Owner Spotlight: Swadesh Shrestha, #2088
Photo Credit: Juneer Kibria
Join us for an OWNER HAPPY HOUR!
Tue 3/24, 5-6:30pm @ Chiya Chai Cafe
Enjoy a beverage & a bite on the co-op!
What does being a co-op owner mean to you?
I have a long history with co-ops. In fact, my father started the first organic farm co-op in Kathmandu in the late ‘80s. Ever since I moved from Nepal to the United States I have been a co-op member/owner. We were long time members of the Wedge Co-op in Minneapolis and loved it there. We were very excited to find Dill Pickle in Logan Square even before we opened Chiya Chai and before you moved to this location, when you were still on Fullerton. Being a Dill Pickle owner means being part of something I truly believe in: good, ethically sourced products that benefit everyone in the chain starting from the producers and going all the way to the consumers.
What's your favorite product at the Pickle?
My favorite product in Dill Pickle is your bulk whole grain oats. Our family eats oats every day for breakfast because they're just so good for you. I am very happy that I can get them at the Dill Pickle!
Tell us a bit about Chiya Chai and how it creates community.
The very idea of Chiya Chai is rooted in the idea of a community – Chai in Nepal and India, is not just a drink but an excuse for people to get together, take a break, share stories and be a part of the community. One of the inspirations for Chiya Chai was my grandfather’s chai place in rural Nepal, in the foothills of the Himalayas. There, as a child, I would see people come in every morning to share and talk about the goings on in the village and the outside world. That made a lasting impression on me. In Chiya Chai, we aspire to create a space for people to relax, feel comfortable with who they are and connect with one another. We are proud that Chiya Chai is an inclusive and accessible place where all our customers feel welcome regardless of their age, race, gender and other preferences or life choices.
When you're not at Chiya Chai, how do you spend your time?
When not working, I like to spend time with my family. We like trying out new restaurants and innovative food concepts. I like to cook, visit vintage/thrift shops, spend time outdoors. Travelling, hiking, parks and picnics are on the top of my list.
What are a few of your favorite places in the neighborhood?
I love a lot of places in Logan Square. It is always fun to walk on the boulevard and admire the beautiful houses. The Logan Square Farmers market is also a very special place for me. Hanging out at the square in summer and people watching is a lot of fun. I love the Logan theater, independent cafes and stores around Logan Square. I love food at Fat Rice and The Owl for drinks.
What’s your favorite vegetable and why?
I have many vegetables that I love but I can’t resist any kind of leafy greens. Currently I have been eating a lot of sautéed Kale. On top of being delicious and good for you, I love greens so much because I grew up eating them with every single meal. Kathmandu, where I am from, is famous for its great-tasting vegetables, especially the greens.
Any other fun facts to share?
Almost 20 years ago, when I had only just moved to the U.S, we started a small Chai place in Minneapolis called Himalayan Chai. We were way ahead of the time then as we soon found out, resulting in our first restaurant, Namaste Café, still a popular, well-loved place in uptown Minneapolis.
Owner Spotlight: Samantha Lee, #2934
Join us for an OWNER HAPPY HOUR!
Tuesday 2/4, 5:30-7:30pm @ Hopewell Brewing Co
First round’s on the co-op!
What does being a co-op owner mean to you?
I'm happy to support a neighbor and local business that is so community-minded. Being an owner means that I'm literally investing into the Dill Pickle, and I believe in its core values.
What's your favorite product at the Pickle?
I'm a big bulk bin shopper! Also you'll always find me in the chocolate aisle.
Tell us a bit about Hopewell Brewing and how it creates community.
Hopewell Brewing Company produces and sells craft beer in Chicago, and also happens to be neighbors with the Dill Pickle. Our taproom is a space that welcomes folks whether they are coming in after work for a quick drink or if they are celebrating a birthday or engagement. We're proud to provide an inclusive environment.
Any additional fun facts to share about the brewery?
We're turning 4 this year! We'll have a big party on Feb. 29 - and there will be babkas, nachos and magnums of our anniversary beer. Sounds like a party to me.
When you're not at Hopewell, how do you spend your time?
I love to cook! I make a lot of Korean food, but also love experimenting with different ingredients. I like to spend my entire Sundays roasting a whole chicken or slow cooking something.
What are a few of your favorite places in the neighborhood?
We have great neighbors in Logan Square! Fleur for flowers and homewares, Ludlow Liquors for cocktails and their patio in the summer, Lula Cafe of course! Young American for a drink pre/post Lula. Cellar Door Provisions, Diversey Wine and 4 Letter Word - that's a great strip of businesses on Diversey!
