Juneteenth Celebrations in Davis this Month

 On January 1st, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved Black people in Confederate states, at least it did on paper. About 500,000 of 3.9 million enslaved people were able to liberate themselves by escaping behind Union lines between 1863 and the end of the war in 1865. The rest – the vast majority – remained enslaved. The Emancipation Proclamation also authorized Black men to join the Union army. These men would be crucial to the Union’s war effort, especially as Northern forces swept through Confederate territory liberating enslaved populations. After the Proclamation was issued, slave owners in Mississippi and Louisiana marched more than 150,000 enslaved Black people west to Texas, beyond the reach of Union forces at the time. Texas remained under Confederate control until the spring of 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. On June 19th, 1865 in Galveston, Major General Gordon Granger announced, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” This is the day we celebrate as Juneteenth (“June” plus “nineteenth”), the day freedom came to those enslaved folks still living under Confederate control in Texas, at least symbolically. Granger’s announcement also asks the newly freed people to “remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages,” which exemplifies how ending slavery and upholding white supremacy can completely coexist, almost in the very same sentence.

Between 1916 and 1970, half of the southern Black population, nearly 6 million people, migrated north and west to escape segregation, widespread lynching, and a lack of social and economic opportunities in the Jim Crow South. This movement northward is known as the Great Migration. Black Texans took Juneteenth with them. Starting in the 1920s, Black communities celebrated in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Seattle in the west. In Hayes Turner’s words, Juneteenth is “a potent life-giving event … a joyful retort to messages of overt racism … a public counter-demonstration to displays of Confederate glorification and a counter-memory to the valorization of the Lost Cause.” You can learn more about the history of Juneteenth in this blog we wrote.

There are Juneteenth celebrations all over the country today. In 2021, President Biden made Juneteenth National Independence Day an official federal holiday. Find Juneteenth events happening in and around Davis below. 

Juneteenth Celebrations

Support the Black community by buying Black at the Co-op. Look for the “Black Owned” shelf tag on products from departments across the store. See all of our inclusive trade brand partners here.

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Pride Events in Davis this Month

June is Pride Month!

Pride Month wouldn’t exist without queer and transgender people of color. More specifically, it wouldn’t exist without queer and trans people of color fighting back against police brutality. If this is news to you, read about the history of Pride and queer political activism in this blog we wrote last year. If you’re somewhat familiar with the history of Pride, you might know that the riots at the Stonewall Inn, which occurred from June 28th to July 3rd, 1969, are the impetus for the Pride events we know today. With these deep roots in political action, Pride has grown and spread all over the globe. Scroll through this blog to see Pride events happening in and around Davis! 

Shop queer-owned brands by looking for the shelf talker on our shelves. You can see all of our inclusive trade brands here.

It is imperitive the Co-op be a safe and inclusive space for shoppers, Owners and staff. You can read about our decision to include pronouns on nametags to that end here

Pride Month Happenings

The Co-op will be at Davis Pride on 6/4 from 10-2 in Central Park! Come say hi and get one of these *limited edition* pride stickers. Happy Pride Month!

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The Indigenous Impact in the Civil War

Memorial Day, a solemn day of remembrance in the United States, holds deep historical significance as a time to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in military service. The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as “Decoration Day”, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War.
While the origins of this commemoration lie in the aftermath of the American Civil War, it is essential to recognize the often-overlooked contributions and impact of Indigenous peoples during this pivotal period.
This blog post explores and sheds light on the “Five Civilized Tribes” and events that took place throughout the Civil War.

 

Approximately 20,000 Native Americans served in the Union and Confederate armies. Tribes included: the Delaware, Muscogee Creek, Cherokee, Seminole, Kickapoo, Seneca, Osage, Shawnee, Choctaw, Lumbee, Chickasaw, Iroquois, Powhatan, Pequot, Ojibwa, Huron, Odawa, Potawatomi, Catawba, and Pamunkey.

The Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, Catawba, and Creek tribes were the only tribes to fight on the Confederate side.

By the 1830s, Andrew Jackson had removed many Native Americans from their lands in the southern United States. Most tribes were relocated into the Midwest in what was labeled “Indian Territory,” as they were promised by the government to be given land and to be considered nations of their own.

For Native Americans, fighting alongside the white man was seen as an opportunity to gain recognition and support from the prevailing government. They believed that participating in the war effort would restore Native lands and rights. 

The term “Five Civilized Tribes” was applied by European Americans in the colonial and early federal period in the history of the United States to the five major Indigenous Tribes in the Southeast—the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminoles.
Americans of European descent classified them as “civilized” because they had adopted attributes of the Anglo-American culture. Examples of such colonial attributes adopted by these five tribes included Christianity, centralized governments, literacy, market participation, written constitutions, intermarriage with white Americans, and chattel slavery practices, including purchase of enslaved African Americans. For a period, the Five Civilized Tribes tended to maintain stable political relations with the European Americans, before the United States promoted Indian removal of these tribes from the Southeast.
The Seminole Nation

The Seminole in the American Civil War were found in both the Trans-Mississippi and Western Theaters. The Seminole Nation in the Trans-Mississippi Theater had split alliances.

However, the majority of the tribe in the Western territories joined the Union Army under the leadership of Sonuk Miikko (commonly known as Billy Bowlegs). Sonuk formally enlisted in the Union Army as a captain in May 1862 and was assigned command of Company A of the First Indian Home Guards.  

Others, such as John Jumper (pictured left), supported the Confederacy. When the Civil War broke out, Chief Jumper reluctantly agreed to sign an alliance with the Confederate States of America. He also enlisted in the Confederate Army, first serving as a major in the First Battalion Seminole Mounted Rifles, and as lieutenant colonel of the First Regiment Seminole Volunteers. He led these troops in the battles of Round Mountain, Chusto-Talasah, Middle Boggy, and Second Cabin Creek

After the War ended, the Seminole Indians became reclusive and their history was obscured. 

The Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation was divided, with one side led by Principal Chief John Ross and the other by Stand Watie. 

John Ross was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1828 to 1866. Fearing that joining the Confederacy would void the earlier Cherokee treaties with the United States, Ross tried to persuade his people to remain neutral in the conflict, but eventually most chose sides. At a general assembly on August 21, 1861, Ross ended his speech by announcing that in the interests of tribal and inter-Indian unity it was time to agree on an alliance with the Confederate States of America.

Stand Watie was the only Native American to rise to a Confederate brigadier-general’s rank during the war. Watie took part in what is considered to be the greatest (and most famous) Confederate victory in Indian Territory, the Second Battle of Cabin Creek, which took place in what is now Mayes County, Oklahoma on September 19, 1864. The Confederate Army put Watie in command of the Indian Division of Indian Territory in February 1865. By then, however, the Confederates were no longer able to fight in the territory effectively. On June 23, 1865, at Doaksville in the Choctaw Nation (now Oklahoma), Watie signed a cease-fire agreement with Union representatives for his command. He was the last Confederate general in the field to surrender.

The Cherokee Nation was considered the most negatively affected of all Native American tribes during the Civil War, its population declining from 21,000 to 1,500 by 1865. Despite the Federal government’s promise to pardon all Cherokee involved with the Confederacy, the entire Nation was considered disloyal, and those rights were revoked.

 

 

Chickasaw Nation

The Chickasaw Nation was the first of the Five Civilized Tribes to become allies of the Confederate States of America. In addition, they resented the United States government, which had forced them off their lands and failed to protect them against the Plains tribes in the West. In 1861, as tensions rose related to the sectional conflict, the US Army abandoned Fort Washita, leaving the Chickasaw Nation defenseless against the Plains tribes. Confederate officials recruited the American Indian tribes with suggestions of an Indian state if they were victorious in the Civil War.

