NewsArchive

Recent e-News

Since November 2008 Manly Food Co-operative has (mainly) been delivering news via e-mail - a log of which can be found below .....

19/4/12

Happy 2012 – the Year of the Co-op!

A belated Happy Easter to you all and especially to our new members.

The United Nations has named 2012 the Year of the Co-op – what a fantastic year to be involved with the Manly Food Co-operative! Let’s make 2012 the year of OUR Co-op!

Although this is our first newsletter for 2012, we have been working busily behind the scenes to organise exciting events and plan some Co-op improvements over the coming months. MORE DETAILS IN THE ATTACHMENT

* We are planning a party to celebrate 15 year of the MFC! This Sunday noon to 4pm - Scout Hall, Ivanhoe Park (Park Ave, Manly)

* The Co-op has had a thorough clean over the christmas period. Every corner cranny and cupboard was swept, sponged and scrubbed.

* With the help of some very dedicated and talented volunteers, we have printed some new labels.

* We have been trialling a new dairy supplier and we are now stocking both Ivyhome and Elgaar dairy products.

* We have a number of other new products in store.

If you would like to know more about these items and others then please read the attachment. Thank you to everyone who contributes to the running of the Co-op. See you all at the party!

P.S. We can always use more volunteers! If you have skills, time or passion that you would like to contribute to the Co-op please get in touch! e-mail: volunteercoordinator@manlyfoodcoop.org

4/5/11

STOP PRESS - During May, we shall open 10am to 6pm on Thursday nights. We'll evaluate the trial at end May and decide whether to continue.

We remain closed on Mondays and all other days operate as normal 10am to 3pm including Saturday and Sunday.

If you want to give us feedback (or want to be removed from the newsletter circulation), please let us know by email to News Editor.

Website: http://www.manlyfoodcoop.org

19/4/11

Manly Food Co-op Member Newsletter – April 2011

Welcome to members who have joined in the last few months.

Easter Closures

Closed - Friday 22 to Monday 25 April inclusive, BUT

Open - Tuesday 26 April. Even though it is a public holiday, there will be fresh (La Tartine) bread. Fresh fruit, vegetables and milk will be limited till later in the week.

Special late opening – we will be open to 6pm on Thursday 21 April – come & stock up for Easter. “Happy hour” 5-6pm special discount on all perishables.

Working Bee (Saturday 23 April and possibly another day over Easter)

The co-op really needs a thorough clean. Colin will be organizing this. Email Colin Hutton or call 0404 353 253 if you want to help. Colin will be there from 10am to 4pm on Saturday but if you want to help on a different day then let him know – a good way to earn “energy points”!

Profitability

Yes, we are still trading profitably. If sales April to June are similar to our last nine months, and there are no unexpected pitfalls, we shall turn a modest profit this year.

Opening Hours (always Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm except in holiday periods)

We are committed to always being open when we say we will be and haven’t missed a beat in the last nine months.

Volunteers

We can always use extra volunteers. If you want to help, please email Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers earn an “energy point” for each hour worked. Three energy points allow you one “special discount” shop (35% off) with no limit on how much you buy.

Special Promotions

· Every Wednesday – continuous tea tasting from our range of over 30 teas

· Sunday 1 May – an especially “Nutty Sunday”! A joint celebration of National Permaculture Day with Manly Environment Centre (MEC) – also open 10am-3pm

o Chance to visit MEC and find out more about Permaculture and local veggie gardens

o 35% off a range of our bulk nuts, beans and pulses

o GYO (Grind your own) peanut butter if you wish

o Tea tasting all day

o Light lunch ($10) Japanese “bento box” style lunch of finger food cooked by professional chef Sachiko www.diningstory.com.au.

o Bring friends and enjoy a lunch with a difference! If you might be along for lunch, please advise Volunteer Coordinator so we can cater fully.

Recipe of the month

Sachiko’s recipe for “tofu cheesecake” will start this new feature on our website http://www.manlyfoodcoop.org. If you want to submit one, please contact News Editor.

Products – good range / fully stocked

We stock about 600 products and are committed to keeping them up to date. We buy in bulk and carry about $20k of stock, so there needs to be a little bit of “just in time” and sometimes we misjudge but put it right as soon as we can.

If there’s something you think we should stock but don’t, please write to Product Manager.

Recent new Products include a much expanded range of teas (how does Ginger Glow or Echinacea Boost sound to you? – they taste great)

Some products unobtainable / some changes

We have overcome our problems with flour and now stock both light (cake type) and heavier (bread type) wheat and spelt flours as well as other flours - quinoa, brown rice, rye, coconut and buckwheat.

