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

  • Alex Dowell – Cashier
  • Brenda Hough – Shift Lead
  • Christina Hoelzer – Shift Lead
  • Debera Ricalde – Assistant Manager
  • Diane D’Acuti – Cashier
  • Emily Ranken – Store Manager
  • Florence Vincent – Buyer /

    Merchandiser
  • Glenadine O’Harra – Cashier
  • Isagani Ricalde – Cashier
  • Jutta Dewell – Store Manager
  • Marc Hannon – Cashier
  • Margaret Gilbride – Wine
  • Department Manager
  • Michael Burke – Shift Lead
  • Michaela Perkins – Cashier
  • Ute Christine 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

Stocktaking Sunday December 31st

Stollen & Celebration Cake and Asbach Brandy Cherries & Chocolate Brandy Bottles

Specialty Holiday cakes from Germany.  Schlünder Premium Marzipan Christ-Stollen in large (coming soon) & small sizes and France, Celebration Honey Cake (Pain d’épice au Miel à l’ancienne). Asbach Brandy Cherries and Dark Chocolate Bottles filled with Asbach...

German Chocolate Advent Calendars

It’s that time of year again. German milk chocolate Advent calendars by Windel. We have a few left.

Niederegger Christmas Stars, Marzipan & Reber Black Forest Hearts

Niederegger Christmas Stars with Bittersweet Chocolate and Marzipan filling and Reber Black Forest Hearts Kirsch. Niederegger Marzipan medium and mini sizes available.

Lambertz Dominos and Schlünder Mini Liqueur Cakes

Last year customers loved these Lambertz Dominos with their touch of apricot, so we brought in a number of cases of the large packs again but only one case of the smaller packs. Schlünder Mini Liqueur Cakes with Finest Dark Chocolate and Jamaican Rum

Honey and Holiday Gifts from Local Yelm Bee Forever Apiary.

Honey and Holiday Gifts from Local Yelm Bee Forever Apiary.

Silly Cow Hot Chocolate Peppermint Twist Mix.

Customers love our Silly Cow Hot Chocolate Mix. How about some Chocolate Peppermint Twist Mix.

Heyday Canning Company

We received samples of these very unique Heyday Canning Company bean recipes a while ago and finally got around to tasting them on Wednesday. We liked them so much we had them in the store for you by Friday! Tomato alla Vodka Cannellini Beans and Coconut Curry...

Ile de France Camembert

Ile de France Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese

O California Roasted Garlic Olive Oil

This O California Roasted Garlic Olive Oil sounds really tasty.