Tuesday September 24th at 7pm at the Co-op Cafe. Come to our AGM, and after the business is done, help us celebrate 20 years with cake and ice cream. * An up-to-date membership is needed in order to vote, check with the store staff if you are unsure of the status of your membership.

Every time you spend more than $50, you can enter your receipt in the draw. The prizeis a $75 credit on your account! Congratulations to Doug and Melanie McCaffery – they won the February draw.

The yearly operation fee of $20 is now due. By keeping your operation fee paid up,you will continue to have access to the monthly Member Specials, you can placepreorders at a lower mark up, you get an account with a $50 credit limit, and you get tovote at the AGM. Here are some good reasons […]

Members can make use of these items on special for the month of March!

On this note, the missing opening act to last Summer’s feature provided ample space for us to experience the themes of April. The activities that abound at this point in the year are representative of the functions in the human being that the ancient Chinese assigned to the Stomach.

We’re Hiring! Join the Co-op team as we gear up for a successful summer.

New things you can find in the food market this season at the Co-op.

From February 1st to February 28th we will hold our member draw. The prize is $75. We will draw the winner on March 1st.

From Feb 1 to Feb 14th, members can take 10% off one shopping trip.

Over the next few months, the board is determined to improve the aging infrastructure of the Coop’s heating and cooling systems. We have freezers that run on banned substances that broke down in the heat of last summer, which is also the time we see the most customers.

January 4th was my one year anniversary as the General Manager of the Co-op, and what a year it has been! I have learned so much, and continue to do so every day.

Starting on Monday, September 6th, the store will be back to Fall hours: Monday – Friday 9am-7pm / Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm

We are holding our AGM on Thursday June 16th at 6:30 pm in the Main Hall at Manson’s Hall. Come out and here about our 2021-2022 year. Doors will open at 6 pm, cookies, coffee and tea will be served.

As the precarity of our earthbound existence increases, witnessed by the damage done to the miraculous, living nest of the Earth and the fragility of global systems, the various cataclysmic possibilities resulting in our own annihilation grow steadily clearer.

The Cortes Natural Food Co-op is pleased to announce that Mary Lavelle has been hired to join our team as the next General Manager! Mary brings a wealth of experience and skills, and we look forward to welcoming her to this important role in the community. Her start date will be in January.

In accordance with the revised BC public health order released on October 27th 2021, the Co-op is pleased to announce that we are able once again to welcome all patrons to be seated on our covered front porch.  Proof of vaccination will not be required for our seated spaces. BC-produced wine, beer. and cider sales […]

We are looking for a TILL SUPERVISOR and LEAD COOK to start immediately and continue year-round.

We are looking for a BARISTA, a COOK, and a RECEIVER to start immediately and continue year-round. Compensation: competitive wage, vacation pay, sick pay, 10% discount on purchases, and health & dental benefits for 20+ hours/week. Submit your resume to the store or send it to carly@cortescoop.ca by Friday, August 27th

Please consider leaving the credit card in your wallet or at home — ditch the plastic — try the prepay!  It’s the easiest, best payment method for both store and customer.

New products available in our Wellness Department. Just in time for Summer!

We are looking for a TILL SUPERVISOR to start immediately and continue year-round. Compensation: competitive wage, vacation pay, sick pay, 10% discount on purchases, and health / dental benefits for 20+ hours per week. Submit your resume to the store or send it to meg@cortescoop.ca

Even if our experience of living on this rock is tinged by the restless, violent overtones of the mechanistic mindset, the island is constantly overflowing with a graceful undercurrent that can aptly be called gestational. Perhaps, in addition to co-existing in an era of crisis and uncertainty, many of us who have found a home here, have done so with the shared purpose of being inoculated with an appreciation for the slow ripening discovery of our inborn, authentic identities.

Please join us for the Cortes Natural Food Coop AGM, June 22nd at 7pm. Registrants will receive the Zoom link and all relevant reports in advance of the meeting. If you are interested in running for the board and want more info, send me a note.

With a changing availability of produce and of staff, the kitchen is creating a gorgeous new menu. Keep an eye out for fresh new salads, wraps, and sandwiches that push organic BC produce into the spotlight. We will lean into the bounty of the summer, work hand-in-hand with the bakery, and deliver some delicious food along the way.

We are looking for a Barista to start immediately and continue year-round. Compensation: competitive wage, vacation pay, sick pay, 10% discount on Co-op purchases, and health/dental benefits if working for 20+ hours/week. Submit your resume at the store, or send it to carly@cortescoop.ca by Wednesday, May 16th.

Shop at the Co-op between May 1-14th and get a 10% discount applied to your total. This offer is for our member-owners who are up to date on this year’s operations fees. The offer can’t be combined with other coupons or discounts, nor used for special orders & bulk orders.

When I have told people that my family and I are leaving the island, many have said “But what is the Co-op going to do without you?” As always, I have a plan for that. First, I admit that there is never a good time to leave, but this certainly isn’t a bad time. Even without me, the current Supervisor team has 30 years of experience making the Co-op the best it can be.

On April 14th, I announced to the staff that my last day with the Co-op would be Friday, May 21st. It is time for Nathaniel and Esiana to go to high school, so we are moving to Powell River this summer. We did not take this decision lightly. Cortes has been our home for the past nine years, and I’ve devoted nine years to making the Co-op the best place it could be.

The bakery is pleased to present our spring bread schedule, featuring longtime favourites and a few new sourdough loaves. We continue to bake bread and pastry seven days a week, so come by and take your pick! The new schedule will begin on Monday, May 3rd.

Wowee! All Gathering Place spices will be 15% off for the month of May! Stock up on these delicious, ethically sourced spices brought to your neighbours, Lovena, Ryan & fam.

New (and delcious!) products now available at the Co-op. Let us know if you have a fave product we aren’t carrying yet, and we can see about getting it in.

We are purchasing Tanto Latte cheeses via Cioffi Deli in Vancouver, who are also making us fresh chicken sausages as well as Italian skinny sausage. It is so great to have such high quality fresh organic Italian style cheese available for purchase on Cortes.

Nuts To You, a Canadian co-op, is sponsoring a draw at the Co-op! Submit your name to win one of two baskets, both including their finest nut butters and $50 gift cards to the Co-op. Put your name in the box by Tuesday, April 27th (only one entry per membership, please) and the draw will take place on Wednesday, April 28th.

How long have you been working at the Co-op? Since February 1st 2021. What are your roles at the co-op? Till Supervisor and any other role that can use support. What do you like most about working at the Co-op? Being of service to the community. What are your other interests or hobbies or work? […]

Are you passionate about creating and serving locally grown, organic, and healthy food to our community? So are we! We are looking for a cook to start immediately. Previous experience is necessary.

As the number of COVID cases in BC continues to rise, we must continue to be vigilant against the virus. We are proceeding with all of the precautions laid out in our COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan, including the provincial mandate that people must wear masks indoors in public spaces like the Co-op.

I have had the pleasure of working and preparing food at the Co-op since the fall of 2018. In my personal life I also enjoy cooking daily for my husband Don and I. He and I feel that sitting down to a well-prepared and healthy supper is one of the most important times of our day. It is our opportunity to be together and share a meal and the news of our day. This is a delicious and easy meal. Substitutions are easy and any time we eat this supper we enjoy it immensely.

For many, having a skincare routine can be a grounding self-care ritual this time of year. It also helps to prevent any discomfort felt from increased exposure to sun and wind. Our new skin care products include Badger Damascus Rose Beauty Balm, Saltspring Soapworks Avocado Rosehip Day Cream, Province Apothecary Protecting and Restoring Face Balm, and St. Francis Night Oil.

