Happy Holidays!

Hanukkah - Sunday, December 18 - Monday, December 26
Christmas - Sunday, December 25
New Year's Day - Sunday, Jan. 1

There are actually dozens of celebrations in December - here are just a few...

National Cupcake Day, National Wear Your Pearls Day - Thurs. December 15
National Ugly Sweater Day, National Chocolate Covered Anything Day - Fri. December 16

The Winter Solstice is Wednesday December 21, 2022.

The word solstice comes from Latin and is translated to mean “sun stands still.” The solstice occurs at the same time all over the world, winter in the northern Hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere.

It was a mystery in ancient times, but today we understand that this astronomical event is caused by the tilt of the Earth and its motion in orbit around the sun. What we know best about the winter solstice is that it is the shortest day of the year, and daylight increases gradually starting the next day. This is good news if you are one of those people who dread the dark days of winter.

This was a time for celebration for our ancestors, who considered this day to be a spiritual time as well as practical. It was believed that the fertility of crops, the livelihood of livestock and the health of people were dependent on observing solstice rituals.

Solstice celebrations continue around the globe with food, nature and setting intentions for the coming season and New Year, sometimes referred to as New Year Resolutions.

Winter solstice celebrations often include music, dancing, storytelling, hiking, meditation and other back to nature activities.  No celebration is complete without food. Traditional winter solstice foods have an emphasis on nature, like nuts, berries, spices, squash, potatoes and meat.  The orange is a common symbol for the return of the sun.

One of the oldest traditions of the winter solstice is candlelight, which symbolizes the suns’ return in a few months. Many choose not to use electricity on this night, so consider eating your winter solstice meal by candlelight after the sun goes down.

Food Co-ops and the Community

 Co-ops keep more money in their local economy, increase the market and access for locally produced food, and prioritize business practices that are good for people and the planet. No other grocery store is so deeply rooted right in their community.

The Paso Food Co-op is adding families and businesses interested in creating a Food Co-op in our community where the members make the choices that define what the store is all about, what products it carries, and where it sources its items. 
Join the hundreds of like minded members today!

All your questions answered at our Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's

Benefits of a Food Co-op

Health benefits

• Increases access to affordable fruit and vegetables and other healthy foods.
• Helps to raise awareness of the benefits of eating a healthy diet.

Environmental benefits

• Increases supply of local and organic produce
• Provides food that often has less packaging, and generates less waste.

Social benefits

• Engages local people in their community, which may then lead on to other activities.
• Acts as a focal point for local people to meet up and make new friends.
• Provides a more sociable place to shop.

Economic benefits

• Helps to support local producers and more ethical suppliers by providing an outlet for their goods.
• Keeps money circulating in the local economy.

How do I join?

There are 2 easy steps to becoming an owner-member. Both steps are required:

Step 1 - application
$ = Step 2 - payment option

Want to own a local business?
Let's build this together.