Bring Home the Harvest
Author: Jen McCoy, Marketing Manager
It’s harvest time! You can find local products year-round at the Viroqua Food Co+op, but this time of year is something special. Throughout the growing season, our produce department builds its local offerings to nearly 60% of department sales. While most grocery stores source produce from a few distributors, we buy local produce directly from many small-scale certified organic farms. This is not the easiest way for a grocer to buy produce. It takes many phone calls, emails and a ton of coordination to balance the offerings of local farms. This time of year, our produce staff receives around 37 deliveries a week and moves over 10,000 lbs. of fresh food through our receiving door, onto the retail floor and to your table. This is how we can offer you the fresh, local produce you rely on at peak ripeness (and deliciousness). Next time you are at the co-op, thank a produce worker when you see them in the aisles.
This time of year we visit a few local growers to share their stories with you. This connection of farm to food is important. It is good to know that we are surrounded by an incredible network of small-scale organic farms run by folks with passion for their products, care for the land, and infused with the grit and ingenuity that makes small-scale farming possible.
These farms produce the delicious food that nourishes our bodies and our community. Thank you to all of our local farmers and producers!
We talk about local a lot here. The co-op's commitment to local is part of our mission because we know that local sourcing is good for everyone in the supply chain. Having a consistent place to sell products helps local growers plan and expand year after year. Buying from farmers we know helps ensure we have a resilient, transparent and traceable food supply. Plus, a commitment to local invites creativity and innovation and creates a culture where more local producers can take the chance to build business. It’s powerful stuff.
As a shopper, knowing how and where your food is grown helps to build a sense of place and a commitment to community. When you buy locally grown products, the money you spend on food recirculates right here in our community, creating an economic ripple effect. By choosing local you contribute to the livelihood of farmers and producers, support other small local businesses and help build a community where everyone can thrive.
When you shop, look for the green local signs dotting our produce department and bring home the harvest!