New Fair Trade Products at Our East Store!

New Fair Trade Products at Our East Store!

Recently, our East Store brought in new lanterns and candleholders made by artisans in Moradabad, India. Both Serrv and Ten Thousand Villages support artisan groups in Moradabad. Through their fair trade sales, these artisans support their independent businesses, break the poverty cycle, and simultaneously preserve Indian culture and traditional livelihoods.

Since 2011, SERRV has provided a long-term trading partnership with interest-free advance payments for orders.

Over 300 individual artisans from 38 different groups receive fair wages, business skills training, and resources to allow them to become self-sufficient. Artisans also invest in their community improvement projects, including clean water, education, and health initiatives.

Ten Thousand Villages works with Noah's Ark International Exports is a fair trade handicraft marketing organization. Noah's Ark started in 1986, in one room of a family house in Moradabad. Businessman Samuel Masih observed that exporters and middlemen were taking advantage of handicraft artisans. He started Noah's Ark to fairly promote these artisans and their crafts. Noah's Ark provides benefits such as education and medical treatment for artisans and their families. As artisan businesses become more self-sufficient, Noah's Ark takes on new families. Since the company's inception, about 20 artisan workshops have become independent.

Our East Store has also brought in decorative boxes made from recycled paper pulp, paper mache. Since 1976, SERRV has partnered with these artisans in Mumbai, India, providing a long-term trading partnership and interest-free advance payment for orders. Through sales of their products, over 800 artisans in more than 50 cooperatives and family workshops throughout India receive vital income, interest-free loans, business and computer training, and advances to purchase raw materials. They also receive the support of welfare workers who help provide health clinics and education for children, increase sanitation, and improve their living conditions.

Navigating Egg Prices & Supply in 2025

Navigating Egg Prices & Supply in 2025

Photo of chickens in field provided by Rhodes Family Farm

As we move through 2025, you have likely noticed the significant spike in egg prices. In March, the national average price rose to $6.23 per dozen- that’s a 60% increase year-over-year! This surge has been driven primarily by a severe wave of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has led to the culling of over 35 million birds nationwide. Combined with persistent supply chain disruptions, especially among large-scale commercial producers, this has created volatility in both pricing and availability on a national scale.

Rhodes Family Farm egg carton and eggs

In contrast to the fragility of industrial supply chains, local and alternative egg sources have shown more resilience. Our local vendors have continued to provide eggs consistently and at more stable prices. Our non-local eggs come from unconventional supply chains that are less affected by national disruptions. For instance, Organic Valley is a Cooperative of over 1,800 individual farmers across the U.S. and Canada. These operations are less centralized, less complex, and thus less fragile, which makes them better equipped to weather shocks like disease outbreaks or supply chain disruptions. That said, as HPAI continues to wreak havoc with large-scale egg producers, pressure will be transferred to our smaller alternative suppliers as shoppers look to other channels to meet their needs. It is inevitable that our nationally sourced eggs will increase in cost and perhaps experience shortages as well.

We have once again seen firsthand that while conventional suppliers struggle to adapt, our local partners remain consistent.

Bloomingfoods Embraces the 8th Cooperative Principle–Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Dear Bloomingfoods Owner-Members,

We’re reaching out with exciting news about an important step forward for our cooperative community.

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)—the global body that defines the principles guiding cooperatives—has declared 2025 as the Year of Cooperatives. Also, this year, the ICA is preparing to adopt an 8th Cooperative Principle: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at its upcoming conference. Because it aligns with our core values, Bloomingfoods intends to adopt this principle as well, just as we have with all other ICA cooperative principles.

While the official language is still being finalized, the 8th Principle recognizes that cooperatives are strongest when they are inclusive, equitable, and diverse. 

  • Diversity means actively engaging people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives in all aspects of the cooperative.

  • Equity ensures fair treatment, opportunities, and advancement for all while addressing barriers that prevent full participation.

  • Inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued, allowing them to contribute and benefit fully.

At Bloomingfoods, these values are not new to us—they are embedded in our mission. Our Ends Statement commits us to strengthening the community and ensuring access to healthy, local food for all. Programs like Bloomingfoods for All and SNAP Double Dollars*, which help make fresh food more affordable for SNAP participants, are just one example of how we put the value of inclusion into action. By formally adopting this 8th Principle, our board is reinforcing our co-op’s commitment to these values in everything we do.

