In the Company of Women

Marlene's Market & Deli • May 1, 2020

As you might expect, Marlene’s Market and Deli strongly supports women in business! As a retail pioneer in the Pacific Northwest, Marlene herself understood the level of dedication, persistence, strength of character, and good old fashioned grit necessary to develop and sustain a thriving business. We are so proud to continue to support her legacy and to highlight other women owned and run businesses whose products grace our shelves.

Here is a sampling of some of the many wonderful companies:

Alaffia : The company’s mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of fair trade, education, sustainable living, and gender equality. They do this by building the capacities of women’s Fair Trade enterprise organizations in Togo and by backing programs that target inclusive education and minimizing maternal and infant deaths. In 2006, Alaffia started their Maternal Health Project. Buying Alaffia products supports this program.

Vital Planet: Founder Brenda Watson has been dedicated to helping people achieve vibrant, lasting health through improved digestive function for over 20 years. First inspired to establish natural healthcare clinics in Florida specializing in cleansing and detoxification, she came to understand the importance of optimal digestive function and its role in helping people achieve vibrant energy and lasting health. Vital Planet offers a complete set of natural solutions and supplementation which includes cats and dogs!

Soulku: When Elisa Van Arnam and Allison Blake met in 2006 at an Asheville, North Carolina book club, they had a vision of starting a company that could empower stay at home moms by providing jobs with flexible hours and thriving wages. Their jewelry comes in 100% eco-friendly packaging and is made by hand using a silk free nylon for the “miracle cord” that is sure to be comfortable for everyday wear.

Seattle Chocolate/ JCoCo : After the Nisqually earthquake in 2001, Jean Thompson, then an investor in the company, became the owner and CEO of Seattle Chocolate in 2002. She started JCoCo in 2012 which puts its focus on feeding hungry families. With your help, they have donated almost 4 million meals to date and are well on the way to making it to the goal of 10 million.

Acure: A vegan skin and hair care line that prides itself on clean, toxin free ingredients. Acure supports Unite for Her, a non-profit organization whose mission is to bridge the gap between the medical and wellness through complementary therapies that supplement medical treatment, caring for the physical, emotional and financial needs of the breast cancer patients they serve.

Miyoko’s Creamery: Growing up in Tokyo and influenced by her love of French cuisine, Miyoko Schinner set out to make a plant-based cheese that was as close to traditional dairy based options as possible. Using organic and non-GMO ingredients for everything from mozzarella to cheese wheels and butter, she mastered just that!

Flipside Hats: It started just over 15 years ago when Kori, the founder, decided to make a hat for a good friend. Rather than buy new fabric, she re-purposed and transformed her green, cotton velour drapes. Over a decade later, Flipside sources large rolls of abandoned fabrics from production and dye houses and re-loves them into beautiful, USA-made, limited edition, earth friendly hats.

Purely Elizabeth: After attending school for holistic nutrition, Elizabeth Stein wanted to provide healthy, better-tasting alternatives to her favorite foods using powerful superfoods like quinoa, hemp and chia. Her products are non-GMO project verified, certified gluten free, vegan, soy free and made with organic ingredients.

Mountain Rose Herbs: In 1991, Rose Madrone and Julie Bailey, an herbalist, expanded an existing herb company to create MRH. After noticing irresponsible harvesting of wild plants, MRH adopted rigorous guidelines for ethical wild harvesting to produce high quality goods. They have been a part of the Zero Waste Program since 2007 and in 2009, started the MR River Project to help restore local riparian ecosystems. They are fair trade certified and provide organically grown or ethically wild harvested plants, herbs and teas.

Equal Exchange: Coffee farmed in Central America and Africa is helping women get into work training in the farming communities and helping them gain equal opportunities for land purchasing and allowing them to fully run coffee farms. This program also helps their families and communities thrive by providing medical centers and clean water to towns without resources. Along with having a very high standard for the quality of coffee produced, the program also focuses on female importers and roasters. Look for the Women in Coffee Series in the bulk department.

Misty Fjord sockeye salmon is caught in Bristol Bay, Alaska, which is home to the strongest wild sockeye salmon run in the world. Fran Kaul of the fishing vessel Janet Elaine has been running a fishing boat in Bristol Bay since 1988 and has been a commercial fisherman since 1983. She cares immensely about the health of Alaska’s waterways and fish. “Salmon are a sign of healthy rivers. A river where salmon flourish provides us with clean water to drink and healthy fish to eat. If the salmon suffer, eventually we will too.” Look for Misty Fjord wild salmon fillets and portions in the freezer, as well as smoked lox in the refrigerated section.