We are finding it difficult to source organic peanuts – plenty of non-organic.

Special Deliveries – reminders

· Fresh, organic fruit & veg continues to be delivered Tuesday and Thursday mornings

· La Tartine delivers specialist bread Tuesday and Saturday mornings. We have increased this order to make sure we normally have some for sale on Wednesdays and Sundays.

· Common Ground delivers specialist bread Thursday mornings.

· Dairy products (mostly Ivyhome milks and yoghurts) every Tuesday morning

“Unpackaged Tour” – Next one 8.45-9.30am on Saturday 30 April

Are you new to the co-op or want to refresh your memory of how it all works? Why not pop in for a relaxed Ÿ hour (and a credit of 2 energy points). If you want to come, or have some questions, please advise Unpackaged Tours.

“Nutty Sundays”

Sunday is typically a slow day for us. We have successfully introduced “Nutty Sundays” – on Sundays only, a selection of our bulk nuts, beans and pulses (plus a few other overstocked products) have been on “special discount” (ie 35% off standard price).

We also set up the peanut butter machine so you or the kids can have some fun GYO – grinding your own! Bring your own jar if you wish and save 70c – a typical 375gm jar of non-organic butter would then cost just $1.85.

“Nutty Sunday” 35% discounts will cease at end of May, although GYO will continue. Catch the discount while it lasts!

Finale

If you’ve got other feedback (or want to be removed from the newsletter circulation), please let us know by email to News Editor.

Website: http://www.manlyfoodcoop.org

PS Need for Container Deposit Legislation – our aim is to be “waste free” as far as possible and we are supporting the campaign to ask the new NSW Government to adopt similar legislation to that of South Australia and the Northern Territory.

You may want to write to Mike Baird, State MP for Manly or Premier Barry O'Farrell.

If you want some more background or to get more involved, contact Ian Hehir, phone 9981 3745, mobile: 0412 460 565).

1/2/11

Manly Food Co-op Member Newsletter – January 2011 (sent 1 Feb)

Happy New Year! Our New Year’s resolution - to send regular newsletters to keep you up to date and get your feedback. And to announce “Nutty Sundays” (more later).

The good news is – we are trading profitably. If sales January to June are similar to our last half year, and there are no unexpected pitfalls, we shall turn a modest profit this year.

Service and Opening Hours

We are committed to always being open when we say we will be and haven’t missed a beat in the last six months – always Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm except in holiday periods (Xmas / New Year, Easter, Australia Day etc).

Yes, we struggle at times and are always open to new volunteers, especially to man (or woman!) the till. If your circumstances have changed or you think you can contribute in this or other ways, let us know via Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Prices

Some prices will rise due to recent floods but this may be relatively short term. We will always do our best to minimise prices by buying in bulk. As you know, members get an automatic 10% discount on all regular products. If you shop at “special discount” it’s 35% off – now, that’s a good way to keep prices down!

Volunteers earn an “energy point” for each hour worked. Three energy points allow you one “special discount” shop with no limit on how much you buy.

Products – good range / fully stocked

We are committed to keeping our products in stock and up to date and expanding our range where possible. We stock about 600 products, buy in bulk and carry about $20k of stock, so there needs to be a little bit of “just in time” and sometimes we misjudge but put it right as soon as we can.

If there’s something you think we should stock but don’t, please write to Product Manager.

New Products this month include

* A choice of organic or non organic peanut butter – both either unsalted or salted

* Lo-line cockroach baits – no poisons – chemical free cockroach control.

Some products unobtainable / some changes

Drought and now the floods have made some products difficult to source. We have also changed some suppliers. Supply of wheat and spelt flour has been a particular problem.

We now aim to stock just two types of wheat and spelt flour – lighter, cake type flour, of which there is plenty, and the whole wheat heavier variety of each that is temporarily unobtainable. There are good supplies of other flours - quinoa, brown rice, rye, coconut and buckwheat.

Special Deliveries – reminders & changes

* Fresh, organic fruit & veg continues to be delivered Tuesday and Thursday mornings

* La Tartine delivers specialist bread Tuesday and Saturday mornings. We are gradually increasing this order to make sure we have some for sale on Wednesdays and Sundays.

* Common Ground delivers specialist bread Thursday mornings.