Fill our our website & e-news feedback survey below and be entered to win one of two $25 gift certificates! Loading…

The local artisan items have moved to the Deli! Look for an assortment of cards, magnets, books, bracelets, jewelry, wood-working, CDs, wristies, and so much more! Browse while you’re waiting for your order. Thanks to our local vendors for their positive support for this change. And thanks to you for your continued support of our […]

Beginning March 1st, annual operation fees are due for all memberships. All members continue to receive benefits through March 31st. After that, your benefits won’t be available until your $20 fee is all paid up.

The Co-op has a meeting room located at the back of the building. We decided to offer this room for rent to other community organizations and events looking for a professional space for meetings and presentations.

Pizza night has been a great success during the pandemic, and we’re ready to make it even better. Along with pizza, you can pick from our selection of beer, wine, and cider to go with your order.

A profound privilege exists in living in a place resembling a natural Eden, as it offers the opportunity to go out and reorient ourselves by its chaotic order when we feel full. The ephemeral beauty in the crystalline lattice of a single snowflake as it falls before our eyes, and dissolves seconds after touching the body, evokes Metal’s message of reduction into a state of pure simplicity, and awakens an ancestral memory of Winter’s complete embrace.

The new year has brought new offerings in the newly stocked Cortes Co-op Deli and Espresso Bar. Our focus has been on natural and delicious products from local/regional sources. I hope you will enjoy our selection of BC-made beverages.

Click the button to find our Valentine’s Day menu. Fill out the form to submit your orders by Wednesday, February 10th. Pick-up is available on Saturday, February 13th at noon.

Read our detailed Health & Safety plan here. As COVID-19 continues to dominate our lives, we continue to adapt. We are changing some of our policies and procedures at the Co-op because of the new deli opening and because of updated pandemic restrictions. First, as with all interior public spaces in BC, we require everyone to wear […]

Roses are red, violets are blue. We love our members, so here’s a coupon for you! Get 10% off an entire shopping trip between February 1st-14th.

Here’s what’s hot and fresh at the Co-op Store. Nuts for Butter Zazubean Slinky Chocolate without Cane Sugar Cultured Nut Treenut Cheeses Big Mountain Foods Mama Mia Veggie Links Annie’s Deluxe Shells and Cheddar Rawcology Raw Crunch Granola Wildbrine Korean Kimchi Que Pasa Tortilla Chips Grain Free Maison Orphee Pepper and Turmeric Vinaigrette Amy’s Frozen […]

The espresso bar is open four days a week – Tuesday to Friday – from 9 AM to 2 PM. The deli may be open even though the espresso bar is closed. From Tuesday to Friday, we will have someone available to serve you from 2 PM to 6 PM; on the weekends and Mondays, we have someone available from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Tl;dr Closing early on Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve, Closed on Christmas & New Years.

The Co-op will have fresh natural turkeys and frozen organic turkeys available for Christmas! Sign up for one in the store as soon as you can. The Co-op receives the turkeys on Wednesday, December 23rd. We expect customers to pick them up by Thursday afternoon because we will be closing early for Christmas Eve. Happy […]

The bakery is pleased to be offering this special menu to help you keep warm and cozy this festive season. Email your orders to Carly@cortescoop.ca by Friday December 18th. Pick up on December 23rd and 24th.

We are featuring new brands and products in the wellness department at the Co-op that could make great gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

During our December monthly specials, Nuts To You Cashew Butter (both sizes) is on sale.

Our Member-Owner coupon is back! Get 10% off an entire shopping trip between November 16th-30th. Ask your cashier to apply the discount when you are ready!

Eventually, the farmed and forested acres became the setting on which the island, in its many elusive charms, would come to hold my heart in its clutches.

Introducing Tommaso who works in the Co-op kitchen serving up delicious food, including the mouthwatering pizza that keeps so many of you coming back every week!

Our updated plan calls for a reopening in January after the holidays. With this extra time, we decided that we could ask you some questions about what you would like to see in our new model.

Now you can take home pizza and beer – what combination could be better than that?

With gratitude, our Supervisor Team and Board came up with a plan for a bonus. Each staff member received an extra $2 per hour for all the hours they worked in June, July, and August of this year.

Conditions created by the pandemic call for another re-imagining of the Cafe. For the past summer, we modified our previous model to accommodate the protocols necessitated by COVID-19. However, it’s clear that the pandemic is significantly changing the food scene for the long term. The industry expects 40% of restaurants in BC to go out […]

Yes, the Co-op does have turkeys for Thanksgiving! We expect a selection of fresh, natural turkeys from StoneCroft Farm (Black Creek, BC) to be delivered this Friday, October 9th. These birds are fed a non-antibiotic, non-GMO feed; are raised on a pasture; and are processed right there at the farm. Most of them are approximately […]

Our first Virtual Annual General Meeting took place on Tuesday, September 15 th via Zoom. Thanks to the 32 people who joined the call. We tried recording the session but, unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. However, the meeting went smoothly overall and we were pleased with the results. Amy called the meeting to order, and Eric […]

With summer winding down, the Cafe is returning to two days a week, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 AM to 3 PM. We will have baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee available daily in the store even when the cafe is closed. This fall, pick-up pizza nights will continue to be held on Fridays. Starting September 12th & […]

“No one is an island, no island is resilient alone. Together we can make a comeback.” islandcomeback.ca The Cortes Natural Food Co-op has joined the Island Comeback initiative, calling on islanders and friends from our global communities to support British Columbia’s rural island farms, businesses, artisans, and services impacted by COVID-19. By purchasing an Island COMEBACK Gift Certificate, […]

How long have you been working at the Co-op? 3 exciting months! What are your roles at the co-op? You’ll find me working the till in the store as well as stocking shelves. What do you like most about working at the Co-op? I absolutely love the connection to the community. Meeting new folks and […]

We are scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th at 5 PM at Mansons Hall. We intend to host it in person; however, if circumstances change because of the pandemic, we may need to hold a virtual AGM or postpone it again.

At this time, the Co-op does not have a policy making the wearing of masks mandatory while shopping at the store or visiting the cafe. However, we would like to remind our customers that wearing a face mask is a kind and effective way to help keep everyone safe! Scientists and doctors are now encouraging the widespread […]

In TCM, the power of assimilation is associated with the individual’s power of discernment and differentiation, not only through the body’s metabolic functions, which sorts our food matter from the crude to the finite, but also in finding a balance between a sense of self and a sense of other. As in all forms of holistic medicine, balance is key. But how is this balance achieved?

This summer we’re serving up hot delicious pizza pies every Wednesday and Friday night. Order your pizzas by calling the cafe at 935-6505 or dropping by between 9am – 3pm. Pick up your hot pizza in the store between 5 – 7pm. Margherita Pizza – $22 Pesto Veggie Pizza – $26 Pepperoni Pizza – $27 […]

Nuts To You, a Canadian-owned company, is sponsoring a draw at the Co-op! Submit your name to win one of two $50 gift cards. Put your name in the box by Thursday, July 24th (only one entry per membership, please) and the draw will take place on Friday, July 24th.  During our July monthly specials, Nuts To […]

As we posted in our last update about the COVID-19 pandemic, this summer is going to look different than summers past. All of the protocols in that article – like limiting the number of people in the building at once, seating outside only, and separate entrances and exits – will be with us all summer. […]

In order to support our new pickup and delivery service, we are making our store available to browse and order from directly on our website. Although we can’t make every item available, more than 90% of our items can be ordered online right away – including produce, dairy, and grocery. We’re still working on a […]

Summer is just about here, and we’re setting the scene for the sunny months to come. Of course, with the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing and all of the measures we have to follow, the summer scene will look and feel different than usual, but you’re still doing the right thing by supporting local, supporting our staff, […]

The cafe is now open every day from 9am to 3pm! Check here before coming to get familiar with our new safety & space use protocols.