We will share more details once the ICA finalizes its wording, but in the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about the cooperative principles:
→  National Co+op Grocers: Cooperative Values and Principles
→  International Cooperative Alliance: Cooperative Identity, Values & Principles

*A brief note–as you may have heard, the SNAP Double Dollars program is unfortunately coming to a close this month. For more information on this program and our plans to continue the work of increasing food access and security for those in need, visit the SNAP Double Dollars page on our website.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions. Feel free to respond to this email or contact us at boardinfo@bloomingfoods.coop.

Thank you for being a part of Bloomingfoods and the larger co-op movement!

In cooperation,
The Bloomingfoods Board of Directors

Meet the Maker: Lighting the Way with Sunbeam Candles

Meet the Maker: Lighting the Way with Sunbeam Candles

At Sunbeam Candles, Earth Day is a welcome opportunity to celebrate the values that guide our work year-round. As Spring unfolds and communities come together to honor the planet, we’re proud to share our story and join in the EarthFest spirit!

For over 20 years, we’ve been handcrafting high-quality candles in our 100% renewable energy powered workshop, bringing warmth, light, and sustainability into homes nationwide. We believe in thoughtful production, mindful living, and everyday actions that support a healthier Earth.

Handcrafting candles in our solar-and-wind-powered workshop in Ithaca, NY.

Handcrafting candles in our solar-and-wind-powered workshop in Ithaca, NY.

A Candle Rooted in Sustainability

Our candles are handcrafted with 100% pure beeswax sourced exclusively from domestic beekeepers. We never use paraffin, and our commitment to plastic-free packaging, cotton wicks, and essential oils rather than artificial fragrances reflects our dedication to high-quality, clean-burning candles.

We also focus on longevity and reusability. Beeswax burns longer and cleaner than other waxes reducing waste, and many of our container candles can be repurposed once the candle is finished - perfect for Spring cleaning and refreshing your space sustainably.

Thoughtfully made, start to finish, Our hand-dipped tapers reflect our commitment to sustainability and craftmanship.

Thoughtfully made, start to finish, Our hand-dipped tapers reflect our commitment to sustainability and craftmanship.

Why People Choose Sunbeam Candles

  • Earth-friendly & ethical - Perfect for low-waste, eco-conscious lifestyles

  • Handcrafted & unique - including exclusive hand-carved designs

  • Clean burning & long-lasting - A healthier alternative to synthetic candles

  • Thoughtful designs for gifting and home - Ideal for self-care, seasonal décor, or meaningful moments.

This Earth Day, Light with Intention

Candles are more than a source of light - they’re a way to slow down, set a mood, and bring mindfulness into your daily rituals. This Earth Day, we invite you to burn brighter and more sustainably.

Discover candles that align with your values and help illuminate a more conscious way of living. www.sunbeamcandles.com

Spring is the Season for a Light Rosé!

Spring is the Season for a Light Rosé!

Image of rosé being poured into a glass

Springtime is an ideal time to enjoy rosé wines, especially as the weather warms and people crave lighter, more refreshing beverages. A rosé’s crisp and light profile makes it a perfect alternative to heavier red wines during the warmer months.

Its versatility and food-pairing capabilities make it a perfect choice for spring dishes, including salmon, grilled meats, salads, soft cheeses. It is also a popular choice for spring events like picnics, barbeques, and garden parties.

Some of our popular rosés:

  • Frey Organic Rosé: this dry rosé is quickly pressed off the skins of perfectly ripe red grapes and fermented with traditional yeasts. Enjoy the aromas of fresh strawberries and wild roses with smooth, crisp raspberry flavors. It has an 84-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

  • Emina Rosé Prestigio: This wine offers a bouquet of cantaloupe and orange blossom with a hint of jalapeño. It opens with savory notes of dried sage and white button mushrooms that transition to flavors of Valencia orange, lemon-lime and honeydew melon that culminate in a zesty, fruit-filled finish. It has a 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

  • La Vielle Ferme Sparkling Rosé: Made from vines planted on limestone soils which allows the roots to draw the necessary freshness and water they need to provide good acidity to the wine. Once blended, the wines are rested in stainless steel tanks. The neutrality of the stainless steel allows us to preserve the fruit aromas and the freshness provided by the limestone soils. It has an 87-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

  • Bonterra Organic Rosé: This delicate, salmon-hued Rosé leaps from the glass with heady aromas of grapefruit, blood orange, watermelon and cherry. Light bodied and fresh, the wine culminates in a clean finish accented by mouthwatering acidity. This wine has an 87 point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Rosés aren’t your thing? Try a white pinot noir…

Amity White Pinot Noir: This white wine is made from red wine grapes! Produced from mature vines, it has intense lemon custard, pineapple, and melon notes. Amity Vineyards sits atop the Amity Hills in the Willamette Valley, the heart of Oregon Wine Country. This wine has a 90 point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

NEW Local Vendor: The Elderberry Co.!