* Dairy products (mostly Ivyhome milks and yoghurts) every Tuesday morning (previously fortnightly)

+ The change to weekly will start on Tuesday 1 February

+ This will allow us to regularly stock special products such as goats milk, Cleopatra Bath Milk and Jersey unhomogenised – provided those who’ve asked us to increase supply come in & get it!!

+ We shall also trial some Fleurieu probiotic gluten free halal certified yoghurts – natural & fruit.

+ And, of course, continue the yummy Ivyhome milks and yoghurts – full and lo-fat.

Late news on Dairy (1 Feb)

Still short of Ivyhome Whole Milk yoghurt, hope to be back up next week.

Ivyhome Greek style yoghurt & ricotta not available for a while.

All our Cleopatra Bath Milk went first morning - have doubled order for next week.

Taste test – the new Fleurieu yoghurts are just as delicious as Ivyhome’s!

“Unpackaged Tour” – Next one 8.45-9.30am on Saturday 12 February

“Nutty Sundays” – from now to end of February

Sunday is typically a slow day for us. We have decided to experiment with “Nutty Sundays” – on Sundays only, a selection of our bulk nuts, beans and pulses will be “special discount” (ie 35% off standard price). We may also add in a few other products where we are overstocked.

We shall also set up the peanut butter machine so you or the kids can have some fun GYO – grinding your own! Bring your own jar if you wish and save 70c – a typical 375gm jar of non-organic butter would then cost just $1.85.

Obviously, 35% off a significant part of our stock is not something we can do too often. Look forward to seeing you there!

We have also made the same “Nutty Sundays” offer via a couple of Precinct newsletters and will evaluate its effect in deciding whether to publicise more widely through the Manly Daily as a way of widening our client base.

Finale

If you’ve got other feedback (or want to be removed from the newsletter circulation), please let us know by email to News Editor.

Website: http://www.manlyfoodcoop.org/

11/11/10

Manly Food Co-op - AGM - 7:30pm Tuesday 23 November 2010

Dear Members,

AGM

The Annual General Meeting of Manly Food Co-operative Ltd will be held at 7:30pm on Tuesday 23 November 2010 at the Co-op, 21B Whistler Street Manly.

All members are encouraged to attend.

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Confirmation of last AGM minutes

3. Financial report

4. Board report

5. Election of Directors

6. Other business

Financial Report (Summary)

In the previous (2008/09) financial year Manly Food Co-operative recorded a loss of $2206. At the beginning of this (2009/10) financial year the Co-op was heading back into profit but had some challenges that in turn impacted our sales, which dropped 26%, and resulted in a loss of just over $10,000.

A prolonged period of low stock levels from December 2009 kept customers and sales from our door. In response, greater effort has now been directed to maintaining stock levels. You will have noticed this improvement if you have shopped recently.

As this was the Co-op's first full financial year of being a 100 per cent volunteer-run organisation, since the transition from paid co-ordinators in late 2008, it has remained a huge challenge to reintroduce the volunteer system and have the shop open on all intended occasions. Great attention continues to be required to attract sufficient volunteers and ensure an adequate pool of trained co-ordinators to cover all shop opening times - especially on weekends.

Another impact on sales profitability has been the move to allow cost-price shopping for volunteers using three energy points. Although this has resulted in a substantial net gain (ie. the loss of profitable sales has been more than offset by the wages saved as a completely volunteer organisation) it does mean a larger pool of non-volunteering customers must be attracted to help financially buoy the Co-op from its current position. To also rectify this situation prices (ie. mark-up) were recently increased slightly - something we haven't done since 2006 - and the discount for cost-price shopping simultaneously reduced from 40 to 35 per cent off street price to better reflect the extra cost of overheads.

By regaining the momentum we had during 2009 in conjunction with the above-mentioned measures, it is possible we could break-even in 2011 and continue into positive territory to regain our losses from recent years. As a not-for-profit organisation the aim is to break-even in the long-term.

Thanks, again, to the dedicated volunteers who allow the Co-op to continue providing waste-free and healthy shopping in Manly.

Sharon Lambert

Volunteer Treasurer

Full results and a more detailed financial report will be presented at the AGM.

Regards,

Peter Hopper

Manly Food Co-operative

http://www.manlyfoodcoop.org/

7/8/10

Food Inc

The Co-op is hosting a fundraising event screening the 'must see' documentary Food Inc at Manly Cinema on Wednesday 1 September 2010 at 6.30pm. Tickets are $15 - available from the Co-op or by calling Heather on 0432 069 902.