Vitanica : Dr. Tori Hudson has specialized in women’s health for over 36 years. She came to understand there was a lack of focus on the intricate and unique needs of women. To address these needs, and to develop a line of supplements which would meet her strict quality standards, Vitanica was created. The company’s commitment is to serve women by providing education, research and the finest quality in effective natural supplements.

Creamy Spring Pea & Potato Soup

March 28, 2025
Welcome spring with this vibrant, creamy pea and potato soup—a perfect blend of fresh peas, tender potatoes, and aromatic herbs. This silky, nutrient-packed soup is light yet comforting, making it an ideal transition from cozy winter meals to bright spring flavors. Garnish with crisp broccolini, toasted almonds, and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant, nourishing dish.

We Will See The Sun Soon Chilaquiles

February 28, 2025
Chilaquiles are a classic Mexican comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a savory and satisfying dish. Made with crispy tortilla chips soaked in a rich, flavorful chile sauce and topped with cheese, avocado, or whatever strikes your fancy.

Winter Fruit & Vegetable Salad

January 31, 2025
This Winter Fruit and Vegetable Salad brings vibrant colors and flavors to brighten dark months. With roasted beets, juicy citrus, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or a mid-season pick-me-up.

Aloha to Wellness - Mālama Mushrooms

November 1, 2024
The most common question when the topic goes to functional mushroom products tends to be: “Are these magic mushrooms?” Well, this Hawai’i based company is determined to prove that ALL mushrooms are magic. While these aren't psilocybin-containing hallucinogenic mushrooms (most commonly referred to when talking about ‘magic’ mushrooms), their healthful effects are just as remarkable. Mālama Mushrooms is a family-owned business based in Kona, Hawaii, dedicated to promoting health and wellness through the power of superfood mushrooms. Founded by Benjamin Lillibridge in 2015, the brand’s name, "Mālama," meaning "protect, preserve, and nurture" in Hawaiian, reflects the company’s core mission of sharing the healing properties of mushrooms. Residents in the Pacific Northwest are probably most initiated with the wonder of mushrooms. But for those new to the party, welcome! Now let’s give you some ‘mush’ needed context: Mushrooms have been used for targeting a prodigious number of ailments and maladies in traditional cultures medicinal regimes throughout the world spanning millennia. The conventional western world, in their typical resistance to harnessing the holistic capabilities of Earth’s natural intelligence, has been a tad slower to embrace. However, fungi had their historic watershed moment in America during WWII when the power of a lowly fungus, Penicillium spp., was utilized to create the first industrially scaled anti-biotic, Penicillin, and deployed to the allied troops and eventually the rest of the world. This had a dramatic effect on reducing mortality from infections. Today, the literature surrounding fungi such as functional superfood mushrooms such as lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps & chaga has expanded immensely. Lion’s Mane - Known for its cognitive benefits, Lion’s Mane is often referred to as a “brain booster”. It supports memory, focus, and mental clarity, and has been shown to promote nerve regeneration. Its antiinflammatory properties may also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Lion’s Mane is a great option for anyone looking to enhance brain health and overall cognitive function for themselves, their family and even their dog! Reishi - Nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality” Reishi is revered for its stress- relieving and immune-boosting properties. It helps calm the mind, improve sleep quality, and strengthen the immune system. Reishi is also known for its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits, making it ideal for supporting overall well-being. Cordyceps - Cordyceps is celebrated for its ability to boost energy and enhance athletic performance. By improving oxygen uptake and increasing stamina, it’s a popular choice for athletes or those seeking a natural energy boost without a crash. It is also linked to improved lung function and anti-aging benefits. Chaga - Packed with antioxidants, Chaga is a powerful mushroom that supports immune function and combats oxidative stress. It is also renowned for its ability to promote skin health by fighting free radicals and supporting cellular regeneration. Mālama Mushrooms crafts a variety of products that make it easy to incorporate these powerful mushrooms into your daily routine. Whether you’re looking to improve cognitive function, enhance your immune system, or reduce stress, there’s a Mālama product designed to support your health goals. In line with their commitment to quality, Mālama uses organic, fruiting bodies of the mushrooms, a method aligned with traditional practices which does not include any of the oats & rice substrate used in the growing process. But it’s not just obsession with quality that makes Mālama aligned with their namesake of ‘protecting, preserving & nurturing’. The company also donates 5% of profits to the Hawaii Fungi Project, a non-profit dedicated to studying and preserving the native Hawaiian mushrooms, some of which are already on the IUCN’s Endangered Species list and have seldom been seen by human eyes. In addition, during the Maui Fires last year, one of their mushroom farm partners lost 70% of the accounts they sold fresh lion’s mane to overnight. Mālama sprang into action and began dehydrating & extracting their mushrooms to incorporate into their product line and support.

