Greetings of Spring, and Peas to You all
Elizabeth Tigan, President
I can't imagine being in Viroqua without the co-op, and co-op ownership is more than great deals and delicious food.
I just love spring. It embodies so much of our hopes and excitement for the future, don't you think? Together, we look forward to the joy and anticipation of new life and all the opportunities that spring brings.
You can feel the renewed excitement at the Viroqua Food Co+op, too! If you ask me, there is never a bad time to become a member of a co-op, but right now is a great time to be an owner of the VFC! Our new owner benefit, Owner Extras, adds value we can see at the checkout. Plus, the folks in the deli are rocking out new foods to enjoy. I bought a whole entire quiche and thought I won the lottery! I can't imagine being in Viroqua without the co-op, and co-op ownership is more than great deals and delicious food.
As a board member, I see firsthand how the cooperative model maintains local control through the owner member-elected board and recirculates your food dollars in our local economy.
The co-op commits to working with organic farms that bring us a variety of bountiful springtime products, such as plant starts to help fill our gardens, vegetables, grains, and flours (also flowers). Plus, many organic farmers are members of local farmer co-ops like Organic Valley, Maple Valley Cooperative, and Westby Co-op Creamery. When we put food dollars toward local and organic food, we pledge support for hardworking farmers who go the extra mile to meet the requirements for organic certification, which include enhancing biodiversity and managing and improving soil fertility for the betterment of our community and our planet.
Earth Day is the perfect time to shine a little light on our area's network of organic farms that work in harmony with the co-op to bring fresh, delicious food and products to our store daily. Pretty soon, there will be peas! And around here, those peas are organic.
We have a Spring Into Ownership drive this month. If you are already an owner, thank you! If you aren’t, consider the investment and join us in supporting the Viroqua Food Co+op. Your ownership dollars support the co-op financially and help nurture and grow the business we all share. Plus, owner participation in the co-op enhances our community and ensures year-round access to fresh, delicious food for all.