NEW Local Vendor - The Elderberry Co.!

Jenny Watson’s journey into entrepreneurship began in 2017, rooted in her passion for health and her desire to support her family’s well-being. Becoming a mom herself nearly 10 years ago, Jenny was dedicated to prioritizing natural remedies. She discovered the benefits of elderberry syrup through personal use, finding it to be an effective solution for boosting her family’s immune systems and keeping them healthy throughout the year.

What started as a simple Facebook post asking her friends and family if they wanted to try her homemade Elderberry Syrup quickly transformed into something much larger. Encouraged by the enthusiastic responses from her community, Jenny decided to share her creation with a broader audience. She set up The Elderberry Co. with a vision of making natural health accessible to families everywhere. With a commitment to quality, Jenny crafted her elderberry syrup in small batches, ensuring that each jar was filled with the best ingredients. Word of mouth spread rapidly, and demand grew as people experienced the benefits for themselves. Jenny’s genuine passion for wellness resonated with customers, leading to a thriving business that captured the attention of health-conscious individuals across the nation.

The Elderberry Co. Elderberry Immunity Gummies

As The Elderberry Co. expanded, Jenny assembled a small, dedicated team of people who shared her commitment to holistic health. Together, they began to develop a full line of natural products that complemented the elderberry syrup. This included Elderberry Gummies, Collagen + Biotin Gummies, loose leaf tea, raw honey, magnesium balm, tallow, and more. Each product was designed with care, using high-quality ingredients that families could trust. Through her innovative marketing strategies and strong community engagement, Jenny successfully grew The Elderberry Co. into a nationwide brand, proudly shipping her products to all 50 states. Her approach emphasized not just the health benefits of her products, but also the importance of empowering families to take charge of their wellness in a natural way.

The Elderberry Co.. Magnesium Balm

Today, The Elderberry Co. stands as a testament to Jenny’s hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. She remains deeply connected to her roots, continually engaging with her customers and sharing her knowledge of natural health remedies. As she looks to the future, Jenny is excited to keep expanding her product line and educating families about the power of nature in achieving wellness. The Elderberry Co. is not just a business for Jenny; it’s a mission to inspire and empower others to lead healthier lives, one elderberry at a time.

The Elderberry Co. products are only available at our Near West Store!

Learn more about The Elderberry Co.!

A Thank You From Farm to Family Fund

Thank you, Bloomingfoods shoppers, for your donations in February through the Positive Change Program! With your rounding up last month, we reached our goal of raising $35,000 since May 2024. This amount will be matched with $70,000 through a 2-for-1 challenge grant. The total of $105,000 will help us continue supporting local farmers, agencies and families in our community while reducing food waste.

With the uncertainty of these times, we are all the more appreciative of your support. Many thanks to Bloomingfoods for this program!

With gratitude,
Farm to Family Fund
Board of Directors

Local, Women-Owned Brands We Proudly Support!

Women-Owned LOCAL Brands We Proudly Support!

Know & support all of the WOMEN-OWNED LOCAL BRANDS we carry at our stores!

NEW Local Vendor: Winter Blooms!

NEW Local Vendor - Winter Blooms!

Winter Blooms, nestled in a picturesque valley just east of Bloomington, spans 107 acres and features a geode-filled creek winding through its landscape. While the surrounding area rests in muted grays and browns during the cooler months, the farm's greenhouse bursts with vibrant color. Dedicated to fostering connection and expression, Winter Blooms helps the community convey compassion, joy, desire, and whimsy through the heartfelt act of giving flowers.

Emily Winter, the driving force behind Winter Blooms, is a passionate dreamer, a devoted mother of two, and a flower farmer. Her lifelong love for nurturing plants and working the soil—rooted in her childhood near her grandparents’ 14th-century working farm in England—has culminated in this fulfilling pursuit. It beautifully combines her love of art, planting, the outdoors, photography, science, and spreading joy.

Winter Blooms grows and sells flowers through the cooler months of the year. Flowers are available from December through the end of May and sold locally at the Bloomington Winter Farmer's Market, Bloomingfoods Near West & East Stores.

Learn more about Winter Blooms!

What's Your Fruit Sign?

What’s Your Fruit Sign?