Share a 2020 prediction.
Predictions are hard, but I have a hope and optimism that it's a year that small businesses thrive this year!
2018 Year in Review
As we head into an exciting new year, we’d like to look back and express our gratitude to all of you who have made 2018, the first full year in our new store, a success. Community support of the Dill Pickle has proven that cooperative business works in Chicago, and we’re thrilled to be part of the growing co-op movement in our city.
Here are a few highlights from the year past through the lens of the 7 Cooperative Principles through which we put our values into practice:
As we head into an exciting new year, we’d like to look back and express our gratitude to all of you who have made 2018, the first full year in our new store, a success. Community support of the Dill Pickle has proven that cooperative business works in Chicago, and we’re thrilled to be part of the growing co-op movement in our city.
Here are a few highlights from the year past through the lens of the 7 Cooperative Principles through which we put our values into practice:
Principle 1: Voluntary And Open Membership
We welcomed 395 new owners and brought in $35K in new equity this past fiscal year!
Principle 2: Democratic Member Control
Owners elected Sendy Soto, Brian Perea, Celeste Levitz-Jones, and Ally Young to open seats on our Board of Directors this October, and the board elected George Langford to the president role for the coming year. Have ideas, questions, or a desire to get more involved in your co-op? Connect with these folks over free coffee and pastries at the next Coffee with the Board event on Sunday 1/27, 11am in the co-op cafe! Owners are also welcome to attend regular board meetings, held on the third Monday of each month at 6pm in the co-op admin office, downstairs at the store. Visit dillpickle.coop/governance for agendas and minutes, key documents, and contact information.
Principle 3: Member Economic Participation
Owners spent $1.5M at the co-op this past fiscal year, 20% of our total sales, and enjoyed $25K in discounts through our quarterly Owner Bonus program, Owner Deals, and Owner Appreciation Days.
Principle 4: Autonomy And Independence
We’re owned by and accountable to our local community, not to outside investors. Our expansion to our current storefront on Milwaukee Ave was made possible by more than $1M in loans from over 200 Dill Pickle owners. We raised an additional $25K in working capital this past year, with $79,000 in still needed in the year to come. So far, we’ve paid back $14,500 in owner loans with interest.
Principle 5: Education, Training, And Information
1,360 folks participated in 32 events in our co-op cafe this year, including the first two workshops of our new Sustainability Series. We’re re-introducing ownership orientations for 2019, with the next session scheduled for Monday 2/11, 6-7pm @ the co-op cafe, open to all! RSVP to ownership@dillpickle.coop.
Principle 6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives
We participated in Chicago’s first Cooperative Economy Summit this summer, sponsored the launch of the Co-op Ed Center, and partnered with our pals at the Sugar Beet Food Co-op, Chicago Market, Rogers Park Food Co-op, and Prairie Food Co-op on public events as part of the emerging Chicagoland Food Co-op Coalition. And we’re proud to continue to source products from dozens of producer and worker co-ops, many from within our local food system.
Principle 7: Concern For Community
Together, we’ve leveraged $24K in product and funds to support the work of 50+ local and cooperative organizations this year through partnerships, sponsorships, and our Pickle Nickel program, and continue to participate on the Member Action Council of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.
We’re excited for what 2019 has in store for our co-op community, and glad to have you as part of it!
Hair Health: Four Tips for Lustrous Locks
Jessico Dickerson
Wellness Lead, Dill Pickle Food Co-op
Hat season is just about behind us, meaning our tresses will be coming out to play during the longer, sunny days. Having long, thick and lustrous hair is desired by many and is a sign of good health. On the other hand, hair loss and thinning hair can be the result of nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalance, stress, genetics, hairstyles, chemical products, and many other varying factors.
I myself have been the victim of thinning hair around my temples and for the past few months, I’ve been doing diligent research on natural remedies that have been thought to promote new hair growth.
And I’m excited to share the information I’ve discovered! While healthy hair inherently comes from a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle, supplementing with nutraceuticals, using non-toxic body care products, and receiving weekly scalp massages can all help one achieve a healthy mane of locks.
Here are four such remedies:
1. Biotin, also known as B-7 or Vitamin H, is apart of the B-Vitamin family. One symptom of a Biotin deficiency is thinning hair because Biotin plays a key role in producing amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Since our hair is made up primarily of protein – collagen and keratin, the more biotin you take, the stronger your hair will be and the less likely it is to split and break off. To counteract a Biotin deficiency, the Mayo Clinic recommends 30-100mcg/day (1).