Because the Chickasaw sided with the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, they had to forfeit some of their land afterward. 

Choctaw Nation

The Choctaw in the American Civil War participated in two major arenas—the Trans-Mississippi and Western Theaters. The Trans-Mississippi had the Choctaw Nation. The Western had the Mississippi Choctaw. The Choctaw Nation had been mostly removed west prior to the War, but the Mississippi Choctaw had remained in the east. Both the Choctaw Nation and the Mississippi Choctaw would ultimately side with the Confederate States of America.

There are several possibilities why they sided with the Confederacy:

1. They believed the United States was on the verge of collapse.

2. They were neglected by the United States.

3. A majority of Mississippi Choctaw soldiers were conscripted into service.

4. Some Choctaw may have been enticed to side with the Confederacy as a possible solution to their land grant problems.

5. Financial incentives including fifty dollar bounty to those who enrolled with the Provisional Army of the Confederate States. 

The Choctaws continued their support for the Confederacy until its collapse.

Muscogee Creek Nation

 

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Opothleyahola, a Muscogee Creek Indian Chief, was among the minority of Creek in Indian Territory who supported the Union. Because of rising conflict within the tribe, he led his followers to Kansas as a refuge. They engaged in three battles against the opposition along the way. Their journey became known as the Trail of Blood on Ice, because the people suffered harsh conditions.

Because many Muscogee Creek people did support the Confederacy during the Civil War, the US government required a new treaty with the nation in 1866 to define peace after the war.

At the end of the war, it was General Ely S. Parker, a member of the Seneca tribe, who drafted the articles of surrender that General Robert E. Lee signed at Appomattox Court House.

Ely S Parker was born in 1828 in Genesee City, New York, as a Seneca, although much of his life was spent straddling two cultures. Parker acquired knowledge of his grandfather’s Iroquoian religion, while he was educated at the local Baptist school. Raised and educated in two cultures, he was a trained attorney and a self-taught engineer. While a captain of engineers with the Rochester regiment of the New York State Militia, he was also a “sachem,” one of the honored positions in his tribe and active in Tonawanda affairs.

Despite being barred from practicing law and receiving an initial rejection from military service because of his race, Parker rose to General Ulysses S. Grant’s staff. In 1863, with Grant’s support, he was commissioned as a staff officer for Brig. Gen. John E. Smith. 

The involvement of Native American tribes, including the Five Civilized Tribes, in the Civil War was a complex and nuanced aspect of this historic conflict. The divisions within tribes, such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole Nations, reflect the challenges faced by Indigenous communities during this turbulent period. While their impact on the overall war effort was limited, the consequences of their involvement had lasting effects on their communities and their relationships with the U.S. government. Understanding the role of Native American tribes, including the Five Civilized Tribes, in the Civil War provides valuable insights into the broader complexities of this significant chapter in American history.

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Co-ops Keep Democracy Alive

Our society should work for everyone

This should not be as lofty of a goal as it is made out to be. And yet, this simple idea must work through a web of institutional failures that we are tasked with undoing and fixing in order to become a reality. This work requires, among many other aspects, a firm commitment to democracy on both a national and local level.

A strong democratic society ensures that all voices are heard, resources are allocated equitably and decisions are made in the best interest of the entire community instead of just a select few. The ways in which a community can uphold democracy are extensive. Quality education and information sharing, political representation that reflects the identity of the community, and open public forums that encourage healthy debate are a few of the examples that may come to mind first. In addition, (and we may be biased on this) one of the most effective ways for a community to practice democracy is through the building and sustaining of local cooperatives. 

Cooperatives (aka co-ops) are community-owned and operated groups and businesses that are democratic by nature. Whether they are a consumer, producer, agricultural, worker, housing, or any other type of co-op, their democratic processes prioritize shared decision-making which ultimately creates a more equitable distribution of resources. By giving Members/Owners a say in how the business or group is run, cooperatives ensure that the community’s needs are met in a way that benefits everyone in the collective.

