by Kristy vanBeek, Karma Co-op President In December 2013, I moved into a housing co-op in the heart of downtown Toronto. At the time, I was a busy consultative business to business sales professional, and I was very grateful for the privilege of a coveted spot in a housing co-operative downtown Toronto. At the time, I knew very little about cooperatives, their history, or how they were organized. I heard that it was a duty of the members to attend each Annual General Meeting, and so I di...

by Karma’s General Manager, Talia McGuire As the growing season comes to an end, we are welcoming all of fall’s bounty! Conversations about the countless types of squash and apples available are frequently heard at cash. Carnival or Sunspot? Akane or Freedom? The produce display is such a beautiful sight these days, it’s hard to hold back on your produce purchases.  Bring on the squash I say!  October is the month of our Annual General Meeting, where a new Board of Directors ...

Maybe you’re a seasoned gardener, or maybe you got caught up in the spring’s fever that made seeds sales skyrocket and the supply get a little scarce. Next year will likely be a little less intense, but in any case it’s easy to save seed for next year’s sowing — with lots to spare. Plants offer a kind of mind-boggling generosity and hold the potential for a future that is more abundant than the present — a welcome narrative in tough times.   Next spring, we’ll offer a Karma seed libra...

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I wish to extend my warm and heart-felt appreciations to every one of you for contributing to the amazing success of our food co-op during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a massive co-operative effort by staff, board, members, and community to navigate so many changes, so quickly, and in the midst of so much uncertainty during the past six months.  Every aspect of Karma’s operations has evolved during the crisis, and we have accom...

Steam one 2+ pound organic pie pumpkin with skin on till soft to touch with fork, or toss peeled, seeded pumpkin pieces in a bowl with quarter cup of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of white sugar, then roast on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees till tender and caramelized.Blend steamed or roasted pumpkin till smooth. I keep the skin on steamed pumpkin for deeper colour.Set aside to cool. If making pie, prepare the pastry while the pumpkin steams or roasts. I like all ...

As we prepare to host our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, October 19, 7-9pm, we’re hoping for our best member participation ever using Zoom for our first virtual AGM. We encourage members to become a nominee for Karma’s 2020-21 Board. To apply, simply submit a brief biography highlighting relevant governance skills, Board experience, and engagement with/commitment to Karma Co-op. The Nominations Committee will compile a nominees list to be circulated to co-op members in advance of...

2014 Spring Plant Exchange Thank you Karma’s Board of Directors for your good wishes on my retirement from the Social Events Committee -SEC.  I would like to point out that the SEC does not have a chair. I was the SEC Committee Administrator and we made decisions based on committee member feedback and consensus. Over the years, I worked with a myriad of board reps and coordinated with the GMs. I also worked during events which included event set up, running & clean up. A ...

Glorious summer tomatoes offer many possibilities to be enjoyed throughout the year.  Consider freezing and roasting in addition to canning as ways to bring these treasures to your table in all seasons.   Freezing is a quick and easy option for tomatoes that can be added to soups, stews and sauces.  Just wash, dry and chop tomatoes into the size that you will use most, put into freezer bags or other freezer hardy containers.  They will be juicy when rethawing, but surpris...

Fall is in the air with cooler nights and shorter days, and the bounty of summer is filling our produce area. Autumn is one of my favourite times to shop at Karma, and I invite you to come in and fill your basket with the season’s freshest apples, squash, and cooler-weather greens. September is also when Karma’s Board prepares to welcome newly elected Board members to join us following our October 19th AGM. This past year has been one of remarkable change, growth, and development for our food...

Bob Biderman, long-time member and Karma legacy donor, shares his story and connection to our community Karma is embarking on a fundraising campaign to raise much-needed reserves for repairs and renovations to the store. We are currently investigating the possibility of gaining charitable status, which would enable Karma to issue tax receipts. We also hope to have members designate Karma as a recipient of donations in their wills. With that in mind, here is a short interview with Bob Biderman...