2. Castor oil. Native to Eastern Africa and India, castor oil is derived from the castor tree seeds and is a centuries old remedy used to treat split ends and hair loss. It is rich in omega 6s and EFAs, which accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, and in turn promotes new hair growth. The anti-oxidants in castor oil support the keratin in hair and help make it stronger, less likely to fall out, and less frizzy in about a month or so (2). Because castor oil is so thick, I like to mix it with equal parts of a base oil, such as almond oil. Rub it on your scalp and massage it in for a few minutes. Let it sit on your scalp for 30-45 minutes, then wash it out with shampoo. Do this at least twice a week. If you have dry or high porosity hair like I do, you can leave it in until you’re ready to wash it out, as coarser hair tends to soak up oils a lot faster than low porosity hair does.
3. Rosemary oil is another age old remedy that has been used to stimulate hair growth. Considered sacred by ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greek, rosemary oil stimulates cell division and dilates blood vessels and as a result stimulates hair follicles into producing new hair growth. One study was done on men, where one group was given Rogaine for a period of four months and the other group was given rosemary oil. The men who applied Rosemary to their scalp saw the same amount of growth as the Rogaine group, suggesting that rosemary is an effective remedy against hair loss. It can also be used to treat dandruff and alopecia (3). To facilitate hair growth, mix two drops of rosemary essential oil in two tablespoons of a base oil, such as almond or coconut oil. You can even add castor oil to the mix. Apply it on your scalp and massage for about one minute. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair as usual. This routine may be done several times a week for 3 months before results are seen.
4. Scalp Massage. Inadequate circulation is one of the main reasons behind hair loss. Scalp massages can improve circulation and stimulate new hair growth. To grow hair faster you can try a daily scalp massage. Using a circular motion, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips for 5 minutes each day. This kneading motion will help to open blood vessels and increase blood flow to the scalp – providing the area with more oxygen, which is essential for healthy hair (4).
Feel free to stop in to the store to ask me more about these remedies and more!
The content presented above is for informational purposes. Please consult with your doctor if you are interested in implementing any of these suggestions to ensure it is safe for your personal health care needs.
Sources:
1. https://healthyhints.com/biotin-for-hair
2. https://www.hairlossrevolution.com/castor-oil-benefits-for-hair/
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319444.php
4. http://www.beyondtalk.net/natural-hair-growth-remedies/
Earth Day 2018: Reduce Plastic, Bulk Up!
Jessico Dickerson
Wellness Lead, Dill Pickle Food Co-op
Earth Day 2018 is taking place once again this Sunday, April 22nd. You might be curious to know that the first Earth Day occurred on April 22nd, 1970 and is the largest secular observance on the world (1). Today people celebrate Earth Day to promote environmental awareness and to push for environmental improvements on a global scale. This year’s Earth Day campaign is “End Plastic Pollution” and is geared towards changing human attitudes about plastic and reducing plastic usage.
You too can participate in this year’s campaign to reduce your plastic consumption. One such effective and affordable means of doing so is by shopping in the bulk bin section of your local grocery store.
Not to be confused with buying in bulk from a large box store. When you “buy in bulk” you often get more of a product than you need with a lot of extra packaging.
Bulk is Green summarizes the benefits of buying from bulk bins:
- Saving money — Buying natural and organic foods in the bulk section of the grocery store offers an average savings of 30 percent and 50 percent versus packaged food.
- Helping the environment — Eliminating packaging reduces carbon footprints. Buying in bulk mitigates the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills and streamlines the transportation needed to deliver goods to market, helping to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Reducing food waste — Buying in bulk allows shoppers to make smarter decisions, by purchasing the exact amount of foods they need, as opposed to purchasing consumer packaged goods with a pre-determined amount that may not get used before its expiration date.
- Flexibility to buy a pinch or a pound — Buying in bulk offers a broad selection of natural and organic products that can be purchased in the exact quantity desired. If shoppers need a large quantity of nuts for a holiday party or just a pinch of curry powder for a new recipe — bulk foods provide both options. (2)
Shopping in the bulk section also provides the opportunity to buy small quantities to try out new grains/nuts/beans/spices/etc. without having to commit to a whole package.
You can reduce plastic waste even more so by “bringing in your own containers” or BYOC and filling them up, but make sure you get a tare weight at the registers before filling them up.
Remember to Bulk Up this Earth Day!