We’re doing pizza night every Friday again this month. We’re expanding our capacity up to 48 pizzas per evening to keep up with demand! We’ll be taking orders between 10 AM and 3 PM and pickup will be between 4 PM and 6:30 PM. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto […]

We would normally announce the AGM in our June e-news, but the Board has decided to postpone the AGM because health regulations do now allow large gatherings of people during this time. The Province has given all organizations a six-month extension for their annual meetings. We considered holding a virtual AGM but who needs one […]

Earth’s Own Culinary Oat CreamTMRW Plant Based BurgerMaison Orphee White Balsamic VinegarNutiva Coconut MannaRXBar Peanut Butter ChocolateCharras Original TostadasSavor Tomato KetchupGlutino Chocolate Chip CookiesKarthein’s Carrot Ginger SauerkrautCha’s Tom Yum Soup MixSweets from the Earth Frozen Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

We’re excited to announce that the Co-op Cafe will be open for the last two Fridays in May from 10 AM to 3 PM. Because of the precautions required by COVID-19, expect a modified experience but the same great food and drink! We will have two distinct lines inside – one for ordering and one […]

Living in a tiny community, we influence each other by the power of example to a much greater degree than the urban norm of anonymity. Instead of just passing by another Cortesian who’s not part of your circles of association, the choice exists to take a more conscious appreciation of the teachers all around us.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals intended to transform our world to protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. These goals align with the vision of Fairtrade Canada: a world where trade justice and sustainable development principles are practiced globally, thereby moving world farmers and workers from a position of vulnerability to […]

Eric Hargrave | General Manager The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a tremendous amount of change in an incredibly short time to our Co-op. Of course, it has been a similar experience for all grocery stores throughout the world as we look for a balance of safety, service, and sanity. Consider the changes for our store […]

You heard right! We’ll be dishing out pizza EVERY FRIDAY! Call 250-935-6505 to place your order between 10 am – 2 pm or drop by the store. Pick up will be between 4-6 pm. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, red onion, feta, […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a serious challenge to our cafe and bakery. As with all restaurants, we switched to take-out service only in the middle of March. This meant all food was to-go only with no inside seating. However, because of the fear surrounding the virus, that week proved to be the lowest sales we’ve seen in […]

The pandemic continues to reverberate throughout the world, and yet BC has shown signs of flattening the curve through actions taken thus far.  Physical distancing and the suspension of gatherings are making a difference and provincial health officials are cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of the virus in BC. In previous articles, we’ve outlined the […]

We continue to work on our protocol for taking grocery orders. Here’sthe plan we’re working with right now: We will take orders via our website at cortescoop.ca/shop This is our new online storefront and it’s in “beta” (as the developers say) — Pick your items and pay via credit card right away. We’ll let you […]

With so many diverse expressions of seasoned knowledge, from alternative counsellors, healers, artists of all makes, and farmers, to inspiring examples of families simply carving out a life here, the challenge of meeting with life’s difficult transitions could be viewed as a profoundly intricate, multifaceted puzzle that begs to be solved.

Nuts To You, a Canadian-owned company, is sponsoring a raffle at the Co-op!  Submit your name to win a Hamilton Beach Elite Blender. Put your name in the box by April 29th (only one entry per membership, please) and the draw will take place on Thursday, April 30th.  Nuts To You is currently sponsoring community […]

You heard right! This month, to keep spirits up, we’ll be dishing out pizza EVERY FRIDAY! Call 250-935-6505 to place your order between 10 am – 2 pm or drop by the store. Pick up will be between 4-6 pm. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, […]

Our bakery and kitchen are still working hard preparing delicious ready-to-eat options available every day. Fresh from the Co-op deli and bakery!

As the pandemic continues in Canada and around the world, it has become necessary for the Co-op to take further steps in the effort to limit its spread. As a critical service provider to our community, we need to ensure that the Co-op remains as safe and as accessible as possible for our staff and […]

As the World Health Organization has declared the novel coronavirus COVID-19 as a pandemic, we have a responsibility to reduce the spread of the virus as a community gathering place and as a critical service provider to the island. We are taking the recommendations from the World Health Organization, the Public Health Agency of Canada, […]

The Co-op has a new meeting room located at the back of the building. We decided to offer this room for rent to other community organizations and events looking for a professional space for meetings and presentations. Consider the following amenities: Convenient location – Mansons Landing Easy access – no key required – just a […]

It’s only March, but roses are already blooming at the Cortes Co-op Cafe in the Rose Mocha. Bittersweet house-made chocolate syrup infused with organic rose petals and rose water is blended with locally-roasted espresso and your choice of milk. Topped with whipped cream, if desired, and a sprinkle of rose petal sugar, the rose mocha […]

We’re proud to partner with Salt Spring Seeds this year to bring you non-GMO heritage and heirloom seeds for your home garden.

Call 250-935-6505 to place your order or drop by the cafe. Pick up between 5:30-7pm. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, red onion, feta, basil oil $25 / Pepperoni: pepperoni, garlic sausage, mozzarella, pizza sauce Add a side of chipotle mayo for $3 more.Gluten-free pizza crusts […]

Beginning March 1st, annual operation fees are due for all memberships. Paying the fee allows you to access the following benefits: Pre-Orders. Discounts on bulk or case quantities ordered ahead of time. Member Specials. We have great specials just for members every month. Charge Account. Receive a $50 credit on your account so you don’t […]

March is membership month! This year, we’re holding a draw to encourage you to update your contact information with us. All you have to do is look at your receipt and either confirm (or change) your address, phone number, and e-mail address. Put the receipt in the box and that’s it! At the end of […]

Join us on Thursday March 12th for our second Dream Cuisine of the season! Chef Fenella Baptista is preparing a mouthwatering meal inspired by North Indian Thali. Seatings are at 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Call or drop by the Co-op to reserve your table by Wednesday March 11th. Vegetarian options are available. We will […]

Calendula is an edible and medicinal plant with strong healing benefits. It is antifungal and antimicrobial, speeds healing, and can be very beneficial to the digestive system. We have a variety of calendula products here at the Co-op.  Our dried calendula flowers in our bulk herb collection can be used in teas, oils, salves, and […]

Call 250-935-6505 to place your order or drop by the cafe. Pick up between 5:30-7pm. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, red onion, feta, basil oil $25 / Pepperoni: pepperoni, garlic sausage, mozzarella, pizza sauce Add a side of chipotle mayo for $3 more.Gluten-free pizza crusts […]

We are planning an open house for local growers on Thursday, February 20th between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM in the Co-op Cafe. We are trying an open house format this year instead of the usual meeting, so stop by for a few minutes, eat a pastry, and see what’s going on. We’ll have posters […]

Food Security Reporting by Hazel Appaqaq 20 min read Every so often you get wind of the latest predicament besetting our food supply, in the form of a shock-worthy story, or dour update, as served up by the news stream that reaches your personal antennae. The past few Discovery reports have centred around the havoc […]

We know it can be a blue and blah time of year, so we’re offering our member-owners another “10% of an entire shopping trip” coupon to lighten your spirits! Swing by the Co-op between now and February 15th and load up on your favourite comfort foods. We can’t make the rain stop but we can […]

Take your sweeties out for an evening of romantic fine dining as we unveil our 2020 Dream Cuisine Series. Chef Rebeka Carpenter will be creating a divine three course meal inspired by French Bistro. Book your spot before Wednesday Feb 12th. Prix Fixe: $35/Adult or $22.50/Child Note: A vegetarian option will be available but not […]

How long have you been working at the Co-op? Since September, I came from Refuge Cove where I was working last summer.  What are your roles at the co-op? I work at the bakery, bread baking shifts, and the cafe kitchen, kitchen prep. What do you like most about working at the Co-op? I love […]

Did you know that you can bring your own empty containers from home to fill up with bulk items? Follow these four simple steps.