Simple Fire Cider

By Elizabeth Ashbrook • November 1, 2024
This traditional fire cider recipe is an easy herbal remedy to make at home and a potent natural support during cold and flu season! ½ cup onion, chopped ½ cup horseradish, chopped ½ cup ginger, chopped 1 lemon, sliced into ¼-inch rounds 3 jalapenos or 1 habanero, chopped 12 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped 2½ cups raw apple cider vinegar Layer the prepared ingredients in a quart glass jar. Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the fire cider ingredients until just covered. Cover the jar with an airtight lid and place it somewhere you'll see it daily. Keep it away from direct sunlight. Shake or swish the jar daily. Allow the ingredients to steep in the apple cider vinegar for at least 3 weeks. Strain the liquid from the solids and transfer liquid to a clean jar. If you plan on using the fire cider straight, each spoonful can be mixed with two spoonfuls of water. Many people like to take a lemon juice and honey chaser as well. Store your fire cider with an airtight lid in a cool place or refrigerate.

Easy Elderberry Syrup

By Frontier Co-Op • November 1, 2024
1 cup dried elderberries 3 cups water 2 Tbl grated ginger 1 Tbl powdered cinnamon 1 Tbl whole cloves 1 cup honey or agave syrup In a saucepan, combine all ingredients except honey and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and partially cover with lid. Stir occasionally and simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour through a strainer into a jar (discard solids). Add honey and mix thoroughly. Take by the spoonful or dissolve in hot water or tea. Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.

Anti Germ Cleaning Spray

November 1, 2024
Go beyond aromatherapy! Harness the power of essential oils for keeping your home clean and fresh during cold and flu season. Use this multi-purpose spray on surfaces and touchpoints like kitchen counters, glass or tile tabletops, sinks, toilets, and doorknobs. * Marlene’s carries a wonderful essential oil blend by Uncle Harry’s called Four Bandits Antigerm Blend. You could also use 55 drops of this blend in place of the suggested essential oils in this recipe. 20 drops organic clove bud essential oil 15 drops organic lemon essential oil 10 drops organic cinnamon essential oil 5 drops organic eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops organic tea tree essential oil 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol 1 1/2 cups distilled water 1 Tbl Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap Add essential oils and alcohol to a glass spray bottle. Shake well to incorporate essential oils into alcohol. Add distilled water and castile soap. Shake again and let sit overnight to allow ingredients to meld together. Label and date (cleaning solution should be good for 1 year). Shake well before each use. *Not intended for use on wood surfaces

Matcha Exfoliating Moisture Body Scrub with Pumpkin Spice

November 1, 2024
If your skin could use a boost during this seasonal transition, we have a treat for you! This scrub is especially effective if you towel dry after showering or bathing. Apply it and vigorously scrub until the salt and sugar dissolve, then rinse. Your skin will be exfoliated, invigorated, and oh-so-moisturized with a light and spicy scent. Yum!  ½ cup brown sugar or demerara sugar ½ cup sea salt or Epsom salt 1 tsp matcha powder 1 Tbl pumpkin pie spice ¼ cup coconut oil, melted 1 cinnamon stick for scooping In a medium bowl, add brown sugar, sea salt, matcha powder, and pumpkin pie spice and stir until uniform. Drizzle in the coconut oil and mix thoroughly. If the mixture seems a bit too crumbly, add more coconut oil. When you’ve reached the desired consistency, spoon your scrub into a container and cover until ready for use.

Calendula Care-All Rub for Hands & Feet

November 1, 2024
½ cup dried calendula flowers 3 Tbl cocoa butter 2 Tbl apricot or grapeseed oil ¼ cup castor oil Place calendula flowers in a glass jar. Set aside. Add cocoa butter and oils into a double boiler insert. Gently warm over low heat until cocoa butter is fully melted. Remove from heat and pour over calendula flowers. Cover and steep for 24 hours. Strain into a clean jar and cover. For hands: Massage liberal amount of blend into hands for a few minutes. Gently wipe excess from hands with a clean, soft cloth. For feet: Massage liberal amount into feet a few minutes before bed, then put on soft cotton socks for sleeping. Store in cool, dark place and use within six months.
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