Sources:
1. https://www.earthday.org/about/
2. https://www.mnn.com/food/recipes/blogs/the-many-benefits-of-buying-bulk-foods
The Dirt on Getting Clean
The average American uses 40lbs of toxic household chemicals each year. Luckily, it's easy to make the switch to natural cleaning products! Here are some of our DIY favorites:
Jessico Dickerson
Wellness Lead, Dill Pickle Food Co-op
Even though Chicago is still struggling to enter the Spring season, now is the time when most folks begin to let go and purge what doesn’t serve them anymore in the form of spring cleaning.
Cleaning during the spring season is thought to have originated due to the onset of warmer weather and longer days, both of which functioned as a stimulant for people and caused them to become more active.Nowadays, spring cleaning is associated with opening the windows, letting in fresh air, and scrubbing down the goonk from the sink and toilet bowl. For me, it’s one of the most rewarding chores I do because afterwards I get to show off and display my freshly scrubbed down home to friends and family.
In the US, a deep clean typically requires using harsh cleaning products. However, going back forty years ago, most people in the United States used vinegar to clean their windows and baking soda to wash their saucepans. According to estimates by the Clean Water Fund in Washington D.C., the average person uses about 40 pounds of toxic household cleaning products, like chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates, petroleum products, and sulfuric acid, each year (1).
The ingredients listed above have been deemed carcinogenic by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Founded in 1993, the EWG is an American environmental organization that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability (2). Other environmental advocacy groups, such as the University of Bergen Norway concluded in a recent study that people exposed to harsh modern cleaning products are of greater risk for obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and asthma (3). This information should raise the hairs on your arms since the Global Healing Center estimates that people are exposed to up to 2,100,000 toxins daily. For more information on these toxins, please refer to Nerve Doctor source below (4).
Luckily, it's easy to make the switch to natural cleaning products. The co-op is a great resource for simple green cleaning products. If cost is a factor, you can easily make your own cleaning products using ingredients you probably already have in your cupboards.
Here are some of my favorite DIY cleaning recipes:
- For a homemade cleanser to scrub the bathtub and sink, use ¾ cup baking soda, ¼ cup castile soap, one tablespoon water, and 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- For an all purpose cleanser, mix the juice of ½ lemon, 1/4 cup white vinegar, two tablespoons baking soda, and four cups hot water to wipe down and disinfect general surfaces.
- To wipe down mirrors and windows, mix equal parts vinegar and water.
- To unclog drains, place one cup of baking soda in the drain and pour four cups of boiling hot vinegar onto the baking soda.
- To create a natural air freshener, boil one quart of water, one sliced lime, and one chopped piece of ginger.
What are your favorite cleaning products, or—if you're a do-it-yourselfer—what are your best recipes for cleaning products? Drop a line below!
Sources:
1. https://www.modernherbaleducation.com/articles/clean-your-home-dont-poison-it.html
2. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_Working_Group
3. https://www.ajc.com/news/world/study-this-common-household-chore-damaging-smoking-cigarettes-day/wmiEaATyLwwWwqViW7Ma8M/
4. http://nervedoctor.info/daily-toxin-intake-how-many-toxins-are-you-accumulating/amp/
Springtime Allergies: Natural Remedies
Jessico Dickerson
Wellness Lead, Dill Pickle Food Co-op
Even though it may not feel like it, spring has finally arrived here in Chicago! You may be feeling symptoms from seasonal allergies that come with the blooming trees and flower buds, such as congestion, headaches, runny eyes, itchy eyes, and sneezing. And you’re not alone – it’s estimated that 1 in 5 or 50 million people in the US suffer from seasonal allergies.
These allergy symptoms can be triggered by particles in our environment, like pollen and mold. Our body treats these particles as foreign substances and attempts to filter out these invaders through the liver. Once filtered, these particles need to be released from the body, so our body uses three exit strategies to flush them out - through the skin, urinary tract, and digestive tract. However, if these elimination systems are not optimally functioning, the irritants will eventually recirculate back to the liver.
When the liver has more toxins than it can handle, it stores them and releases a chemical called histamine, which results in allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergy symptoms are a result of the liver’s inability to keep up with the workload it is dealt (1).
Fortunately, there are many natural remedies one can seek out to reduce the production of histamine, restore the liver, and balance the systems of elimination. Here are five of those remedies:
Stinging Nettles
Stinging nettles grow wild here in the Midwest, but be careful if you go out to harvest them, as they can “sting” you with their prickly hairs, known as trichomes. Research has shown that stinging nettle leaves naturally control the production of histamines (2). You can ingest nettles as a tea or in tincture form. It is advised to brew a tablespoon of dried nettle leaves per 8oz cup of water and to consume 3-4 cups per day to help flush out the particles more efficiently.