In 2017, the government of BC created a commission to establish a fair wage for the province. Based on the plan outlined in their report, the minimum wage has gone up from $10.85 to $13.85 since then. Another increase to $14.60 is slated for June 2020, and the plan calls for a final increase to $15.20 in […]

The calendar year has just finished up, and so we have an idea about how the year has gone in terms of finances. Our fiscal year doesn’t end until the end of February, but we can still compare calendar years and give a winter update on the Co-op’s social enterprise.

We have three Friday Night Pick Up Yer Pizzas this month! Call 250-935-6505 to place your order or drop by the cafe. Pick up between 5:30-7pm. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, red onion, feta, basil oil $25 / Pepperoni: pepperoni, garlic sausage, mozzarella, […]

Wishing all of our members and supporters a Happy New Year. May this year be full of abundance, sunshine, rain, delicious food, opportunities to grow and learn, kindness and good cheer.

The Co-op will have fresh, natural turkeys available for Christmas! About the Turkeys: they have been fed no antibiotics and non-GMO feed. They have been raised on pasture and processed onsite at StoneCroft Farm in Black Creek. Sign up for one (or two!) in the store. Dates for pick-up will be posted soon.

We are now carrying Chickadee Farms organic herbal teas and culinary herbs! Look for them in the bulk herb section – both in bulk and in 100% recycled paperboard boxes with a cellophane liner (these packaged herbs make great gifts for the holidays and they’re on sale this month). Chickadee Farm Organic Herbs is a […]

Holiday Store HoursTuesday, Dec. 24:  9 AM – 5 PMWednesday, Dec. 25:  ClosedThursday, Dec. 26:  12 PM – 5 PMFriday, Dec. 27:  9 AM – 7 PMSaturday, Dec. 28:  10 AM – 6 PMSunday, Dec. 29:  10 AM – 6 PMMonday, Dec. 30:  9 AM – 7 PMTuesday, Dec. 31:  9 AM – 5 PMWednesday, […]

Apple pies! Pear and hazelnut tarts! Sourdough brioche rolls or loaves!  Butter tarts! Spice cake!  The bakery offers lovingly made bread and pastries for your holiday festivities. Croissants and cinnamon buns can baked fresh or frozen for you to bake at home.  Please submit orders to carly@cortescoop.ca by Friday, December 20th. 

Come and learn to make your own beautifully layered croissants and puff pastry! Saturday, December 14th, 12:00 – 3:00 in the Co-op BakeryCost: $65.00 We will make each dough by hand: mixing, pounding butter, rolling and turning (and rolling and turning), and shaping pastries. Each participant can expect to bring home a dozen (unbaked) croissants […]

December’s Friday Pizza Nights are on the 6th and the 20th. Call 250-935-6505 to place your order or drop by the cafe. Pick up between 5:30-7pm. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, red onion, feta, basil oil $25 / Pepperoni: pepperoni, garlic sausage, mozzarella, […]

The Co-op bakery would like to extend a giant thank-you to the fruit and vegetable growers of Cortes. We were able to purchase and process enough of your beautiful produce to satisfy our summer needs and see us through until the New Year; our berry-bursting freezers are a sight to behold! We look forward to our […]

And now for another inspirational, eye-opening glimpse at the seasons travails in the hallowed Food System (or our corner of it), as recounted by our Discovery informant.

Nuts To You, a Canadian-owned company, is providing a gift basket for a draw at the Co-op! Submit your name to win a beautiful basket handmade in Ghana by a community-based women’s group – and it has some great nut butters in it too! Put your name in the box (only one entry per membership, […]

Yum. New & delicious things to buy at your very own Cortes Island Natural Food Co-op. Fun for the whole fam. Vij’s Maharaja PaneerTheo Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter CupsOne Degree Sprouted Oat Honey O’s RW Knudsen Concord Grape JuiceNumi TeasKrisda Chocolatey ChipsAroma Specialty Coffee Roasters Maldon Sea Salt Dumet Moroccan OlivesSunflower Kitchen Organic Turmeric Masala […]

We have new store hours on Saturdays! Starting on Saturday, November 2nd, the store will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM. So to recap, we’ll have weekday hours (Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM) and weekend hours (Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM to 6 PM). And, the cafe is still open […]

Our Member-Owner coupon is back! Get 10% off an entire shopping trip between November 1st-15th. Ask your cashier to apply the discount when you are ready!

As part of our mission, we strive to make healthy and clean food more accessible and more affordable, and one way to ensure that we’re fulfilling that goal is to compare our prices to our competitors. This year, for the first time, we attempted a systematic price comparison with other local grocery stores, and we’d […]

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the sudden death of our beloved Charles Crossland. We were blessed to work side by side with Charles at the Co-op for almost two years, and the hole that he leaves in our lives is very painful. He touched so many of us on the island with […]

The Bakery offers lovingly handmade desserts for your upcoming Thanksgiving feasts.  Pumpkin Pie / $25 / made with local pumpkins Apple Pie / $25 / made with local apples Apple Galette / $20 / made with local apples and spiced apple butter Individual Apple Galette / $3.95 Puff Pastry / $18/kg E-mail your order to carly@cortescoop.ca by […]

It’s that time of year again… the days get shorter, the apples get riper, the tourist season winds down, and local businesses review their financial position and prepare for the leaner winter months. As we review the Co-op’s books this Fall, we’re reminded that we’re still paying between 22 and 24 thousand dollars every year […]

Now in its tenth year, Non-GMO Month is North America’s largest celebration of the consumer’s right to choose non-GMO. Over 14,000 retailers – including the Co-op – have registered to support the Non-GMO Project’s mission of preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers and providing verified non-GMO choices. Did you know that there […]

The Co-op will have fresh natural turkeys available for Thanksgiving! They have been fed no antibiotics and non-GMO feed. They have been raised on pasture and processed onsite at StoneCroft Farm in Black Creek. Sign up for one in the store by Monday, October 7th. The Co-op receives the turkeys fresh on Friday, October 11th and we expect customers […]

By Elke Finley If you like natural skin and healing products, you may want to check out Nature’s Medicine Made by Yulia salves and oils next time you come into the Co-op. Yulia Kochubievsky is the maker of these products.  Wanting to leave the rat race and the big city to live instead in a quiet community in nature, Yulia and her husband came […]

As the days grow shorter, so too do our hours! Starting on Monday, September 3rd, the store will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 AM to 8 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 7 PM. The cafe will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 AM to 3 PM.