Consumer grocery co-ops (like us!), in particular, can play a significant role in keeping communities democratic. These stores not only provide access to fresh, local, and healthy food, they operate under a cooperative model that give Owners a say in how the business is run, ensuring that it always serves the needs of the community. This means that a grocery co-op can be more than just a grocery store; it can be a pillar in their city that makes decisions around philanthropy, sustainable practices, inclusion, and more that help define the community in a way that traditional corporations often cannot, or will not.

As a community-owned store that started as a buying club in 1972, the Davis Food Co-op is proud to play a significant role in promoting democracy and equity throughout our organization as well as in the City of Davis and Yolo County at large. We believe that democracy is an essential part of establishing a just and equitable society and we know that process begins in our own community. By giving our Owners the ability to vote and run for our Board of Directors, we ensure that the entire community’s needs are addressed in the business decisions that we make. By promoting shared decision-making and a commitment to the greater good, our co-op can continue to build a future where our community works to serve everyone and can hopefully inspire others to strive for more control over their resources and decision-making as well.

As of the posting of this blog on 5/11/23, we are currently in the process of our Annual Elections. From now until 5/20/23, Davis Food Co-op Owners have the opportunity to vote online for three new Board Members as well as four new Round Up at the Register recipients. To sweeten the deal even more this year, we will be raffling off a $100 gift card to a lucky Owner simply for voting. For more information, visit our Elections page here.

Not yet an Owner but want to learn how you can become one? Visit us in store at the Customer Service Desk or at our Ownership page here.

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Things to do on May 14th – Alternatives to Mother’s Day

May 14th

Alternatives to Mother’s Day

May is a beautiful spring month. Flowers are in bloom, especially after our very wet winter. The weather is finally warm enough to wear dresses and shorts, to feel the sun’s fire on your skin. This is a time to reconnect and grow after months of seasonal dreariness. 

May is also home to Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate mothers and motherhood. For some, it can be a painful month and the constant reminders of motherly love often don’t fit with everyone’s experience of having a mother. Some businesses, like Etsy, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, and Uncommon Goods offer subscribers the option to opt out of receiving emails about Mother’s Day.

Whatever your reason for choosing not to celebrate, we are here to offer you some alternatives to enjoy May 14th and the whole month of May.

May 14th Ideas

Have a self care day! Everyone’s idea of self care will be different, but do try to do something that makes your feel good, loved, safe, etc. (and if it’s too hard to feel good on this day, don’t be mad at yourself that it is). Some ideas are yoga, meditation, hiking or walking, joyful movement (exercise that you actually like doing that actually feels good to you), crafting, spa day, baking or cooking, gardening, reading, napping, calling a friend, the list goes on. 

May is bike month. Grab coffee and lunch to-go from the Co-op, put on some sunscreen, and take a leisure bike ride with some friends through our beautiful small town! Looking for a longer ride? Grab a Davis Bike Map at the Customer Service Desk; head down Russell Boulevard and Putah Creek Road to Winters for Turkovich or Berryessa Gap Wines or Old Davis Road to Dixon to visit the Barn & Pantry

Spend the day in your yard or indoor jungle. Spring is the time for repotting and propagating indoor plants and sprucing up your outdoor garden. Stop by the Patio to grab some new soil, fertilizer, pots, and plants! Check out our blogs on Propagating and Container Gardening, and our Plant Care Guides.

Have a sibling, friend, or pet day instead. Use this day to celebrate the strong relationships you do have. Plan out your ideal friend date, bundle at home or go out and enjoy the spring weather. Just like a self care day, this will vary for everyone. Here is an example of how I would do it: (1) early climbing/yoga/walk followed by matcha (2) go back to my house for hanging on the couch (3) then we make a huge and complicated meal (4) and then we eat it several hours later when it is finally done! 

