will receive $3.00 off!

Many new products are on the shelves and more are to come. We have some great stocking stuffers including bamboo and recycled plastic toothbrushes, hairbrushes, loofahs, tweezers, nail and toenail clippers and more. New local products will be available before the giving season gets into full swing including hemp flower soap from Two Bears.

Coming in soon are well-recognized national brands such as Charlotte's Web CBD dog treats for joint health, Green Earth Medicinals CBD tinctures, 'Brain' capsules from Host Defense.

If you have suggestions for favorite products you would like us to offer, fill out a Suggestion Form  at the co-op or speak to Dasi next time you are in the store.               

Tis’ the Season!

The Co-op is full of fun gifts and stocking stuffers for everyone on your giving list. We have everything from locally made jewelry and fair trade apparel to chocolates and locally made body care products. Don't miss out on the toothbrushes made from bamboo! Give the gifts that keep on giving like the a DNF Gift Card, a 2020 Be Local Coupon Book or a lovely plant! Don't forget the hungry this season - give a gift to a family in need via our Help Feed Those In Need program in partnership with La Plata Family Centers Coalition.

INGREDIENTS IN ACTION

Gingered Beet and Apple Salad
By: Co+op, stronger together

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6
 

With winter recreation and the giving season upon us, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen! And doesn't it seem like the sweet potato gets all the attention this time of year. How about changing it up with a quick, crunchy, fresh & delish jewel toned sweet slaw to brighten up the dark season's meals…and its jam-packed with nutrition too! A great recipe for beet fans and beet hesitators alike.

Full Recipe Here

DNF CO-OP IN THE COMMUNITY

FRESH FROM THE DELI

The Deli is switching gears into winter mode!

In our Grab n' Go case, you'll find more entrees and seasonal dishes including Mushroom Lentil Shepherd's Pie, Cauliflower Nutmeg Casserole, Green Chile Mac n' Cheese, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and our Holiday Baked Tempeh Roast.

COMING SOON: Self-serve soup, new juices, smoothie bowls, Vegan Mac n' Cheese, and Vegan Breakfast Burritos!

The Deli will be accepting Christmas catering orders soon. Look for signs around the Deli and posts on social media over the next few weeks.

GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD

Hello Fellow Member-Owners!

The daylight may be waning and the weather whirling into wintertime, but your DNF leadership team is seeing a bright future for Durango’s only community owned grocery store, and we invite you to share that vision by continuing to frequent and enjoy the Co-op. For whatever reason, winter can be a serious downturn in business, so we are asking all our Member-Owners to please stay engaged over the next few months, so that we can continue the #DNFrevival and ensure we avoid a situation like we experienced last winter.

Gratefully, we have been working hard since then to improve the business model while dropping prices, getting efficient, getting even more delicious in the deli, and getting creative! There will be plenty of ways to be supported by the Co-op, with a hot soup station on the way, continued free samples, periodic sales, hot coffee and tea, special Member-Owner discounts, everyday low prices and more! 

and organizing all the strengths, obstacles, and visions for the Co-op. We were happy to utilize input from past Board members, as well as Staff into the process. And we are very eager to hear from you, our fellow Member-Owners, so please participate in the The Fantabulous Member Survey.

Thank you in advance for providing us with critical feedback on how we can better understand your needs as we forge a vision forward.

So far, the three main strategies were distilled out of all the ideas we shared:

(1) Improve internal and external communication to strengthen cooperative participation. This includes more effectively telling our story, increasing member engagement, as well as supporting and training our Staff & Board.

(2) Update current infrastructure while assessing options for the future. This includes optimizing existing equipment, evolving with the times, and embracing opportunities for positive change.

(3) Diversify our business model to build resilience. This includes diversifying revenue streams (while adhering to our values) and developing organizational and business partnerships.

There are a lot of specific, tangible ideas and identified obstacles related to each strategy, and our Board has developed task force committees to begin putting our strategies into action. If you are interested in joining a task force committee, email us at Board@DurangoNaturalFoods.Coop.

