BriarPatch Food Co-op

Derrick wants his story to be told. He has been coming to Sierra Roots for several weeks to find a warm meal. While he’s not technically living on the streets, he’s been out of work and couch surfing at a friend’s house until he gets back on his feet. It hasn’t been easy. I used to have the means to care for myself, he said. BriarPatch is proud to support the work of Nevada City-based Sierra Roots, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that provides made-from-scratch... weekly hot coffee and lunch, portable snacks, clean socks, shoes and toiletries, hand-knit gloves, scarves and hats for people experiencing homelessness. A donation from the Cooperative Community Fund will help Sierra Roots continue its work of reducing the trauma of homelessness in Western Nevada County. Once lunch is served, the energy of the room softens as people wearing masks begin to relax, feel safe and network with each other. The food here is very high quality. Everyone deserves a good meal, said Executive Director Paul Cogley. Paul first volunteered for a homeless shelter 15 years ago while living in New York City. The work stuck. It’s service to others and you really get to know people. It’s relationship-based. You see the difference your small contribution can make to their lives. Even if it’s just recognizing people on the street and saying, ‘hi,’ he said. Learn more about how you can support Sierra Roots: http://www.sierraroots.org/

Microgreens are our go-to winter veggie, a nutrition & flavor powerhouse. Try 'em on everything from soup to pizza and everything in between. Find local varieties from Newcastle Produce & Father Daughter Farm. Looking for inspiration? Try these ideas: https://www.brit.co/microgreen-recipes/

In January, BriarPatch shoppers raised $1,392.86 for garden education at Williams Ranch School through the Apples for Gardens program! We donate 10 cents for every pound of apples sold. At the end of each month we funnel that money directly to a local school to help cover the costs of school educators and garden infrastructure. In February, you can raise $$ for Alta Sierra School. ... #community #briarpatch #schoolgardens

What's in season this winter? Roots like red bunch radish from Higareda Family Farm & Starbright Acres Family Farm or purple top turnips from First Rain Farm. Find the tastiest local produce at BriarPatch: https://www.briarpatch.coop/fruits-and-veggies/

Happy New Year Wonderful People! Stay safe, healthy, happy, cozy and beautiful. We love you all.

A fast-food eatery at Pompeii has been excavated, helping to reveal dishes that were popular for the citizens of the ancient Roman city who were partial to eating out. Pompeii Archaeological Park’s longtime chief, Massimo Osanna, said that while some 80 such fast-foods have been found at Pompeii, it is the first time such a hot-food-drink eatery known as a thermopolium was completely unearthed at the Italian site. http://ow.ly/ytBf50CVRm2

Thank you to @Higaredafamilyfarms for growing the delicious Dino Kale featured as this month's Harvest of the Month produce! Students across the county tasted this nutritious, locally grown organic veggie. We're happy to support this important Sierra Harvest program.

In true Amigo fashion, his final wish is to be turned into the earth that he so loved, in the form of compost. This cutting edge process is performed by Recompose in Seattle, https://recompose.life/ , which has just begun accepting participants as of December 20, so Amigo will truly be a pioneer. Funds raised will go toward the $10,000 fee for transportation and composting. Any additional funds will go directly to his wife Jenifer, who has dedicated the last 8 years to being... Amigo’s caregiver and best friend, to help support her in this time. http://ow.ly/lh4L50CWwJ5

Coronavirus infections have barely touched many of the remote islands of the Pacific, but the pandemic’s fallout has been enormous, disrupting the supply chain that brings crucial food imports and sending prices soaring as tourism wanes. With a food crisis looming, many governments have begun community initiatives to help alleviate shortages: extending fishing seasons, expanding indigenous food gathering lessons and bolstering seed distribution programs that allow residents greater self-reliance. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/37SPHbk