How long have you been working at the Co-op? I started working at the Cafe this May and the Store soon after. I had applied back in February because I was coming to Cortes and had worked in organic/health foods and cafes for years. At least I have not had my old nightmares about boxes […]

Canada’s National Organic Week runs from September 9th to the 15th and is the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country. Organized by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), Canadian Organic Growers (COG) and the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), events across the country showcase the growing organic sector in […]

On sale this month at the Co-op are the perfect healthy snacks: all natural dried pineapple and sun dried figs. The pineapple and figs come from Gathering Place Trading Company – one of the Co-op’s longest-running locally owned partners. Of course, they are grown without the use of chemicals, hand-harvested at the peak of ripeness, […]

September’s Friday Night Pizza are on the 13th (spooooky!) and the 27th. Call 250-935-6505 to place your order or drop by the cafe. Pick up between 5:30-7pm. $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, red onion, feta, basil oil $25 / Pepperoni: pepperoni, garlic sausage, […]

We are delighted to have this wonderful local family back on the island and playing their fabulous music at the Co-op. Join us on Tuesday, July 23rd at 8 PM for an unforgettable night of singing and dancing. Read all about their recent activities over at Cortes Currents.

Pizza Nights are on every friday of the summer. Enjoy our new flavours! $20 / Margherita: mozzarella, pizza sauce, fresh basil, basil oil $24 / Pesto Roasted Vegetable: pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, red onion, feta, basil oil $25 / Pepperoni: pepperoni, garlic sausage, mozzarella, pizza sauce Add a side of chipotle mayo for $3 more.Gluten-free pizza crusts cost only […]

The Co-op went through a Climate Smart Certification process this spring. The process has three main parts: to complete an inventory of our business’ greenhouse gas emissions, to create a reduction plan for our emissions, and to communicate our plan to the community. I’m happy to report we completed the process and we’re now Climate […]

The Annual General Meeting took place on Tuesday, June 11th at Manson’s Hall. We shared pizza, salad, and cookies before the meeting. Eric called the meeting to order, and Eric gave reports on operations, Climate Smart certification, and finances and Fred shared the Board report. Directors Amy Robertson, Lara Sawyer, and Isabel Steigemann continue the […]

Having settled comfortably into our beautiful new bakery, I would like to extend an enormous thank-you to everyone who helped us in our expansion. Thank you to our mystery donor; to Johann and John for readying the floors and walls; to Chris for installing all of our plumbing and equipment; to Aaron and Greg for […]

How long have you been working at the Co-op? I’m one of the newbies – as I have only been working at the Co-op for 4 months. What are your roles at the co-op? Primarily I entertain the customers whilst checking them through at the till.  What do you like most about working at the […]

Yummy new things you can buy in our food market. Stock up and get your picnic on!

We are thrilled to announce that the bulk soap station is ready! We’ve got shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from Saltspring Soapworks and laundry and dish soap from Gentle Earth/Island Essentials. Look for them next to the ice cream freezers and bring your own container!

As part of our work with Climate Smart, we recently learned about some great incentives that are currently available in BC for electric vehicles. We’d like to share with you some of the information they sent to us, in case anyone wants to take advantage of the offers! Benefits of electric vehicles / EVs cost as […]

In our latest strategic plan, the Co-op Board committed to the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Over the past few years, we have continued making our best efforts towards the financial health of the Co-op as well as our staff (e.g., raising wages and making health/dental benefits available). We felt that we needed […]

Join us at 5pm on Tuesday June 11th at Manson’s Hall for snacks, stats, and climate check-ups.

A big thank you to everyone who came out on May 1st to help us celebrate our Bakery Opening and take part in May Day festivities. Yummy snacks, flower garlands, and may pole dancing were some of the highlights. Special thanks to our lead organizer, Isabel Steigemann, and to Elke Finley for these beautiful portraits. […]

“Normally,” it only takes small weather fluctuations to provoke a significant effect on the availability and pricing of our distantly acquired foods. All the more reason then, to not leave the food business to the farmers anymore, but to make ourselves into the new sources of nourishment and earth-based knowledge. The global food system is as mind-boggling of a creature to fathom as it ever was, now only increasingly so in the context of climate change.

We are organizing the gallery shows in the cafe for the summer and beyond. The cafe gallery is a great way to show your work to our community. We still have a couple two-week sessions available in the prime sales season of July and August.  If you’d like to be included, send Eric a message […]

Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at 250-935-6505, or dropping by. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella● Hawaiian: ham, bacon, mushroom, caramelized onion, pineapple & mozzarella● Meat: sausage, bacon, pepperoni, […]

On from May 1st-14th, 2019. Limited to one coupon per member-owner (who has paid this year’s operations fee). May not be combined with other coupons or discounts, and can be used in the store only (not cafe). Does not apply to special orders or pre-orders. No need to print this coupon; just ask your cashier to apply the discount when you are ready.

Introducing the newest products we’re selling at the Co-op! Many of them are on special too…

Join us on Thursday April 18th for our final Dream Cuisine of the 2019 season! We have Chef Xuan Ly Betz back by popular demand with more of her divine Southern Vietnamese flavours. Reservations must be made by Wednesday April 17th. Seatings are at 5:30pm and 7:30pm and tickets are $30/Adult and $20/Child. Fill out […]

Finger food and baked goodies for everyone! Join on the back lawn at the Co-op / May 1st from 3-6pm / Bakery Opening & Maypole dance

What do you think about membership? Should it be shared with others, and if so, with whom? We’ve created a members survey to help us find our your answers to these questions!

You can help during cash crunch season by using your charge account. If you’re not using your charge account, we encourage you to use cash or a debit card instead of a credit card.

We are happy to announce that we are making the catalogs from our main suppliers available on the public computer in the store. We have posted instructions for using the catalogs in a binder next to the computer, and you can always ask the store clerk for assistance. You can definitely find what you’re looking for much faster this way!

We received the specialized freezer and refrigerator, and they work flawlessly.  We also received the oven – a behemoth with a proofer and two ovens – and it barely fit through the door.  Thanks to Aaron, Carly, Charles, Elke, Greg, Sheena, and Stephen for the help. Soon we’ll have the oven hooked up (it takes […]

Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at 250-935-6505, or dropping by. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm.

In order to serve our community and those visiting us in the summer month well, we are now accepting applications for the upcoming summer season.

Heidi Gerrard brings us our next mouth watering Dream Cuisine, featuring locavore fare sourced largely from her own garden. Book your seats before March 27th.

Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at 250-935-6505, or dropping by. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm.

Beginning March 1st, all members are asked to pay their annual operation fee in order to continue accessing the following member benefits: Pre-Orders: Discounts on bulk or case quantities ordered ahead of time. Member Specials: We have great specials just for members every two weeks. Charge Account: Receive a $50 credit on your account so […]

We rearranged so that we didn’t have to get rid of any products and we’re adding something new and exciting in the next couple months!

