It's Time to Celebrate the Harvest!
October 14, 2024
Bidding farewell to the warm days of summer feels bittersweet (can you ever truly get enough of what you love?), but the allure of autumn on the prairies can’t be denied! Tarp down the air conditioners and enjoy the cooler embrace of the fall wind in your hair and on your face. Harvested fields and wetlands are alive with birds - resting, eating, chattering together - planning their escape. It won’t be long until they are gathering in flocks far above our heads, moving in sync, soaring higher and higher, and then, as quickly as they came in springtime, they will be gone. School has been in session for almost a month and families are falling back into familiar routines. Summer feels a long time gone as we enjoy a somewhat slower and more predictable pace. But don’t get too comfortable, because October holds a couple of big deal family occasions, and preparation for both is key!
Gardens and crops are mostly harvested by now. It’s time to celebrate the bounty! Fall feasts feature many Indigenous foods like squash, beans, corn, cranberries, potatoes, chocolate, tomatoes, wild rice and turkey. We hope that you have already reserved your perfect Thanksgiving turkey from Steep Hill! We have that, and all the other trimmings, for your family and friend celebration of thanks and gratitude this October 14.
Halloween follows on the 31st of course! Steep Hill stocks a variety of candy and treats for your little ghouls and goblins. Really want to go full-on Halloween? Why not take in Pumpkins After Dark at Prairieland Park from October 11-31! Explore the magical outdoor pathway of over 10,000 lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, complete with music, sounds and special effects. With classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, movie and pop culture icons - this family-friendly event has something for everyone. You may never look at Halloween the same! BOO!
Remembering Gerry Yakimoski
The Steep Hill community was saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry Yakimoski on September 24. She was one of the visionaries who founded Steep Hill co-op over 45 years ago. In the early days the work of running the co-op was all volunteer, but when it became clear that paid staff was needed, Gerry stepped up and became the store’s first manager. She saw the co-op through many changes over her four-decade career! Longtime members will remember her at the till, organizing stock, taking special orders, and making sure working member volunteers knew what to do during their shifts. Gerry passed away peacefully on September 24 in Saskatoon. Her contribution to our co-op was immense. We remember her with great appreciation and affection for who she was and all she did for our community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.
Gerry’s funeral was held on Saturday, September 28. You may share a favourite memory or offer words of sympathy below her obituary on the Martens Warman Funeral Home website.
Steep Hill Is Bigger Than You Might Think!
By Cathy Holtslander, Steep Hill President
We live in interesting times. Perhaps too interesting. Local, national and international news these days all report on serious situations that are deeply troubling. We are hearing more and more about ways people are being driven apart, isolated from one another and made fearful or angry due to things like social media algorithms, inflammatory political figures and disinformation campaigns.
What does this have to do with Steep Hill? One of the best ways to combat polarization is to build community – by taking opportunities to get to know your neighbours and working together in ways that are meaningful and empowering.
Steep Hill is not just a grocery store – our co-op is also a space where people come together around food to care for one another, to call for food justice, and support ecological health. The friendly shopping atmosphere at Steep Hill is something we create with and for one another.
When Steep Hill was founded over 45 years ago, there was a reason it was set up as a non-profit co-operative and not just a regular store, a charity or a non-profit organization. As a co-op, we are directly connected to one other through economic ties. When you buy groceries at Steep Hill, the money you spend to feed yourself and family goes toward paying the farmers and workers who supply us, paying staff who keep everything organized, and to paying the utilities and rent for our convenient location on Broadway. By selling Fair Trade products, organic foods, local foods and products made by other co-operatives, your grocery dollars reach out into the larger community to feed those who feed us. Unlike the big supermarkets, there are no wealthy shareholders taking a cut at Steep Hill.
Steep Hill epitomizes a “circular economy” that builds community and cares for the planet. This kind of economy supports peace and justice in contrast to an “extractive economy” that feeds conflict and division by seeking to enrich some at the expense of others. Your membership in Steep Hill, and you’re continuing support of your co-op through weekly shopping and monthly work commitments makes a difference. While our store is physically small, you truly are part of something bigger.
