Halloween Giveaway – Win Big with Isla Vista Food Co-op!

Become Part of Our Co-op Family! Support Local, Sustainable Choices & Win a $200 Prize Bundle

This Halloween Giveaway is part of our Co-op Ownership Drive! We’re inviting everyone in our community — from students to long-time locals — to join us in building a sustainable future. Isla Vista Food Co-op membership benefits everyone, including students, families, and individuals who want to support local, organic food options while enjoying exclusive rewards and discounts.

Special Membership Promotions (available only until October 31st!)

For a limited time, join as a Co-op member-owner and enjoy exclusive rewards:

Student Promo: UCSB and SBCC students who sign up as member-owners by October 31st receive 3,000 bonus points (worth $30) to use in-store.

Community Promo: New community member-owners earn 1,500 bonus points at sign-up.

By joining the Co-op as a member owner, you’ll:

• Support local and sustainable food options

• Earn exclusive member discounts, points, and rewards

• Be part of a community-driven organization committed to positive change

  How to Become a Member-Owner:

  Visit either of our locations to sign up in person! Our friendly staff at 6575 Seville Road or 1533 State Street will be happy to help you join the Co-op family as a member-owner and start earning rewards.

How to Enter Giveaway:

1. Follow us on Instagram @islavistafoodcoop.

2. Like the giveaway post and comment with your favorite product or snack you love to buy at the Co-op.

3. Tag two friends in your comment—each tag counts as an entry! (Make sure your friends also follow @islavistafoodcoop).

4. Bonus Entry: Share our giveaway post on your Instagram Story and tag us for an extra chance to win!

   Membership is appreciated but not required to enter. However, by joining as a Co-op member, you’ll support our mission and enjoy exclusive perks!
   Please read the giveaway Official Rules below.

Prizes Include:

• Food Huggers Eco Essentials Bundle ($80 value)

• $50 Co-op Gift Card

• Co-op Swag Bag ($70 value) with treats and goodies

Important Dates:

• Giveaway Starts: Saturday, October 26

• Giveaway Ends: Tuesday, October 29, at 11:59 PM PST

• Winner Announced: Wednesday, October 30

Join us as a member, enter to win, and support a local, community-owned grocery store dedicated to sustainable choices. Head over to Instagram @islavistafoodcoop to get started. Good luck!

Official Rules

1. Eligibility:

• Open to residents of Santa Barbara County, including UCSB and SBCC students living locally, who are 18 or older.

• No purchase or membership is required to enter, but joining as a Co-op member-owner is encouraged to support our mission.

2. How to Enter:

• Follow @islavistafoodcoop on Instagram.

• Like and Comment on the giveaway post with your favorite product or snack you love to buy or would like to see at the Co-op.

• Tag two friends in the comments of the giveaway post; each tag counts as an entry, and tagged friends must also follow @islavistafoodcoop.

• Bonus Entry: Share the post on your Instagram Story and tag us.

  Membership is appreciated but not required. Non-members are welcome to participate.

3. Why Our Members Love the Co-op:

• Community Connection: As a cooperative, our members aren’t just customers— they’re co-owners with a say in how we operate. Being part of IVFC means belonging to a community that values collaboration and mutual support.

• Local and Sustainable Focus: Members appreciate that our Co-op is dedicated to supporting local farmers, organic producers, and eco-friendly practices, making sustainable food choices accessible to all.

• Exclusive Perks and Rewards: Member-owners enjoy special discounts, points, and community events tailored just for them.

• Empowerment and Ownership: Members take pride in knowing they help shape a community-driven grocery store that prioritizes local needs and sustainable practices.

4. Entry Period:

• Begins on Saturday, October 26 and ends on Tuesday, October 29 at 11:59 PM PST.

5. Prize Details:

• The prize bundle, valued at $200, includes:

  • Food Huggers Eco Essentials Bundle ($70 value)

  • $50 Co-op Gift Card

  • Co-op Swag Bag ($80 value)

• Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes.

6. Winner Selection:

• The winner will be chosen at random from eligible entries and announced on Wednesday, October 30 via Instagram. The winner will be notified by direct message.

7. Claiming the Prize:

• The winner must respond within 48 hours to claim the prize, or a new winner will be chosen. The lucky winner must pick up their prize in person at our Isla Vista location.

8. Additional Terms:

• This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.

• By entering, participants agree to have their Instagram handles shared if selected as the winner.

• Isla Vista Food Co-op reserves the right to modify or cancel the giveaway at any time.

• Privacy: Information collected will only be used to administer this giveaway.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited.

National Organic Month: Every Choice Shapes Our Future

In a world increasingly dominated by fast-paced living, technological advancements, and industrialization, one of the most critical choices we make daily is what we eat. We’re bombarded with convenience food, flashy marketing, and the promise of “quick fixes,” often at the cost of our health, the environment, and the integrity of our food systems. But for those of us seeking to live more consciously, September offers a refreshing opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace a different kind of choice: organic.

