July 2024

Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef vs Conventionally Raised Beef 🥩

Michelle Nash
Nutrition Education Director (NED)
Certified NTP & MScN
The Great Basin Community Food Co-op

Conventional cattle farming generally involves raising cattle in large, crowded
feedlots, also known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), where they’re fed a diet heavy in grains, which is problematic because cattle are ruminant animals and thrive on their natural diet of native grasses, alfalfa, and hay. This unnatural diet, combined with grotesquely unhealthy living conditions, makes these animals very susceptible to disease, so antibiotics are widely administered to all animals through the feed to control disease.
Grass-fed or pastured beef comes from cattle fed a natural diet of grass; however, many grass-fed cattle are then “finished” on a grain diet to increase their weight before slaughter. Look for beef labeled “grass-finished” or “100% grass-fed,” which means that cattle lived their full lives on a grass diet.
In addition to avoiding the slew of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals used in conventional beef production, choosing 100% grass-fed beef has other benefits. The fatty acid profile of grass-fed beef is more favorable, as it has a higher ratio of anti- inflammatory Omega-3 fats when compared to grain-fed beef. Of the three saturated fats found in red meat, 100% grass-fed beef has the highest content of stearic acid, which is the saturated fat that does not raise blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, grass-fed, grass-finished meat is 2-3 times higher in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), a polyunsaturated fatty acid with powerful antioxidant properties. This is because grain-based diets lower the pH of the digestive system in ruminant animals, which prevents the growth of the bacteria that produce CLA. Grass-fed grass-finished beef has also been shown to have higher amounts of vitamins A and E and more antioxidants than grain-fed beef.
All of our 100% grass-fed and finished ground beef is 25% off for the month of August from the following ranchers: 

• Avanzino Ranch is the last generational family-owned farm in Reno city limits
• Snowball Ranch features cattle grazing on organic alfalfa in Eureka, NV

August GBCFC Sales - 🐄 🐖 🍉 🌶️

25% OFF Organic Melons and Organic & Local Shishito Peppers

From classics like watermelon and cantaloupe to distinct melons like Galia and Snow Leopard ... we've got you covered. ALL 20% OFF. You can make a killer salsa from fresh, organic fruit, just-in heirloom tomatoes, and a selection of our peppers. Not a fan of spicy? No problem, shisito peppers are great and not-at-all spicy ... even the seeds. We recommend grilling them or pan-frying them, getting them nice a soft, season to your liking and viola - a tasty summer treat!  
Valid 8.1.24 - 8.31.24

20% OFF LMNT Electrolytes

 In order to absorb the water you drink, electrolytes (like those in LMNT) need to be present.  Electrolytes are minerals that become capable of conducting electricity when dissolved in water. They are responsible for controlling water absorption into your cells and tissues, serve as necessary cofactors to conduct enzymatic reactions, and help maintain proper pH balance in the body.  Electrolytes in the body include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. Some filtration systems (mainly reverse osmosis) remove electrolytes from water, so adding minerals back into your water to replace what is lost becomes necessary. Choose from a variety of flavors to add to warm or cool water, including citrus, watermelon, chocolate, grapefruit, and more.
Valid 8.1.24 - 8.31.24

25% OFF LOCAL & REGIONAL Ground Beef

In our fridge and freezer section, you'll find a nice supply of grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef from either Avanzino Farms (Reno, NV) or Snowball Ranch (Eureka, NV). Both of these ranches are stellar representations of what it's like to be a responsible rancher, aware of the land, caring of the animals, and mindful of the food they take in. The beauties above were taken at Avanzino Ranch, just a few miles away from the co-op.
Valid 8.1.24 - 8.31.24

25% OFF LOCAL Pork

 
Whole animal eating ... we're here to waste less and provide variety! All cuts coming from LOCAL Holley Family Farms (Dayton, NV) ... we have the following available at a whopping 25% OFF! 
Pork Belly, Bones, Bratwurst Links, Butt Roast, Chop, Chorizo Links, Fat, Feet, Hot Italian Sausage Links, Shoulder Roast, and Spare Ribs. 
Valid 8.1.24 - 8.31.24

ORDER ONLINE & Get $5 OFF from the Foodshed Cafe! 💸

PROMO CODE: SAVE5ON20
That's right, save $5 when you order $20 worth of food from the Foodshed Cafe! (Limit one use per customer, please). Offer only good when used online.
TOAST Online Ordering launched last month and we're continuing to make adjustments so YOU have the best experience, from ordering to eatin'! Not only does online ordering save you from waiting in line (or for your food), but it also gives you the opportunity to fully customize and dive into the menu (featuring tons of local producers) like never before. So ... what're you waiting for? ORDER UP!
ORDER ONLINE

Almost Famous!

IN THE NEWS! 📰🗞️ We may not be famous yet, but we love what we provide our sweet community - tasty and nutrition-dense food from as many local producers as we can.  We were recently featured in the latest issue of edible Reno-Tahoe (complimentary issues upstairs in the Foodshed Cafe) as well as This is Reno. The edible Reno-Tahoe article is linked here and This is Reno, linked here. P.S. We're open everyday now from 7:30 - 8 PM! 

Soup On Pause 'Til Fall!

We've paused our Housemade soup schedule during the summer heat. Hot, Housemade soup will return in the Foodshed Cafe this fall with old favorites and new offerings. We will still offer frozen soup, while supplies last! 🍲🥣🍜


Anyone can shop, everyone can join!
Open everyday from 7:30am – 9pm
Great Basin Community Food Co-op
240 Court St Reno, NV 89501
775.324.6133
info@greatbasinfood.coop
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