Co-op Week
Co-op Week is celebrated from October 13 to 19 this year and is a time to recognize the valuable role co-operatives play in our communities. Co-ops such as Steep Hill Food Co-op, are member-owned organizations that prioritize people over profits. Whether in housing, agriculture, finance, or retail, co-ops work to meet the needs of the community, creating more inclusive and resilient economies.
Steep Hill has been a vital part of Saskatoon’s local food scene, offering members and non-members access to sustainable, locally-sourced products as well as household staples. As affordability becomes a more pressing issue, the co-op model - seen through the success of places like Steep Hill - offers community-driven solutions that foster collaboration and long-term resilience.
During Co-op Week, we celebrate the efforts of co-op members and leaders who build inclusive, sustainable, and equitable communities. Co-operatives like Steep Hill focus on community, strengthening local access to food, and empowering individuals to have a say in the services they rely on.
Over the last seven months we’ve shared information about the foundational Co-operative Principles and how Steep Hill embraces those principles. The last principle is being shared this month (see below) and we are pleased to be able to continue to support the community and the co-operative landscape both in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan.
Let’s recognize the positive impact of co-operatives and continue to support them in building a better future for everyone!
Fair Trade Month
Along with its commitment to sustainable food and products, Steep Hill has a long history of promoting and stocking Fair Trade products whenever possible. October is Fair Trade Month, and this year is extra special, marking the 30th anniversary of Fair Trade in both Canada and the UK.
As a larger movement, fair trade began in the mid-1940s as an effort to ensure that a group of impoverished artisans were fairly and directly paid for their work. From this first project, businesses operating with the well-being of producers and artisans at heart began to organize and promote fair trade standards.
Today, fair trade co-operatives and organizations exist in much of the world. Fair trade principles recognize that small-scale farmers and production workers, often in so-called developing countries, are the most negatively affected by the global trade system. Fair trade pays farmers and producers a price that covers the cost of producing crops sustainably, as well as a Fairtrade Premium, an amount above the crop’s selling price that producers can then invest in local businesses or projects of their choice. Producers involved in fair trade develop strong relationships with buyers and have the assurance that their crop will be purchased; this enables them to plan more securely for the future of their families and community. Importantly, fair trade requires safe and appropriate working conditions and bans discrimination, exploitation, and child labour.
Certified fair trade products have passed a rigorous audit process, including on-site inspections and monitoring of financial transactions; products and traders who have qualified for certification can then display a certified fair trade logo on their products. One of Steep Hill’s most popular certified fair trade brands is Camino, source of chocolate, cocoa, sugar, and other baking goods. As certification is a lengthy and expensive process, some organizations that follow fair trade principles choose not to pursue certification. Level Ground Coffee for example, has long-standing relationships with coffee producers and fair trade co-operatives around the word, but is not certified. It is important to note that some products may claim that they are certified fair trade, but their certification may not meet the standards of independent certification bodies.
There are a number of excellent fair trade resources available, including:
For more information on Fair Trade Month, including promotions and prizes, visit fairtrade.ca.
Concern For Community
Steep Hill Food Co-op embodies the co-operative principle of Concern for Community by prioritizing the well-being of its members, customers, and the broader community in all aspects of its operations. At the heart of its mission lies a commitment to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving community through co-operative principles and actions.
One way in which Steep Hill Food Co-op demonstrates Concern for Community is through its commitment to providing access to healthy, sustainable, and ethically sourced food. By offering a diverse selection of locally sourced produce, organic goods, and fair trade products, the co-op ensures that its community has access to nutritious and environmentally conscious options. Additionally, the co-op actively engages with local farmers and producers, fostering relationships that support the vitality of the regional food system.
Furthermore, Steep Hill prioritizes community engagement and involvement in decision-making processes. Through democratic governance structures, such as member-owner meetings and committees, the co-op empowers its community to have a voice in shaping the direction of the organization. By valuing inclusivity and participatory decision-making, Steep Hill Food Co-op fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among its members, strengthening the bonds of community.
Additionally, Steep Hill demonstrates Concern for Community through its support of local initiatives and organizations. Whether it’s partnering with Cosmo Industries, donating food to the Riversdale Community Fridge, or simply looking out for some of our more vulnerable neighbours on Broadway, Steep Hill contributes to the well-being of its community beyond its walls. By investing in initiatives that address food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and social justice, Steep Hill Food Co-op exemplifies its commitment to building a stronger and more resilient community for all.