Over the past few months, the bakery has had the pleasure of baking with beautiful heritage grains from Vancouver Island miller True Grain. Their flours are organic, grown in BC, non-hybridized, and stone milled at low temperatures to preserve the flavour and nutrition of each kernel; it is a process which respects the food and […]

Mediterranean in March prepared by Chef Kirsten Vidulich Thursday March 7 – Seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm – $33/Adult $20/Child Appetizer // Avgolemono: a rich lemon, rice, and chicken soupBaked blue cheesecakes with pickled beets, honey, and pita crisps Main // Lamb meatballs with warm yoghurt sauce, sorrel, and mint; Rosemary lemon hasselback potatoes; Red capsicum and eggplant roll Dessert // Cardamon yoghurt […]

Introducing Rebeka Carpenter, a wonderful member of our Co-op team. How long have you been working at the Co-op? I have been working at the Co-op since Nov. 5th, 2018. My last day as Executive Chef at Hollyhock was Nov 2nd. It was such a gift to be able to start a new job at the Co-op, […]

On from February 3 – March 2, 2019 in the Co-op Cafe Gallery “Nothing photographs better than a goat – they have sass, all the qualities of a top model.”  Nadya Rezansoff 2019   Featuring glamourous goat portraiture by Nadya Rezansoff with photos from Rik Oschenbein, Xuan Betz, Chandra James and Kristina Purcell. “Goats were the […]

The Co-op bakery has developed some delicious new savoury items this winter.  Now available most cafe days: Potato & Pea Samosas with built-in apple chutney (no plastic packaging needed!), and bakery sandwiches on freshly baked walnut bread, baguette or croissant with house-made pickles, and a rotation of tasty fillings. Coming Soon: Chana Masala Samosas

Making Golden / Written by Elke Finley In the spring of 2016 the Hargrave family decided to get into the candle making business, thinking it would be something fun they could do together. Buying most of the moulds and other supplies from Izzywicks, a beeswax candle business owned by Izzy Ruthenberg from Cortes Island, Theresa […]

We’re off to a quick start with the bakery expansion. In January, we asked Johann – who happens to be our baker Rochelle’s husband – to install new vinyl tile flooring, and he did a fine job! We also asked Paul from Island Hopper Electrical to prepare the electrical service in the room, and he ended up cleaning up […]

Calling All Local Growers! We are planning an organizational meeting for local growers on Thursday, February 21st at 4:00 PM in the Co-op Cafe. Each year, we hold a meeting to review the last season and plan for the upcoming summer. We’ll talk about existing policies and procedures as well as big-picture visions about opportunities for more […]

Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at 250-935-6505, or dropping by. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella● Hawaiian: ham, bacon, mushroom, caramelized onion, pineapple & mozzarella● Meat: sausage, bacon, pepperoni, […]

Take your sweetie(s) out for a romantic dinner at the Co-op this Valentines’ Day. Chef Rebeka Carpenter will be preparing this romantic menu. Thursday, February 14th with seatings at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. $33 – Adult / $20 – Child. Reservations should be made by Wednesday, February 13th.   MENU // Valentine Dinner  APPETIZER / Onion Tarts with Gorgonzola, […]

Our Dream Cuisine season is kicking off with Chef Carly Mersereau’s French Bistro. Thursday, January 24th with seatings at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. $33 – Adult / $20 – Child. Reservations should be made by Wednesday, January 23rd.   MENU // BISTRO DU NORD-OUEST // Warming French fare, seasonal BC foods  APPETIZER / savoury cheddar gougères and homemade lacto-fermented […]

Introducing Carolyn Howson, one of our beloved Co-op Staff Members. How long have you been working at the Co-op? I have been working at the Co Op three months now. What are your roles at the co-op? I am a cashier most of the time and sometimes help with stocking. What do you like most […]

Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at 250-935-6505, or dropping by. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella● Hawaiian: ham, bacon, mushroom, caramelized onion, pineapple & mozzarella● Meat: sausage, bacon, pepperoni, […]

Change is afoot for the CNFC in 2019.

We loved this interview with Jon Steinman, author of Grocery Story – The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants. He will be swinging by Cortes in September on his book tour. Here are some of our favourite excerpts. It’s like the famous quote from Margaret Mead – “Never doubt that a […]

Store Holiday Hours Monday, Dec. 24: 9 AM – 6 PMTuesday, Dec. 25: ClosedWednesday, Dec. 26: 12 – 6 PMThursday, Dec. 27: 9 AM – 7 PMFriday, Dec. 28: 9 AM – 7 PMSaturday, Dec. 29: 9 AM – 7 PMSunday, Dec. 30: 10 AM – 6 PMMonday, Dec. 31: 9 AM – 6 PMTuesday, […]

The Bakery is growing! For the sixth year in a row, the cafe and bakery showed incredible sales growth last summer. Of course, the more food we produce, the more space we need! Even now – at the beginning of winter – we don’t have enough room for the needs of both the cafe kitchen […]

The Co-op Cafe’s Dream Cuisine Dinner series will kick off again next January! Experienced chefs will showcase their expertise for Cortes diners by preparing delicious, abundant, and nutritious cuisine. Each meal will include an appetizer, main course, and dessert for $33 plus tax (gratuities not included). Since the Co-op Cafe has acquired a liquor license, […]

A Serendipitous Beginning | Written by Elke Finley While talking to Becky Knutson who owns and operates Becca’s Beans with her husband Scott, I was delighted to hear how serendipity played a big part in the beginning of their business. It was in 1997 while their daughter attended a Power of Hope camp that Becky’s […]

The Co-op will have fresh, natural turkeys available for Christmas! About the Turkeys: they have been fed no antibiotics and non-GMO feed. They have been raised on pasture and processed onsite at StoneCroft Farm in Black Creek. Sign up for one (or two!) in the store by Monday, December 10th; the Co-op receives the turkeys […]

On Saturday December 8th, come join your local musicians for a night of jazz, blues, smoky country, pizza, beer and cider! Doors @ 7:30. Suggested donation of $5 – 10. MAMA AND THE BOYS Known to incite crowds into dancing in the rain in parking lots, this heart-melting five-piece band delivers infectious grooves and sweet, […]

Join us Thursday December 6th / Doors at 6pm / Film at 6:30pm. Serving up Popcorn, Pizza, and drinks. Showing: Cloudburst

We have added two seasonal drinks to our menu at the Cafe. Get snuggly with these spicy and delicious wintery concoctions. Pumpkin Spice Latte (8oz – $3.25, 12oz – $4.00, 16oz – $4.75) Organic pumpkin puree combines with pumpkin pie spices and vanilla in this sweet treat. Choose milk, regular or organic, or a milk […]

Make it a party: treat your sweeties to an old fashioned Pizza Pie on Friday November 9th (that’s tomorrow!!) and Friday November 23rd. Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at /6505, or dropping by. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● […]

Written by Bakery Supervisor | Carly Mersereau In an effort to use more (delicious!) local produce, the bakery has purchased and processed an abundance of fruits and vegetables from island growers.  Squash and tomatoes have been roasted and stuffed into our savoury galettes, fruits cooked and spiced for our sweet muffins and pies. Keep watch […]

Written by Hazel Appaqaq | Cortes Co-op Produce Buyer  Before taking up the produce torch at the co-op, I went on a woofing journey around central and coastal BC. One farm on the journey was a heritage apple orchard on Salt Spring: Apple Luscious Organic Orchard, owned by Harry Burton, the main organizer of Salt Spring’s […]

Being a member of a cooperative means being a part of something larger. The Cortes Natural Food Co-op is celebrating National Co-op Week along with the nearly 50,000 other co-operative businesses serving more than 135 million people across North America. Co-op Week takes place from October 14th to 20th in Canada and October is Co-op […]

The Cortes Natural Food Co-op is looking to fill two new positions: Cook: Part-time, year-round position. A minimum of one year professional cooking experience is necessary. Office Coordinator: Part-time, year-round position. A minimum of one year administrative experience, including intermediate to advanced computer skills, is necessary. Compensation includes competitive pay, a 10% discount on store & […]

Pizza Nights this month are on Friday October 5th and Friday October 19th. Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella ● Hawaiian: […]

Cafe / Bunches of roses to Sheena for all of her hard work as our Cafe Supervisor over the past year and a half. During her time as Supervisor, we experienced our busiest seasons ever in the history of the cafe. Thanks to the efficient systems that Sheena helped create, we were able to gracefully […]