Honey
Another ancient remedy used to provide allergy relief is local, raw honey. Studies suggest that eating a tablespoon of raw honey, sourced within a 100 mile radius, is equivalent to an allergy shot because when one eats honey you are ingesting smaller amounts of the local pollen and over time a person may become less sensitive to the pollen and experience less symptoms. In one study, it was noted that one has to consistently consume the honey everyday for at least 8 weeks in order to feel relief from symptoms (3).
Propolis
If you’re looking to avoid sweet substances, you can try another bee product called Propolis. Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax with a substance called exudate, gathered from tree buds, and is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the Beehive. Local Propolis has been shown to be effective in the relief of allergy symptoms, where in one study scientists gave propolis to rats for two weeks and found that it significantly inhibited the production of histamine in the rats (4). It can easily be consumed in tincture form.
Fiber
To help improve detoxification, increase your daily intake of fruit, vegetables, and seeds. The average American gets a total of 15 grams of fiber per day, where primal predecessors were getting upwards of 120 grams of fiber per day. Fiber assists in regular bowel movements and also binds to toxins for excretion. To protect and detoxify the liver, eat more bitter vegetables, such as as arugula, dandelion leaves, mustard greens, and chicory, which helps promote the production and flow of bile (5).
Water
Last but not least, drink plenty of water! Drinking water helps flush our urinary system and supports elimination of foreign substances by thinning mucous in the nasal passageways, while encouraging sinus drainage. It’s recommended that one drink at least half your body weight in ounces to help flush out the foreign particles. And yes, those 3-4 cups of stinging nettles tea do count towards your daily water goal. 😀
The content presented above is for informational purposes. Please consult with your doctor if you are interested in implementing any of these suggestions to ensure it is safe for your personal health care needs.
Sources:
- https://blog.honest.com/natural-allergy-solutions/
- Roschek, Bill, et al. “Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.” Phytotherapy research 23.7 (2009): 920-926.
- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2763/abstract
- Saarinen K, Jantunen J, Haahtela, “Birch Pollen Honey for Birch Pollen Allergy – A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study” 2011
- Shinmei Y, Yano H, et al.“Effect of Brazilian propolis on sneezing and nasal rubbing in experimental allergic rhinitis of mice” Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2009;31(4):688-93.
- https://www.thewolfeclinic.com/wp/seasonal-allergies-and-your-liver/
Almond-Oat Cookie Bites
Leslie Patton, owner #2871
This has got to be one of my favorite snacks. My daughter loves them, too, and requests one nearly every day. It's super easy to eat on the go, and involves only a few ingredients that you likely have hidden in the pantry. The addition of the chocolate chips takes these right into dessert territory.
Keep these vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips. I like the Enjoy Life brand that's sold at Dill Pickle. The bulk bins have many of the other ingredients.
These freeze well so consider doubling the recipe. Trust me, they won't go to waste!
The Recipe
makes about 12 bites
1 cup old-fashioned oats
6 Medjool dates (pitted)
1/4 cup almond meal
4 tablespoons natural almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons almond milk (or water)
pinch salt (optional)
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pulse oats in food processor or blender until a flour-like consistency is achieved. Add in dates and almond meal, and then pulse again until well combined.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Add those in last and pulse just once or twice to mix.
- Roll into 12 balls. Store in refrigerator or freezer to keep fresh.
Cherry Bran Muffins
Leslie Patton, owner #2871
As a mom of three, I'm always looking for creative ways to sneak more fruits, veggies and whole grains into my family's diet. These muffins fit the bill and were a big hit with adults and kids alike. They're packed full of fiber and protein, thanks to the bran, whole wheat flour, hemp seeds and eggs. And they're easily made vegan by subbing in flaxseed or chia eggs for chicken eggs. I like to grab my dried fruits, nuts and grains from Dill Pickle's bulk bins, a budget friendly option. And you can certainly find the other ingredients there, too!
The Recipe
makes about 12 muffins
1 cup wheat bran (I used unprocessed from Bob's Red Mill)
1 1/2 cups flour of choice (I used a combo of garbanzo and whole wheat pastry flour)
1/4 cup hemp seeds
pinch salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup dried cherries (or raisins)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup molasses
2 eggs
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees (Fahrenheit) and lightly oil or grease 12 muffin cups. Alternatively, line with paper baking cups.
- Whisk together first six ingredients in large bowl. Stir in cherries.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine almond milk, applesauce, oil, molasses and eggs (or flax/chia eggs). Stir wet ingredients into dry just until combined. Do NOT overmix! Top with some oats and coarse sugar, if desired.
- Spoon into muffin cups and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.