Welcome to National Organic Month—a month-long celebration that is more than just a marketing campaign; it’s a movement to reconnect with the earth, nurture our bodies, and elevate the importance of how our food is grown. At Isla Vista Food Co-op, we believe that every organic choice you make is a stand for a healthier planet, a thriving local economy, and a sustainable future.

Why Organic? It’s Not Just a Trend—It’s a Commitment to Life

The word “organic” has become a buzzword in recent years, and many dismiss it as simply the latest food trend. But behind the term is a deeply rooted philosophy of care—for the soil, for biodiversity, for the animals we coexist with, and for future generations. Organic farming isn’t just about avoiding synthetic chemicals. It’s a comprehensive system of agriculture that promotes soil fertility, respects animal welfare, and nurtures ecosystems rather than depleting them.

Why should you care?

• Your Health: When you choose organic, you’re avoiding exposure to harmful pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are prevalent in conventional farming. Numerous studies show that organic produce contains higher levels of vital nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In essence, you’re feeding your body what it truly needs, rather than giving it food laced with potentially toxic substances.

• The Environment: Industrial agriculture has pushed our planet to its limits, with intensive pesticide use, monocropping, and synthetic fertilizers depleting the soil and polluting water sources. Organic farming, by contrast, builds healthy, nutrient-rich soils through crop rotation, composting, and the use of natural pest control. These practices help sequester carbon, preserve biodiversity, and protect delicate ecosystems from the devastation of chemical runoff.

• Animal Welfare: Organic standards demand that animals are raised in humane conditions, with access to pasture and the ability to engage in natural behaviors. By supporting organic farming, you’re advocating for the humane treatment of animals and a system that respects their well-being.

Organic Farming: A Solution to Climate Change

Let’s face it—climate change is here. As we witness more extreme weather patterns, wildfires, and disruptions to food systems globally, it's become crystal clear that our current methods of farming are unsustainable. But there is hope.

Organic farming plays a key role in combating climate change. By maintaining and improving soil health, organic practices enhance the soil’s ability to sequester carbon—which means that organic farms can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Healthy soil acts as a natural carbon sink, locking carbon in the ground rather than allowing it to escape into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas.

Additionally, organic farming uses less energy than conventional farming, relying on natural processes rather than fossil-fuel-intensive fertilizers. Organic agriculture also encourages biodiversity, which helps make ecosystems more resilient in the face of climate disruptions.

Every time you choose organic, you’re making a conscious decision to help the planet heal.

The Local Organic Movement: Empowering Farmers, Empowering You

At Isla Vista Food Co-op, we’re proud to source from local organic farmers who are dedicated to preserving the land, growing high-quality food, and supporting the local economy. By purchasing local organic products, you are:

• Strengthening Local Economies: Supporting local organic farms ensures that your money stays within the community, empowering farmers and enabling them to continue growing food that nurtures both people and the environment.

• Fostering Connection: Organic farming fosters a closer relationship between consumers and producers. When you shop at Isla Vista Food Co-op, you know exactly where your food comes from, how it was grown, and who grew it. This transparency builds trust and encourages a deeper connection to the land and the people who cultivate it.

• Reducing Food Miles: Buying local organic products reduces the carbon footprint of your food by minimizing the distance it has to travel. Less transportation means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fresher food that hasn’t lost its nutritional value by the time it reaches your plate.

We work with farmers who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and health, bringing you the best seasonal produce, grains, and pantry staples—fresh from their fields to your table.

National Organic Month: An Invitation to Join a Movement

This National Organic Month, we invite you to take a stand with us. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about making more informed, thoughtful choices, one meal at a time, and understanding that the food we eat has a direct impact on our health, our environment, and the future we create.

Here are a few ways you can join the organic movement this month:

1. Explore Organic Products at Isla Vista Food Co-op

Take the time to discover new organic products you haven’t tried before. Whether it’s fresh, local produce, organic grains, or sustainable pantry staples, there are countless ways to incorporate organic food into your daily life.

2. Earn 5x Points on Seasonal Organic Produce

From September 4 - September 10, Co-op owners will earn 5x Points on all seasonal organic produce. Now’s the perfect time to stock up on fresh, local fruits and vegetables while boosting your rewards and supporting the farmers who grow them.

3. Join the Vegan Challenge at Our Downtown Market

In addition to National Organic Month, we’re excited to announce our Vegan Challenge happening at our Downtown Market throughout September! This challenge encourages our community to embrace plant-based eating as a way to promote better health, reduce environmental impact, and support animal welfare.

Stop by our Downtown Market to explore delicious vegan dishes, curated specifically for the challenge. Whether you’re already vegan or just curious, we invite you to try plant-based meals, enjoy special promotions, and discover how eating vegan can make a lasting impact.

4. Order Vegan Dishes Online

Can’t make it to the market? No worries! You can now order our delicious vegan dishes online and have them delivered straight to your door. Enjoy plant-based meals that are as good for you as they are for the planet, all from the comfort of your home.

Join us this National Organic Month in taking action. Every organic apple you buy, every vegan meal you try, and every local farmer you support moves us closer to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Let’s make September the month we celebrate the power of organic—and carry its principles with us throughout the year.