Sweet smelling soaps | Written by Elke Finley Have you noticed the Piggy Soap bars that are for sale at the Coop? The beautiful wooden display, featuring six different soap bars, is located in the consignment area of the store. Two of the bars can also be found in the soap section in the middle […]

Store Autumn Hours: As of October 1st, the store is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9am – 7pm & Sundays from 10am – 6pm. Cafe Autumn Hours: After the Thanksgiving weekend, the Cafe will be open three days a week, Monday, Wednesday & Friday, from 9am – 3pm. Enjoy the last cafe Saturday on October […]

Now in its eighth year, Non-GMO Month has more than quadrupled in size. Almost 13,000 retailers have registered to support the Non-GMO Project’s mission of preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers and providing verified non-GMO choices. The Cortes Natural Food Co-op, along with thousands of stores across North America, are helping the […]

Yes, the Co-op does have turkeys for Thanksgiving! We expect a selection of natural turkeys from StoneCroft Farm (Black Creek, BC) to be delivered on Friday, October 5th. These birds eat a non-antibiotic, non-GMO feed, are raised on a pasture, and are processed there at the farm. Stop by and pick one up Friday or on the weekend. Happy […]

Are you passionate about serving locally grown, organic, and healthy food to our community? So are we! The Cortes Natural Food Co-op Cafe is looking for a Cook and a Barista/Barista Supervisor. These are part-time, year-round positions. Cooks: Our cooks are responsible for preparing and displaying quality food products for the Co-op Store and/or Cafe; […]

  How long have you been working at the Co-op? Four months What are your roles at the co-op? Cashier and Barista. What do you like most about working at the Co-op? Interacting with customers and the espresso. What are your other interests or hobbies or work? I do landscaping at the Gorge. I am […]

Pizza night is back to every second Friday. Phew! Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella ● Hawaiian: ham, bacon, mushroom, caramelized […]

Abounding gratitude and many thanks go out to the island producers who’ve had a hand in filling the baskets and bins in the produce section with local delights! Many Cortesian farms and gardens contributed to the store’s fresh selections, which, in addition to supporting the co-op, has helped in spreading out our true local wealth, […]

As the days grow shorter, so do our hours! Starting on Monday, September 3rd, the store will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 AM to 8 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 7 PM. And the cafe will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM.  Have […]

From August 1-15th, member-owners get 10% off one shopping trip at the Co-op! The more you spend the more you save 🙂

The Co-op is looking for a PIZZA COOK, a DISHWASHER, and a KITCHEN SUPERVISOR. Previous experience necessary. These are part-time year-round positions. Compensation includes tips, competitive pay, a 10% discount on store & cafe purchases, and medical/dental benefits for those working more than 20 hours per week. Bring your resume to the store or send […]

This summer we have introduced two new seasonal drinks to our menu! We are now serving cold brew coffee and lavender lemonade. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground beans over night.  This method extracts the caffeine in the beans without extracting other constituents.  This results in a smooth coffee flavour that is less […]

Another thrilling instalment!! Brew Dr. Kombucha http://brewdrkombucha.com/raw-organic-kombucha/ Nature’s Path Golden Turmeric Cereal https://www.naturespath.com/en-ca/products/natures-path-foods/golden-turmeric-cereal/ Natur-a Unsweetened Soy Milk http://natura.ca/boissonSoya.php Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Maple Cereal https://www.naturespath.com/en-ca/products/natures-path-foods/sunrise-crunchy-maple-cereal/ Neal Brothers Organic Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce https://www.nealbrothersfoods.com/products/organic-roasted-garlic-pasta-sauce/ Wedderspoon Gold Kfactor16 Manuka Honey https://shop.wedderspoon.ca/wedderspoon-gold-raw-manuka-honey-kfactor-16-325g-11-5oz/

Not sure what to do after the festivities at Smelt Bay end and before the dance at Manson’s Hall begins? Come have pizza and beer at the Co-op Cafe! Saturday, July 21st 4 PM – 8 PM Order pizza and enjoy a BC beer or cider while you’re waiting. Sit down in the cafe or […]

Straight from Russia to our cafe!  Many have enjoyed the games we’ve shown so far, and here’s the rest of the schedule. Semi-final match on Tuesday, July 10th at 11 AM Semi-final match on Wednesday, July 11th at 11 AM Third-place match on Saturday, July 14th at 7 AM** Final match on Sunday, July 15th […]

For the summer months, we’re doing pizza SUH! nights every week. Pick up some ‘suh and meet your pals at the beach to kick off the weekend with cheese. Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta […]

Our cafe is now open every day from 9 AM to 3 PM for all of July and August. Our new menu includes the favourites we have been developing since last summer – burritos, breakfast sandwiches, butter chicken wraps, roast beef sandwiches, spanakopita, and pizza – plus some new salads, wraps, and parfaits. Our food market is open […]

On May 31, 2018, the United States announced that they would impose tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products imported from Canada. In response, the Government of Canada released a list of countermeasures to these tariffs, and these include the intent to impose a 10% surtax on a variety of foods and household products imported […]

Our Annual General Meeting was a success! About 45 people gathered for pizza, salad, and cookies. The current Board members were introduced, and Eric gave reports on the store and cafe operations as well as a financial report. Amy also reported on the Board’s activities around strategic planning and the courtyard improvement projects. Six of […]

Shrek, “Ogres are like onions!… onions have layers. Ogres have layers.” Donkey, “You know, not everybody like onions… You know what… everybody likes? Parfaits! Have you ever met a person, you say, ‘Let’s get some parfait,’ they say, ‘Hell no, I don’t like no parfait.’? Parfaits are delicious!” Shrek (the motion picture film) 2001. Come […]

Our staff enjoyed a casual get-together on Sunday, June 3rd, closing the store a bit earlier to give every one the chance to attend.  Originally we had planned an outdoor party at Smelt Bay, where we could play volley ball and other fun outdoor games. But Sunday’s weather was not as inviting as we had […]

  The Dream Cuisine dinner series this spring was a huge success! Overall, we served over 325 exquisite meals drawing from a range of inspiration spanning Europe to Asia.  We want to thank all of our chefs who prepared such fine food: Amy Bockner, Valerie Wernet, Carly Mersereau, Lucy Robinson, Thea Block, and Xuan Ly-Betz.  […]

June Pizza nights are on Friday June 8th and 22nd. Order between 9am-3pm (Cafe open hours) by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella ● Hawaiian: ham, bacon, mushroom, […]

It’s AGM season, Islanders, and we’ve got a good one for you this year! The CNFC Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Manson’s Hall.  We’ll have pizza, salad, and cookies at 5:00 PM and the meeting will follow at 5:30 PM.  The agenda includes a Financial Report, a Store […]

As the summer season approaches, we have added another day for our cafe.  We are now open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM.  Stop by for an espresso drink, a baked treat, and breakfast or lunch – we have a wide selection available and ready to go.  We intend […]

Keeping pace with our members’ ever-growing love of pastries, the bakery is pleased to announce the arrival our our newest sidekick: the dough sheeter.  A dough sheeter, or laminoire, functions as a mechanized rolling pin that allows us to produce many more pastries and far fewer aching backs.  We wouldn’t dare change our croissant recipe, but […]

Brand new things to buy at the Co-op this month! Nature’s Path Golden Turmeric Cereal  So Fresh Oat Unsweetened Original (946ml)  So Fresh Cashew Unsweetened Original (946ml)  Pressed by Kind Fruit and Seed bars  Naam Sauces Spread ‘Em Kitchen Co. Cashew Cream Cheese Style Spreads & Dips  Cape Herb and Spice Exotic Spice Boxes  Field […]