Spend the day with someone who needs a mother. Sign up to volunteer at the SPCA or foster/adopt at Hearts for Paws Rescue in town. Finding a way to share some love, with a creature that will unconditionally love you back for a walk and some snuggles can be a great way to emotionally heal. Volunteering with both organizations takes a little time and training to qualify. If you are last-minute looking for some snuggles, ask some friends with pets if you can pet sit for the day!

Weekend Happenings

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing, yet it often goes overlooked and untreated. This month provides an opportunity to educate individuals about mental health, advocate for policies that support mental health, and encourage people to seek help when needed.

Mental illness affects millions of people around the world, and the impact can be severe. It can affect one’s ability to function in everyday life, maintain relationships, and contribute to society. It can also lead to physical health problems and even death. Unfortunately, many individuals who suffer from mental illness do not receive the support they need due to the stigma and discrimination that surrounds it.

In the United States:
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
Springtime is peak for depression

While seasonal depression is usually associated with the winter, some people find their symptoms peak in spring. This year, the arrival of sunnier days may pose more challenges than normal.

The exact cause of spring depression is unknown, but researchers have identified some possible contributing factors. These include:
Heat and humidity.
• Longer days.
• Change in sleep patterns due to more sunlight, heat, and other spring and summer discomforts.
• Seeing others having fun (such as in vacation photos) and feeling left out or feeling pressure to feel better.
• Avoidance of summer activities due to health or appearance concerns.
• Seasonal allergies (associated with increased symptoms of depression and mood disorders, possibly due to inflammation).

Although there have been advancements in the quality and effectiveness of mental health treatment, therapy, and support, societal stigma towards mental illness remains pervasive.

Challenging established beliefs is difficult, especially when they have been deeply ingrained over time. Prior to the scientific understanding of mental illness, it was commonly perceived as a curse and those afflicted were often viewed as delusional or possessed, requiring religious intervention. While some developing countries still hold these views, the United States has a particularly bleak history of stigmatization. Even in the 20th century, mentally ill individuals were treated poorly, being relegated to mental asylums and excluded from mainstream society. This ongoing stigma can prevent people from seeking help due to fear of discrimination or judgment from others. Addressing stigma, increasing awareness, reducing barriers, and providing adequate funding and resources are essential steps towards ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to break down these barriers and create a culture of understanding and support for those living with mental illness. It is also a time to highlight the importance of seeking help when needed and the importance of self-care. Taking care of one’s mental health is just as important as taking care of one’s physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Activities and Ideas to Honor Mental Health Awareness Month:

1. Listen to Mental Health Podcasts

Podcasts aren’t the same as therapy or counseling, but they sure can help us feel seen and understood in new ways, especially when they’re made by professionals or folks with lived experiences.

2. Read Books on Mental Health

Your local library or independent bookstore(s) should have a wide array of resources for your mental health studies.

Yolo County Library has highlighted a few Mental Health related books available for check out here

3. Volunteer

Use your time and talents to support a mental health organization! Whether it’s advocating for suicide prevention, volunteering with a hotline or respite center in your area, or offering support, like a meal or help with care tasks to someone going through a difficult time, your big heart is needed.

4. Share Mental Health Resources*

Making mental health resources widely accessible makes it that much easier for even one person to get the help they need.

*That being said, if you choose to engage with mental health stories and resources, keep in mind that these topics can be heavy and triggering for others. Consider adding content warnings to your posts. 

5. Share your personal experiences

By talking openly about your own personal mental health related issues, this can provide inspiration to those who are currently struggling, and build a sense of community among those who have similar experiences. This can also help others better understand what it’s like to live with mental health issues and reduce feelings of shame or isolation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text CHAT to 988 to reach trained crisis counselors.

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Beyond Borrowing Books-National Library Week

Happy National Library Week!

 

It’s National Library Week from April 23-29, 2023.

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee’s goals were ambitious. They ranged from “encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time” to “improving incomes and health” and “developing strong and happy family life.”

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” The 2023 celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the first event.