Through its actions, the co-op not only nourishes the bodies and minds of its community but also cultivates a sense of connection and solidarity that strengthens the fabric of society.
This article is one part of an 8-part series outlining how Steep Hill Food Co-op embodies the internationally recognized Co-op Principles.
Holiday Celebrations - What’s On Your Menu?
Steep Hill would like to be prepared to offer ingredients for the kinds of menu items you serve when you celebrate your special winter holiday - Diwali, Hanukkah, Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve – or another day that is special for you and yours.
Please take a minute or two to fill in this short holiday survey to help us plan our ordering, so we can have what you want in stock when you shop for upcoming special occasions.
And we want to make sure we have what you are looking for when doing your everyday shopping too. The Steep Hill product survey is still open. Tell us what kinds of products you are most interested in, and if there are specific items you’d like to see on our shelves, filling in this survey is a good way to let staff know.
Soup Season - Making the Most of Discount Produce and Eating Seasonally
Soup season is here! As the cooler weather starts settling in, soups are a wonderful, warm meal option for lunch and supper. One of the great benefits of soup is its flexibility. You can easily substitute ingredients based on your personal preferences as well as what’s available. Many of us start our grocery shopping trip with a full list of the food we’ll need for our meals for the coming week. A great option that can help with your budget and reduce food waste is to plan to make a soup out of the discount produce that is available at the store. There is often great variety with discount produce that either needs to be eaten sooner or maybe just isn’t as visually appealing. However, an “ugly” zucchini or squash tastes just as delicious in soup as a pretty one.
Soup is also a great option for eating seasonally. There are tons of produce choices in season in October for different soup options, like corn, beets, cabbage, carrots, and pumpkin. You can mix and match this produce for lots of tasty soups and include other foods like beans, noodles, meat, and dough dumplings for endless delicious soup possibilities. As we move further into fall, there are also many types of produce that are starting to move out of their seasonal window, such as beans and bell peppers. You could also combine your seasonal produce with discount produce options for a soup that has produce that is both at its nutritional peak and reduces food waste. Best of all is when these categories overlap.
Steep Hill Needs You
Is outreach your passion? Steep Hill is looking for someone to contact and recruit potential volunteers. We have a list of jobs and a list of some interested people – we just need someone with the time to make contacts and connections!
Fall clean-up season is here, and we would love to have someone weed at the back of the store and possibly do some tree trimming. If winter chores are your thing, Steep Hill will need people willing to shovel when the inevitable snow comes.
We are still in need of volunteers who are willing to pick up and recycle cardboard, as well as people able to pick up and dispose of garbage. We would also like to create a list of ‘on-call’ handy people to help with any needed repairs – let us know what your skill set is, and we’ll add you to the list.
Participating in Steep Hill’s operations this way is an important contribution to the co-op, and you will be rewarded! By doing an in-store shift or a supporting task each month, you will be eligible for the 6% Working Member discount on your grocery purchases the following month.
If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, please email Amielle directly at hello@steephillfood.ca. Of course, we always rely on the work of our in-store volunteers for packaging and other necessary tasks – you can sign up for a shift in the store or by calling 306-664-4455 or emailing hello@steephillfood.ca to request a shift.
Thank you to all of our current volunteers! If you’ve ever thought about becoming a Working Member for Steep Hill, now is a great time to get involved!
Upcoming Events
October 22 - Sustainability Speakers Series with Dr. Emily Eaton
November 5 - We don’t knead GMO wheat! with Lucy Sharrat, CBAN
We Want to Hear From You!
For information about products and the store, email us at hello@steephillfood.ca or call 306-664-4455.
To contact the Board of Directors with ideas, feedback, concerns or questions, email board@steephillfood.ca or fill out a “How did we do today” card when you are in the store.
Thanks to Jasmin Carlton, Amielle Christopherson, Adam Douglas, Cathy Holtslander, Maryann Scott, Ann Smith, and Brianne Weigel for contributing to the Newsletter!
Your grocery store on Broadway!