The Urban Co-Op

30/08/2026

Plastic Plates is Anne Maher's Real Food for Living article

Do you ever watch those old period dramas of aristocracy dining at the long tables with the splendid table settings, precious plates and silver cutlery etc. I do find them fascinating. When I was in Home ec college we learned how to set a table, how to lay out the cutlery (outside in…). Large events such as weddings have the table setting displays that add so much to the sense of occasion. Doesn’t the food taste better when there is a sense of occasion attached to it? Don’t you feel special? The skill of beautiful presentation is one that I so admire and respect. We feast with our eyes. Unfortunately it is not a skill I have mastered. Pot to plate is my go to and to be honest sometimes I by pass the plate and eat straight from the pot…


Use the link below to read the full article
https://www.theurbanco-op.ie/newsletter-blogs/category/real-food-for-living

28/08/2026

Enjoy, and I will enjoy a walk on the beach after a long day of newsletter writing and editing...

23/08/2026

We encourage you to eat organic of course but have you considered surrounding yourself with organic as you sleep?

What a delightful way to enjoy the benefits!

Anne has reached out to White & Green an Irish Company as she is a long term fan and swears by the quality.

They have kindly offered a 20% discount until 1st Sept.

Add COOP20 at check out!

19/08/2026

This week's Tasty Table we''re tasting the beautiful organic jams, marmalade and chutney from Doon Social Farm, right here in Co. Limerick.

This week's selection includes:

Blackcurrant Jam
Gingery Rhubarb Jam
Marmalade
Sweet and Green Green Tomato Chutney

They're absolutely delicious, but what makes them even more special is the story behind them.

Doon Social Farm is more than a farm. They support people experiencing social isolation by providing wellness programmes in a peaceful rural setting, helping people reconnect with nature, food and community.

So if you're popping into the Co-Op this week, come over to the Tasty Table and have a taste. You might just leave with a new favourite. 💚

17/08/2026

We can relate to Robs story of being that child with allergies!
Real food is a pivotal part of the journey to recovery!
Learning to appreciate and value the power of local and organic food is an adventure!

The crusade continues!

13/08/2026

Gut Health is topical and moreso because we recognise the signs now and have an understanding of the gut microbiome.

Overuse of antibiotics can severely disrupt the balance of gut flora and it is a journey to recover!

IATROGENESIS is the term for harm or illness or unwanted effects caused by medical treatment. It is surprisingly common.

Do we understand the long term consequences of the quick fixes we have come to accept as a normal health journey?

Coincidentally glyphosate is a patented antibiotic. Hard to escape even in our food system.

Maybe the cost of organic is not so high after all...

12/08/2026

I am so glad to see the term food is medicine now.

It was not always recommended!

Medication as a go to for health has been business as usual.

A piece of art in the British Museum in 2003 called Cradle to Grave is a thought provoking piece that gives us a context of just how much medication people use in their lifetime. They estimate 40,000 per person. Then.

How long would this art piece be today?

11/08/2026

A wartime ration book holds memories and reflections.

Relying on supply lines that are challenged by war it was an achievement to ensure the population had a share.

Tea and sugar coming from far off lands.

We were nearly self sufficient though in food at the time.
What would happen now?

Are we prepared enough?

08/08/2026

31/07/2026

A recurring theme in health. Hormonal problems, vitamin D deficiency,....

Could it be fat and sunshine deficiency?

Going back to basics....