The Cortes Island Business and Tourism Association (CIBATA) will be hosting their monthly Learning Lunch  at the Cortes Natural Food Co-op Café  – Tuesday May 29th from noon to 1:30 pm.  Learning Lunches are monthly presentations and lively conversations with invited guests discussing a full-range of topics of interest to Cortes residents; also a great opportunity to meet and network with Cortes locals […]

Another wonderful season of delicious food created by some of Cortes Island’s finest chefs is drawing to a close. But don’t worry! We have one last meal to serve up before you start your summertime noshing on food truck and picnic fare. Presenting Mexican Fiesta with Chef Lucy Robinson. Tickets are $33 (Adult) or $20 […]

Are you looking for cafe work experience?  And are you passionate about serving locally grown, organic, and healthy food to our community? The Cortes Natural Food Co-op Cafe is looking for a Baker and a Cook for the summer season.  Experience is preferred but we are willing to train the right people.  Your compensation includes […]

As the days grow longer, so do our hours! Starting on Monday, May 7th, the store will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 AM to 8 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 7 PM. And, starting on May 26th, the cafe will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. And look for more open cafe days in […]

[CW: Rick and Morty reference] Unlike in some dimensions, our Pizza Hotline is anything but fake! Order by 3pm each Friday by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm that day. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella […]

Thursday May 10th / 5:30pm / 7:30pm Adults $33 / Kids $20 Reservations are required. Book your spot before Wed May 9th.

Huge thank you to Xuan and the Co-op team for yet another mouthwatering Vietnamese flavoured Dream Cuisine. Here is a photo of the exquisite dessert, sesame seeds over gelati with a sweet avocado puree and a wee crepe, yummmy: Next up: Chef Valerie Wernet is presenting a Scandinavian Feast on May 10th Chef Lucy Robinson is […]

We are changing the beat in the Coop cafe/kitchen. Coming by for a wrap to stay? Want a plate? Want to avoid the foil wrapping? We have started leaving some wraps unwrapped so you can enjoy your wrap, wrap-less. Tired of reading the word wrap? Don’t worry we can explore what is inside the wrap! […]

The weather has been quite unpredictable in the last little while here on Cortes Island, never knowing what we might get from one day to another: sunshine, rain or another storm moving through. It has felt a bit like this at our store since the beginning of Spring with more than half of our staff […]

CIBATA will be back at the Co-op Cafe on the last Tuesday of this month (April 24th) for a delicious catered lunch and a presentation from Denice Regnier from Island Coastal Economic Trust. Everyone is welcome – a great networking opportunity for anyone involved in tourism, service, or community organizing on the island. 12pm – […]

We are using a new and improved recipe for our turmeric lattes! Our turmeric paste is now made with ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, a touch of olive oil, and (of course) turmeric powder. We mix this in with steamed milk and add a bit of maple syrup. If milk isn’t your thing, we have almond, […]

Pizza Nights on April 13th and 27th!  Order by 3pm each Friday by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm that day. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella ● Hawaiian: ham, bacon, mushroom, caramelized onion, pineapple & mozzarella […]

Thursday April 19th / 5:30pm / 7:30pm Adults $33 / Kids $20 Reservations are required. Book your spot before Wed April 18th.

Saturday April 21st  Doors at 7pm / Mic at 7:30pm No liquor service at this event!

The Cortes Natural Food Co-op is looking to hire a Produce Buyer.  This is a year-round position and applicants must commit to working through the summer.  Hours vary with the seasons (22-30 hours per week).  Duties include ordering, receiving, pricing, training, accounting, stock management, and working with local vendors.  Retail experience required; ordering experience preferred.  […]

The CNFC Board is getting ready to finalize the plans for the next stage of improvements to the courtyard.  Back in the fall, we were offered a matching funds donation by Twin Island Holdings for $5,000.  And I am happy to announce that we are only $300 awayfrom raising our share.  If you or anyone you […]

You may have noticed how much brighter our washrooms became over a weekend earlier this month.  We give a special thanks for Isabel and Clio for leading the effort – it took a lot of paint to cover those dark green walls!  And thanks to the other friends and staff who stepped in to help […]

Mark your calendars! We have THREE Pizza Nights in March! March 2nd, 16th, and 30th!  Order by 3pm each Friday by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm that day. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella ● Hawaiian: […]

At the Co-op, we’re always trying to improve, and one project that’s been in the works for years has come to be! At the far end of the produce display cooler, we had a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit available in little plastic bags; we called this “repack” because the products were repacked […]

The Cortes Natural Food Co-op is looking for positive people who have a passion for customer service, have fun while working hard, and want to contribute to our community enterprise.  We are looking for a part-time clerk in the store, and duties may include cashiering, customer service, stocking, and opening and closing the store. Benefits […]

After a process that took more than a year, the Co-op Cafe has acquired its liquor license and we now have a small selection of alcohol available for sale while the cafe is open.  We give a special thanks to the current Board of Directors, who had to jump through a lot of hoops (including […]

We have a new fish freezer in the store! Thanks to Craigslist, we picked up this used one for about one-quarter of the price of a new one, and it works great! Now you can see what’s available without keeping the top open. And we still have lots of local fish available from last summer […]

How long have you been working at the Co-op?  I have been working at the Co-op since mid-October. What are your roles at the Co-op?  As a till staff member, my role at the Co-op is to make sure those who come into the store feel welcomed and safe and are able to find the things they […]

The Board of Directors hosted the first Dream Cuisine dinner of the 2018 season — a delicious and beautiful German meal. It was entirely planned, prepared, and served by the Co-op’s Board as a volunteer project, and all proceeds from the evening will go towards the courtyard improvement fund. Our Board deserves a big thank […]

We are planning an organizational meeting for local growers on Tuesday, February 20th at 4:00 pm in the Co-op Cafe. Each year, we hold a meeting to review what took place last season and to plan for the upcoming summer. We’ll talk about existing policies and procedures as well as big-picture visions about opportunities for more collaboration and communication. […]

Bring your humour, creativity and performance to the stage! Musicians, poets, storytellers, and troubadours ― the friendliest audience is found at the Co-op Cafe’s Open Mic nights. Love entertainment? Have some stage fright? Don’t worry! Just sit back and enjoy the show. Doors open at 6:45pm, and the mic opens at 7pm. Admission is FREE!

The Dream Cuisine dinner series is back! The first dinner is Thursday, January 25, and hosted by the Co-op Board of Directors as a fundraiser for courtyard improvements. The meal will include an appetizer, main course, and dessert for $33 plus tax (gratuities not included), and you can expect a fine pairing of wine and/or beer […]

Order by 3pm each Pizza Friday by calling the Co-op Cafe at -6505. Pizzas can be picked up between 5:30 and 7:00pm that day. ● Cheese: mozzarella, feta & cheddar ● Vegetarian: spinach, caramelized onion, roasted pepper, zucchini, olives, feta & mozzarella ● Hawaiian: ham, bacon, mushroom, caramelized onion, pineapple & mozzarella ● Meat: sausage, bacon, pepperoni, ham, caramelized […]

  Starting on Wednesday, January 3, the Co-op will charge for paper cups used for coffee and espresso drinks.  This extra 25-cent charge will apply to all three cup sizes in both the cafe and the store. We encourage our members to use our ceramic cups (while the cafe is open) or to bring their […]