January 2023

your monthly Basics Co-op news

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This Month

• Inclusive Trade Signs

• Co+op Recipe: Hearty Kale and White Bean Stew

• Featured Co-op Owner: Martin

• Justin’s January Staff Pick

• Consumer Report on Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate

• Upcoming Events

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New Co-op Owners

Welcome!

• Nikki Ames

• Louise Barton

• Kirby Bivans

• Marcia Butler

• Cara Butterfield

• Alexia Clifton

• Kenslie Countryman

• Carly Davis

• Jalen Elliott

• Timothy Goomas

• Leah Hensley

• Jill Kinast

• Alison Kolberg

• Melissa Rossman

• Larry Truckenbrod

Staff Anniversaries

Thank you for your dedication.

Good Food for All

co+mmunity

co+op recipe

Hearty Kale and White Bean Stew

Warm up with this hearty stew featuring 15 grams of plant protein and 7 grams of fiber! It’s an excellent, nutritious way to start eating better in the new year.

featured co-op owner

25% OFF

Natural Factors Line Drive

Begins January 4

All Natural Factors Products on sale 25% OFF Wednesday, January 4 to Tuesday, January 31! View Products.

staff pick

Did You Know?

December Consumer Report Regarding Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate

Potentially harmful amounts of heavy metals lead and cadmium have been found in 28 popular dark chocolate brands, states a report released in December by Consumer Reports. They based their study on California’s standards for daily intake, which are stricter than those recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The research, in this case, shows that cacao trees take up cadmium from the soil through their roots, and lead contamination happens when wet cacao beans are laid out to dry. Airborne lead from soil and air pollution settles on the beans before processing.

For most consumers, the health risks come from frequent consumption over a long period of time. To decrease the chances that you are consuming too much lead and cadmium from dark chocolate, we recommend:

• Try chocolates with lower cacao percentages. Since the heavy metal content is present in cocoa solids, lower percentages mean less heavy metal exposure.

• Don’t give kids much dark chocolate and limit your intake if you are pregnant or nursing.

• Eat a varied diet. Foods that are higher in calcium and iron can offset some of the harmful effects of heavy metals.

• If you prefer brands that tested higher, enjoy them as an occasional treat.

At Basics, we do carry Taza Chocolate, which tested lower in lead and cadmium during this study. We will continue to follow this issue and advocate for government policies that strengthen environmental regulations prohibiting companies from using processes and products that increase the level of these persistent environmental contaminants (and many others) in our environment and ultimately, our food supply.

1/4/23 Update: Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate Statement (pdf)

new & returning items

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Click the green “new” button to see this month’s new items in the Co+op Cart online store. To return to the newsletter, use your browser’s back button.

events

Holiday Hours Sun. 1/1/23 Open 10 am-4 pm

January Round Up Recipient: House of Mercy Homeless Center

What is Round Up?

Are you a local business owner or manager? Inquire about our Corporate Wellness Partner Program. Empower your staff to achieve their best health with extra discounts, giveaways, and more! Thank you to our current partner Janesville Veterinary Clinic.

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