Food for Good: A Better Way of Business
Jan Rasikas, General Manager
At the Viroqua Food Co+op sourcing products is more than just filling shelves—it’s about building a better food system. We carefully choose what we offer, prioritizing values like sustainability, fairness, and community impact. Our commitment to local producers, organic foods, and Fair Trade goods sets us apart from conventional grocery stores.
Like all co-ops we are mission- driven. Our co-op business focuses on partnerships with farms, businesses and companies that share our mission of environmental stewardship and social equity. By supporting these businesses, we contribute to a global shift toward sustainable economies.
We champion Fair Trade products to ensure ethical treatment and fair wages for farmers and workers in developing countries. Our dedication to organic standards
means fewer harmful chemicals and healthier ecosystems. Minimally processed whole foods are free from artificial additives and provide nourishment you can trust, reflecting the belief that food should be fresh and made with ingredients you can recognize.
Local sourcing is at the heart of our product selection, especially in the produce department. By working with farmers, artisans, and producers within a 100-mile radius of Viroqua, we bolster the local food economy and reduce our environmental impact. This commitment not only strengthens community ties but also ensures fresh, flavorful food on your plate.
We are a member of National Co-op Grocers (NCG), along with 165food co-ops operating 240 storesacross the country. Our combinedpurchasing power supports the Co+op Deals program, making these certified organic and ethically sourced goods more accessible. Grocery prices are all about volume; the more we buy, the lower the cost per item is. That’s why big corporations and chains can charge less for food compared to independent grocery stores. NCG gives individual co-ops the buying power of a chain, which allows us to be a resource for more of the community while keeping our independence as a co-op. With Co+op Deals, shoppers get great sales and co-op owners get an additional discount on a rotating selection of products that balance affordability with our mission-driven approach to our community-owned grocery.
By choosing the Viroqua Food Co+op, you’re not just shopping—you’re supporting a better way of business. Together, we createa sustainable, equitable future through mindful product sourcing,and a commitment to making the world a better place- one grocerytrip at a time.