This is the only showing of the film in Manly so get your tickets early and help support the Co-op's fundraising efforts. There will also be a private drinks get together at Desire Books after the screening for just a gold coin donation.

New Brochure

The Co-op recently produced & printed a great new brochure .... 8000 copies to be exact! Some have already been distributed (around Fairlight, thanks to Richard Hewitt) but the rest are ready and waiting for a volunteer or two to do a bit of letter-boxing. So if you want some fresh air & exercise let our Volunteer Co-ordinator know you're available.

You can see or download the MFC Brochure from the promotion page of the Co-op's website.

Product News

If you've been disappointed recently to find a favourite product has been out of stock ... you may be pleasantly surprised to find it is again on the Co-op's shelves. Our stock levels are finally returning to normal after an extended period without many of our most popular products.

Volunteer Vacancies

We always have a few opportunities for volunteers wishing to do a three-hour shift behind the counter at the Co-op. Friday, Saturday, & Sunday are currently our most difficult days to fill. You can see where vacancies exist by viewing the Shop Calendar, which also serves to indicate when the shop is open/closed.

Please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator if you can help. And remember, three hours work entitles you to a shop at cost price - around 40 per cent off street price!

16/11/09

AGM

The Annual General Meeting of Manly Food Co-operative Ltd will be held at 7:30pm on Tuesday 17 November 2009 at the Co-op, 21B Whistler Street Manly.

All members are encouraged to attend.

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Confirmation of last AGM minutes

3. Financial report

4. Board report

5. Election of Directors

6. Other business

Financial Report (Summary)

There were big changes at Manly Food Co-operative in 2008/09.

The return to a 100 per cent volunteer-run organisation, from 1 December 2008, introduced lots of new faces behind the till and led to the establishment of 'true cost price' shopping for volunteers. Shorter trading hours each day were partly off-set by the addition of Sunday trading for the first time ever.

All of these changes had a significant impact on our financial results. Last year we made a loss of $13,765 and although total sales dropped by 20 per cent this year, the Co-op incurred a much smaller loss of only $2206. The main reason for this improved financial position was the avoidance of all employment costs since 1 December. Further improvement is expected throughout the next financial year - with a full 12 months of volunteers in the Co-op it should, once again, be 'out of the red'.

Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers who allow the Co-op to continue providing waste-free and healthy shopping in Manly.

Sharon Lambert

Volunteer Treasurer

Full results and a more detailed financial report will be presented at the AGM.

8/4/09

Easter Closure

Please be aware that the Co-op will be closed over Easter from Friday (10/4/09) to Monday (13/4/09). And with our regular Thursday volunteer away for a month you should first call (9977 0177) to check if/when the shop is open on Thursday (9/4/09) before Easter.

Unfortunately, the shop doesn't open if we don't have the volunteers .....

Volunteer Vacancies

We currently have several opportunities for volunteers wishing to do a 3-hour shift behind the counter at the Co-op (and thereby qualify for cost-price shopping). Thursday, Friday, & Saturday vacancies are waiting to be filled. Please contact Karen our Volunteer Co-ordinator if you can help.

Remember, three hours work entitles you to shop at true cost price - 40 per cent off street price!

New Products

* A2 Milk - unhomogenised, whole milk, in glass bottles from A2 cows. Apparently good stuff (don't let the "2" fool you). More info here. A range of other dairy products are also available from the same supplier, including; lo-fat & skim milk, yoghurt (greek & lo-fat), cream (double & "mud"), cheese (including fetta & ricotta), and raw goat's milk (straight from the goat, unhomogenised and unpasteurised).

* Candles - Another new product is a range of pure beeswax candles. We have pillar candles of various heights as well as tealights.

Bread Deliveries

La Tartine bread (wood-fired organic sourdough) is delivered on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Common Ground bread, including bread-rolls, is delivered on Fridays.

Special Orders

Anyone wishing to request a special order through the Co-op can do so by sending an e-mail to our Product Manager.

Member Forums

If you'd like to join a Co-op discussion group please look for the links on the Co-op's Website.

Shop Location

Plans by our landlord to redevelop the building housing the Co-op's shop have been put on hold. We expect to be offered a new three to six year lease shortly.

15/2/09

Shop Hours

The Co-op now opens 6 days per week - Tuesday to Sunday - 10am to 3pm.

Volunteer Spaces

The Co-op is starting to buzz again with members rediscovering their enthusiasm for volunteerism. But with some now planning a holiday or study we can accommodate a few more members who'd like to join the team.

