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By Judith, 12/30/2009 3:16 pm

I had a fantastic conversation yesterday with my good friend Deborah Cameron!

We are going to move ahead with….

our dream project of a Real Food Co Op for our end of the Treasure Valley!

Boise has the Boise Co Op and Nampa, the second largest city in Idaho, needs a Food Co OP to serve the west end and central valley residents.

We are going to try for a grant and also secure pledges from potential members. This is an exciting project for both of us.

I welcome input from my readers as I embark on this journey. I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration and co facilitation… Like minded people can achieve more together than alone.

Deb Cameron had the very successful Henny Penny Market in south Nampa. She will be managing the new Co Op . Her management style is one of a team builder who has the gift of bringing out the talents of her employees. I have learned a lot from Deb over the years that I have known her. Her entrepreneurial spirit is based in integrity and a love for this community.

Deb has an eye for beauty and a passion for real food. I look forward to working and growing alongside this strong, gentle woman as we bring our dream to reality.

The Real Food Co Op will…

• Be a viable source for REAL FOOD  in the Treasure Valley area
  

• Provide wholesome food to low income people by accepting the Idaho Quest Card.

The Co Op will also offer educational programs such as….

• Eating healthy on a budget
  
• Artisan Bread baking
  
• How to prepare Grass Fed Beef
  
• Dinner from your back yard
  
• Cheese making
  
• Gluten Free Baking
  
• Raw Foods
  
• Organic and Sustainability….the truth
  
• Green Cleaning
  

And more….

To stay up to date on the progress of the Real Food CoOp become a Fan Of “Future REAL FOOD CoOp, Nampa Idaho” on FaceBook .

photos taken by me in Klamath Falls, Oregon At Night Fire Natural Foods (thanks guys)

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By Judith, 12/24/2009 10:11 am

Comfort foods….I have gained a fresh perspective on this phrase.

Our dear neighbor, Bill passed away of heart attack two mornings ago. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who with his wife were raising four terrific grandchildren. Us neighbors rallied and began to prepare that evenings meal.

I thought what would the kids want? …..what would bring comfort?…homemade mac and cheese was the choice. I would bake it in their oven.

My daughter helped tidy their house… Bill’s wife, Evelyn, had been up into the wee hours the night before, baking holiday cookies… and the kitchen had been left undone..

I thought a tidy kitchen and the smell of good food cooking would bring a bit of sanity to their day.

The dinner: Roasted Chicken, Mac and Cheese, a lovely green salad with homemade ranch dressing, hot fresh bread, and a beautiful, homemade, apple pie for dessert.

There were three households involved in creating this gift. You could feel the love in the room when they sat down to eat their first meal without Bill.

I realized the importance of healthy real food during the grieving process.

The need for REAL food to nourish the body and the soul is what is called for.

The entire family felt the compassion and love that went into that very poignant meal. As the days have passed friends and the congregations meals team has kept the stream of home made meals streaming to their door.

What a precious offering of love this is; to bring food into healing situations such as this one.

The blessing of a gift real food is one that should never be taken for granted…and it should always be the first choice when sickness or crisis is the need.

When a friend said that she was sorry that this happened right before Christmas, Evelyn replied sincerely, “I have to stop myself from being selfish… Bill is having his best Christmas ever..”

Don’t worry Bill. We will make sure your family is well fed and loved through this holiday season and beyond…

~ Blessings ~

And ALWAYS

Keep Food REAL!

Judith