 

Going Beyond Books

Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

 

Below, we will cover just a few of the great offerings that Yolo County Libraries offer to residents.

Computers, Wi-Fi, Printing & more!

During library hours, folks have access to free Wi-Fi, computer use, and have the option to print, copy, and/or fax documents.

 

California State Park Passes

Thanks to a collaboration between the California State Library and California State Parks, library cardholders can freely access many of the beautiful beaches, forests, deserts, monuments, lakes, and rivers that make up our State Parks system.

  • All Yolo County Library locations have at least one Lucky Day Parks Pass. Lucky Day passes can be borrowed for a period of 3 weeks. Ask at the service desk of your local library branch for a pass. If one’s available, it’s your lucky day!

What Should I Read Next?

Are you looking for a new book, but arent sure what to read next and dont necessarily want to take the time to look up and down the book aisles in the library? Answer a few simple questions about what you like to read (or need to read) and library staff will email personalized recommendations directly to your inbox.

Yolo Reads and ESL Classes

Yolo Reads Adult Literacy provides free tutoring to adults who want to improve their reading, writing, spelling, and grammar skills. Learners receive one-on-one support from volunteer tutors and free materials.

Yolo Reads Family Literacy provides family workshops and builds literacy skills in families who have identified improving literacy to achieve life goals to be a priority.

Learn a new Language for free.

Through Mango Languages, you can choose from 71 different languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese and English.

Libraries can act as a “Third Place”

A “third place” refers to places where people spend time between home (‘first’ place) and work (‘second’ place). They are locations where folks exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships.

According to a 2015 Pew survey, almost two-thirds of adult Americans say that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. Over 90 percent of adults think of public libraries as “welcoming and friendly places,” and about half have visited or otherwise used a public library in the last 12 months.

 

 

 

How to Celebrate National Library Week

1. One of the best ways to celebrate is by visiting your local library and seeing the wonderful offerings it has!

Check Yolo County Library’s Event Calendar here See the full list of their Resources here.

2. Start a Little Free Library in your Neighborhood.

Little Free Libraries play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!) in areas where books could be scarce. Here are 6 tips on how to get one started in your neighborhood. 

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Why Buying Organic is More Sustainable

The care that we show for Earth is far too important for our focus to only take place during a singular day or month each year in April. As a species, it is our duty to make any positive impact that we can to not only maintain the health of our planet, but now more than ever, to try to reverse the adverse effects that our actions have had on the health of ourselves and entire habitats across the globe. While this may seem daunting, in addition to large policy decisions that should be made on a global level, there are also daily choices that we can all make to move the pendulum back in the opposite direction. It is important to recognize the significance of the many sustainable choices that exist, including buying organic produce. Organic farming practices prioritize the health of the environment, our bodies, and wildlife, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional farming practices.

Organic farming supports biodiversity by utilizing natural methods to control pests and diseases. This approach encourages a diverse range of organisms to thrive in the soil and around crops, which can have a positive impact on the surrounding ecosystem. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, organic farming practices can support up to 50% more plant, insect, and bird species than conventional farming practices. Go to any local farm in Yolo County using organic methods and you will see this to be true. The amount of wildlife found on land using organic farming practices is quite stark when compared with their conventional counterparts.

Furthermore, organic farming practices can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers, organic farming methods require less fossil fuel consumption in production. Additionally, organic farming practices, such as cover cropping, can help sequester carbon in the soil, which can help mitigate climate change. A study published in the journal Nature found that organic farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% compared to conventional farming practices.

The Davis Food Co-op recognizes the importance of sustainability and is committed to sourcing organic produce. By buying your produce at the Co-op, you are in turn supporting organic farming practices, which can help to reduce the environmental impact of conventional agriculture, while also providing your household with more high-quality, nutritious food. As we celebrate Earth Month, let us look to continue our recognition for the planet year-round and continue to make choices that prioritize the health and wellbeing of our planet.

For more information on Sustainability from the Co-op, be sure to check out our other blogs here

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