On a bittersweet note, over the strategic planning weekend, we were able to celebrate our Vice President landing her dream job, as Executive Director of a non-profit that connects disadvantaged people with Yoga therapy, but the job is in Maine. So, our valued board volunteer, Elise Boyson, has moved on from Durango. We are sad to see her go, as she gave 100% in her role on the Board, but we also wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life!

This also creates a vacancy on our Board of Directors, and we invite all Member-Owners to consider the opportunity. You all are eligible and encouraged to participate in the representative democracy that is the Co-op. All Board members are expected to attend monthly board meetings, an orientation training, and keep up on DNF-related email. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us at Board@DurangoNaturalFoods.Coop or simply attend our next Board Meeting on December 18 from 5-7:00PM in Program Room 3, upstairs at the Durango Public Library.

The newly appointed board member would serve until the Annual Election in the Spring, at which time all Member-Owners have the opportunity to run for the board. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand your professional development, help our beloved Co-op, and it’s a great group of people!

From all of us, we wish you a warm and wonderful holiday and winter season!

Sincerely,

Cody Reinheimer

President, Board of Directors

SPOTLIGHT ON THE STAFF
Front End Phenomenon & Merchandise Maven: Marisa Castricone

How long have you worked at DNF Co-op?

December will be my 6th month at DNF.

What is one of your favorite things about working at the co-op?

There are so many things I love about working at DNF but the best part is my coworkers who are like family to me.

As the general merchandise buyer, what do you look for when considering items to offer at the co-op?

There are many things I take into account when considering products for the general merchandise department but most importantly I look for unique (and ideally local) crafted items such as art, jewelry, and home goods that contribute to the experience of shopping at DNF. PS: I always welcome product suggestions from our shoppers!

Tell us about a time when you gave exceptional customer service?

Recently I ran into a Member-Owner outside of the Co-op and she told me how much she appreciates my compassion and positive energy - that meant a lot to me!

What is one thing that might surprise shoppers about you?

I love to travel but I have never lived anywhere other than Colorado, it is too good to leave!

What is your favorite product currently on the shelves at DNF?

The dehydrated mango in the bulk section, or the vegan shepherds pie from the deli, or the fresh local produce...I can't choose just one product.

When not working at DNF, how do you spend your time?

I can be found rafting, skiing, or camping in the desert.

How would you describe your diet – vegetarian, carnivore, etc.

Vegetarian, but I do indulge in seafood about once a week.

Share your favorite meal with us.

Currently my favorite dish is crustless quiche loaded with broccoli.

What is your biggest screw-up in the kitchen?

I cannot make casseroles. I always mess something up but I keep trying!

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

Definitely an iguana, I'd have vibrant colors and I would bask in the sun all day.
 

If I had a magic wand, I would …

I would use my magic wand to control the weather so I could enjoy any outdoor activity any time of the year.

FOCUS ON LOCAL PURVEYORS

SolaVita Kombucha, Owners Gabriela Ranzi & Rachel Bennett

What began as a friendship between Gabriela and Rachel bloomed into an artisanal brewing business, SolaVita Kombucha.

Rachel confesses that she can "geek out" with the science of making kombucha. She is inspired by "the living culture and its endless self-replication, the plethora of flavor combinations possible --experimentation could last a lifetime-- and having a culture unique to our region based on the bacteria and yeast profiles."

What a great non-alcoholic, locally crafted artisanal brew to serve at your holiday party.  DNF is proud to offer SolaVita in numerous flavors in the drink cooler and in three flavors on tap in the Deli - Blueberry Lavender, Orange Zinger and Ginger Apple Spice. You can purchase it on tap in a 64 oz. growler for $18.99 (includes growler), by the glass for $3.99 or you can bring in your own bottle to have filled for a mere 22 cents per ounce.

The Bookcase and Barber, Durango's local speakeasy, offers a special cocktail made with SolaVita's seasonal brew. Learn more about their brewing at SolaVita Kombucha.

Help Local Farmers & Food Entrepreneurs

Let's build a future with healthy soil, healthy lands & healthy people.

They are encouraging locals to help reach this goal so together members can lend $20,000 to local growers and food entrepreneurs in 2020. You can help do this by becoming a member, donating to the loan fund and/or spreading the word. This is easy to do though their website www.fourcornersslowmoney.org.