About Us

Since 2007, we’ve been offering healthy alternatives for local shoppers who care about where their food comes from. We are a hub for fresh, local, organic, and GMO-free products that help to create a sustainable food supply for our community. Many of our vendors live right here in Thurston County, and you may run into them when you visit the store.

Everyone is welcome!

Whether you’ve been a co-op member since birth or are brand new to the concept, our staff can help. All of us are knowledgeable about the products we carry and we’re happy to share that knowledge. You don’t need to be a member to shop here, but you won’t want to miss out on the many benefits of becoming a member. We offer the following services to our community:

  • We accept food stamps
  • We honor other co-op’s memberships.
  • We offer servicemen and women who present military ID or are in uniform member prices and other buying privileges.

Get Involved. Volunteers, also known as Working Members, are the backbone of our organization. They contribute time and energy to everything from cashiering and stocking items to creating signs and helping with special events. Want to get involved?

OUR VISION 

  • To be a central location for our community reflecting values of a healthy lifestyle. 
  • To serve our community by investing in our local food producers and businesses. 
  • To be able to promote the values of organic, healthy foods.
  • To be a place of education for our community with regard to these principles.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to continually grow our organization by educating ourselves and practicing the fundamental principles of cooperation, membership service and community service on an ongoing basis.

We are a community-owned grocery store that serves the community’s needs, not the needs of big corporations. We source our products as close to home as possible. By sourcing locally and selling sustainable and natural products, The Yelm Food Coop keeps our community’s money in the local economy, which promotes local independence.

OUR STAFF

  • Ashley Jamieson – Cashier/Buyer
  • Arlene Boheler – Bookkeeper
  • Brenda Hough – Shift Lead
  • Debera Ricalde – Assistant Manager
  • Diane D’Acuti – Cashier
  • Edward McCorkle – Cashier
  • Ella Marmont – Cleaner
  • Emily Ranken – Store Manager
  • Florence Vincent – Buyer
  • Glenadine O’Harra – Cashier
  • Jessica French – Cashier
  • Jutta Dewell – Store Manager
  • Maggie Sayer – Produce
  • Margaret Gilbridge – Wine Department Manager
  • Melissa Arena – Shift Lead
  • Michael Burke – Floor Manager
  • Nancy Moore – Cashier
  • Quincy Smith – Cashier
  • Rebecca Ricalde – Produce
  • Sheryl Klein – Shift Lead 
  • Sophia Arena – Cashier
  • Ute Jarlik – Floor Manager

    How are we doing financially?

    Daily totals from the pont of sale system

    Expenses updated the third week of the next month.

    Supporting Our Local Producers

    Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

    Just ONE Protein Powder

    Oh to find a protein powder with no sweetener aftertaste that doesn’t cause indigestion! Debera and Florence found one. Just ONE protein powder is new and nothing but Non-GMO Project Verified Mung Beans. Three tablespoons will give you 30 grams of protein. Use in a...

    Green Girl Vanilla Ice Cream

    While there are many interesting plant based ‘ice creams’ on the market, none are organic with sugar levels as low as Green Girl Bakeshop while still being delicious. Most ice creams have approximately 23-24 grams of sugar per serving, Green Girl has 9 grams. Coconut...

    Crema Mexicana by Cacique

    Staff and customer request: Crema Mexicana by Cacique joins our Queso Cortija and here’s some Rumiano Pepper Jack for some added spice.

    Bionaturae Organic Tomato Pasta Sauces

    From Italy, Bionaturae Organic Tomato Pasta Sauces. Marinara and Tomato Basil. Let the pictures speak for themselves!

    Organic juice boxes for kids. Lakewood Littles

    Just in time for school. Organic juice boxes for kids. Lakewood Littles, Apple, Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch and Apple Grape.

    Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Snacks

    Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Snacks, Sea Salt and Maui Onion. Looking out for the planet with no more unnecessary plastic trays.

    Califia Farms Organic Almond Creamer Pistachio

    This sounds yum…Califia Farms Organic Almond Creamer Pistachio flavored. No gums, no oils.

    Jovial Organic Vegan Mac

    Jovial Organic Gluten Free, Dairy-Free Vegan Mac, Brown Rice Pasta and Sauce.