Capricorn: You’re the Cherry

Although cherries are undeniably delectable and sweet, there’s also something dark and mysterious about them that a Capricorn can relate to. You could be eating a bowl of cherries on your front porch during a summer day or you could be sipping on a bitter Manhattan before biting into a maraschino. However, eating a cherry involves some grit, as you always have to deal with the pit. You’re up for the challenge, Capricorn.

Aquarius: You’re the Avocado

Like the avocado, people either love you or hate you. Aquarius is known for having a controversial personality that can attract fierce admirers or passionate haters. Avocados deal with the same thing, as the people who love them can’t get enough of their creamy goodness and the rest can’t stand the texture. Either way, you’re social and community-oriented at heart, which is why you love the way avocado becomes guacamole dip to be shared with all.

Pisces: You’re the Watermelon

You’re the wateriest water sign who ever lived, Pisces. You’re literally made from mutable water, giving you an infinite number of emotions and imaginations. The watermelon is the most rehydrating fruit of all, which is exactly why you align with its frequency. You’re also the zodiac sign of immortality and you’ll love the way watermelon contains the most lycopene of any fruit, which has anti-cancer properties. You’re also an incredibly giving zodiac sign and a watermelon is more than enough to feed the group.

Aries: You’re the Pineapple

Like the pineapple, you have a tendency to steal the show. It towers above all other. You’re ruled by warrior Mars, which can often come across as prickly and unapproachable at first. However, once they get beyond your guarded surface, people are often shocked to discover how sweet you really are.

Taurus: You’re the Grape

You and grapes have a lot in common. You’re both incredibly sensual, luxurious, and romantic, which is why you know you’ve fantasized about a lover feeding you grapes at some point or another. Grapes are also used to make wine, which is exactly your vibe. Everyone knows Taurus loves to wind down and relax with a glass of any of the varieties. You are ruled by pleasure-oriented Venus, after all.

Gemini: You’re the Orange

You’re a connoisseur of sweet and sour flavors, as it reflects your dual-sided nature. You know you can’t resist the joy of peeling an orange and getting your hands all sticky before taking your first juicy bite. Not only do citrusy flavors capture your cheery disposition, but their bold and awakening flavors get your creative juices flowing. An orange always leaves you feeling energized and what Gemini doesn’t want that?

Cancer: You’re the Peach

Your nurturing and caring personality could only be described as peaches ‘n cream. This fruit is soft as velvet on the outside, reflecting your soothing nature. Like the peach, you taste sweet with a hint of sour, but that core you don’t expect to bite into perfectly captures your protective nature. People have a tendency to mistake your kindness for weakness, just like the peach.

Leo: You’re the Mango

You’re ruled by the sun and you reign during summer. The only fruit that could really do a Leo justice is the plumpest mango in the produce section. And if juice isn’t dribbling down your chin when you bite into it, are you even really enjoying it? The mango reminds us all to kick back, relax, and have a good time—just like you do, Leo.

Virgo: You’re the Apple

You’re clean eating royalty, Virgo. You’re literally the zodiac sign of health and wellness, which is why you probably know all about how an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This pristine fruit is perfect for picking, giving you something to do when the summer ends and fall begins. It’s also the fruit that’s symbolically tied to purity and fertility, which is exactly what a Virgo represents.

Libra: You’re the Strawberry

Did you know that feeding your love chocolate-covered strawberries is a love spell? Of course you do, Libra. You’re the zodiac sign of romance and relationships, after all. And if you haven’t thought about your crush while eating these heart-shaped fruits that inspired the most popular candy flavor of all time, are you even a Libra? Whether it’s big or small, biting into a strawberry makes you want to fall.

Scorpio: You’re the Pomegranate

You’re passionate, intense, and a little possessive, Scorpio. That’s why you could only be represented by the gorgeous and detoxifying pomegranate. This bejeweled fruit is associated with contracts—just like Scorpio—as it was after eating six pomegranate seeds that Hades was able to trap his beloved Persephone in the Underworld for six months out of the year. If that’s not symbolism for Scorpio, I don’t know what is.

Sagittarius: You’re the Banana

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter—planet of joy, luck, and abundance—while bananas are literally proven to make you happier. You probably know all about the way eating a banana can lift your mood, especially when you’re hangry and you don’t know when your next meal is going to be. You’re also a philosopher at heart, which is why you always love peeling back the surface and seeing what’s inside.

Source: https://stylecaster.com/lifestyle/zodiac/1618218/zodiac-signs-fruit/

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