We need several volunteers to work for just an hour, between 2.30 and 3.30pm, to help shop co-ordinators clean up each day at closing. No cash register work is required and you can work as few or as many days as you like.

The reshuffling of volunteers working the till has also created some openings for new volunteers. So if you can spare a few hours per week or per fortnight, please contact Karen our Volunteer Co-ordinator by phone 0413 838 055 or e-mail.

Shop At True Cost Price

Remember, three hours work entitles you to shop at true cost price - 40 per cent off street price!

Chooks Back On Duty

Most organic food is seasonal, including eggs. Unfortunately we have been without eggs for several weeks but are told by our suppliers that the chooks are laying again. Our packaged Glenrose biodynamic eggs have now been delivered and we will soon have bulk loose eggs back in stock.

Purchasing Policy

The Co-op's purchasing policy guides our dedicated research and purchasing team to stock the healthiest, sustainably farmed/produced, least packaged products.

If you wish to make an enquiry or suggestion about the products we stock, please e-mail our Product Managers.

New Products

We continuously research products and suppliers. Some new products we have in stock are:

* Capsicum Dip (organic) - good for dipping or a sauce. Fill up a jar & try - it's delicious.

* Baking Powder - we normally stock bicarbonate of soda but we now also have baking powder (bicarb with cream of tartar)

* Bulk Chocolate - we no longer stock wrapped chocolate bars but have exactly the same smooth chocolate in bulk form at a better price (dark, milk, and white).

* Mosquito Repellant Sticks (sandalwood) - non-toxic Australian product to keep the mozzies away (in store soon)

* Bread (from Common Ground) - we will continue to stock La Tartine wood-fired organic sourdough twice per week, but will soon also be stocking Common Ground bread (delivered Fridays).

* Cheese Wheels - we will soon reintroduce cheese, supplied in bulk as "wheels" (subject to availability) to minimise the packaging.

Alive & Well

Despite having to make some difficult decisions in 2008, the Co-op is alive & well in 2009 and looks to have a great year ahead. So if you'd like to help with its further rejuvenation we'd be grateful for your contribution. In particular we're encouraging members to renew their volunteer relationship with the Co-op. Contact Karen, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, to register your interest. Or visit the Co-op's Volunteer page for more information.

17/12/08

New Shop Hours

Great news! The Co-op now opens on Sundays. We've reduced our hours (until more volunteers come forward) but we've compensated by opening an extra day on the weekend. The Co-op now opens 6 days per week - Tuesday to Sunday - from 10am to 3pm.

Christmas & New Year Closure

Don't forget to stock up for Christmas by doing your big shop this week. The Co-op will be closed after this Sunday 21/12/08 for the Christmas / New Year period and will open again on Tuesday 6/1/09.

Cost Price Shopping for Volunteers

We finished the year by massively reducing our Special Discount prices (now equal to true 'cost price', or about 40 per cent off street prices). To earn Energy Points towards your Special Discount shopping reward simply volunteer a few hours of your time to help keep the Co-op running. One hour earns one Energy Point. Three Energy Points allows you a shop at the very Special Discount prices.

2009 A New Year for the Co-op

If you'd like to help with the improvements we're making, we'd be grateful for your contribution. In particular we're encouraging members to renew their volunteer relationship with the Co-op by helping for a few hours in the shop. Contact Karen Garrett, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, to register your interest. Or visit the Volunteer page for more information.

AGM

Minutes of the Co-op's recent 2008 Annual General Meeting are now available.

13/11/08

Big changes are taking place at the Co-op .....

Due to the steady decline of our financial position, with costs exceeding income for several years in a row, we can no longer afford to pay wages for the foreseeable future.

As a result, the Co-op needs to rely much more heavily again, as it did in the past, on voluntary input from its members.

The current situation could potentially result in the demise of the Co-op. But the Board is very much focused on seeing the Co-op survive and thrive again.

At the same time as needing to deal with our difficult financial situation, our landlord has given notice that at the expiry of our current lease on 31 March 2009 he plans to redevelop the site. So we also need to find new premises!

Alone, either of the above poses a huge challenge for those involved in the running of the Co-op. But together these challenges mean all members will need to become more active in the daily running of the shop and the future management of the Co-operative as an organisation.

In short, we desperately need your help! If you want the Co-op to survive, please volunteer.

Prior news (Sep 1996 - Nov 2008) can be found in Older Newsletters.