2021 Board of Directors Election

1. Why are you interested in running for this board?

There are many woes still in our city and country, but no one can put their best selves forward without good nutrition. I am committed to giving back to the communities that nurtured me. Equity, particularly related to wealth gaps, is one of my main passions. Further, I see myself on the board as a mutually beneficial relationship. On one hand, I’m able to lend my organizational leadership and commercial business skills to a mission I believe in. On the other hand, I also recognize that I am new to boards of this size and expect that I will learn a tremendous amount through the established structure and process.

2. Briefly summarize what professional, leadership, and/or volunteer experience uniquely qualifies you to serve on the board.

Professionally, I have managed a variety of roles, from accounting for startups to commercial operations at $50bn+ organizations. In community-focused roles, I have coached, mentored and tutored students of all ages in organizations focused on team-building through sports. Most recently, for two years I led the Twin Cities chapter of Ecolab’s Black Employee Resource Group. I bring thought leadership and find deep satisfaction in working hard to achieve a goal. I’m also inspired by the future and have a passion for growth and shaping it through building relationships.

3. Please describe your experience in one or more of these areas: Board Governance, Community Engagement/Connections, Diversity and Inclusivity, Food Justice, Local Food Systems, and Long Term and Strategic Planning.

Diversity & Inclusivity:

As part of a minority population, I want the same opportunities as others while feeling comfortable and safe, and I want that for my family and my community, too. As the leader of an Ecolab employee resource group, along with other members, we challenged status quo, gained access to data and worked with leaders to develop clear goals for advancing diversity at all levels of the organization. We also worked to develop and source trainings and facilitate dialogue on bias. In my current role, I work toward the company’s commitment to tackling wealth disparities by actively funneling substantial amounts of money to diverse suppliers. It has been a joy meeting leaders of these organizations that deliver quality service and are mission driven. As I’ve grown into a new life stage and progressed in my career, listening to others’ viewpoints versus solely telling my own has been a key mind shift for me and I hope to apply that mindset here.

Long Term and Strategic Planning:

My vast experience here includes annual budgeting in accounting and finance roles, strategic planning in a sales role and long-term planning around sourcing strategies and partnerships within procurement roles. Goal-setting and planning is necessary to keep focus on the bigger picture, but execution is critical to success as well. I try to keep a balance between the two.

4. Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board.

I am a long-time resident of the Twin Cities and am looking to leave it better than I found it. As a biracial person, I have encountered the joys of diverse and inclusive groups in personal and professional settings and want to expand that experience for more people — happiness, growth and safety. My experiences and unique background will add new perspective to the board. But first, I will lead by listening to and being an advocate for others.

5.  In your opinion, what is the role of the co-op in the community? 

Pulling together resources to swing power in favor of community development.

6. What is your vision for Mississippi Market’s future?

That MM continues to be a safe and welcoming hub of community engagement, nourishing mind, body and soul, and be an enabler to small, local food businesses.

7. The co-op is currently facing many new challenges due to the pandemic and an ever-increasingly competitive grocery industry. What opportunities do you see for innovation and growth for the co-op to overcome these and other challenges?

Opportunities worth exploring would be ways to enhance curbside pickup and other delivery options. It’s a tricky balance to make sure you can deliver the same in-person experience, educational opportunities and human connection. There is software in development aimed at making the shopping experience pleasurable online and co-ops will do well to continue exploring new ways to provide access to the community in a sustainable fashion. Technology could be a good place to start and fortunately, MM has positioned itself well to grow out of the pandemic.

8. Tell us about your favorite co-op food, and how you like to enjoy or share it.

Beans & Greens for my kids after swim lessons is a quick, affordable, nutritious dinner. They also think it’s fun to say “beans & greens”!

1. Why are you interested in running for this board?

One of my reasons is simple: my family loves shopping at Mississippi Market — it sells many of our favorite foods, some of which are not available at other stores — and I’m excited to support an organization that has contributed a beat to the rhythm of our family life. Thinking in terms of my broader community, Saint Paul has always been my home, and I want to invest in people and institutions that can make it a more vibrant and equitable place. Mississippi Market is just such an institution: it is important to our local economy — a key member of an ecosystem of food producers and local businesses — and it seeks to advance food justice, improving access to nutritious and sustainable foods.

2. Briefly summarize what professional, leadership, and/or volunteer experience uniquely qualifies you to serve on the board.

I have a BA in economics and a PhD in philosophy with a specialization in ethics. Previously, I was a philosophy instructor and taught a variety of university courses. Academic work helped me cultivate critical thinking and research skills that can contribute to good governance; a well-developed ethical perspective capable of informing policy decisions; and some applicable knowledge about environmental justice and food systems. I currently work in the Procurement Division of Ramsey County’s Finance Department. In this role, I procure goods and services for the county, help shape policy, and take part in strategic planning for county initiatives.

3. Please describe your experience in one or more of these areas: Board Governance, Community Engagement/Connections, Diversity and Inclusivity, Food Justice, Local Food Systems, and Long Term and Strategic Planning.

As a philosophy instructor, I taught courses on environmental ethics that focused heavily on environmental justice and food ethics. Much of my work for Ramsey County interweaves community engagement, diversity and inclusivity, and strategic planning. I am a member of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, and have attended trainings, workshops, and events aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’ve applied this training to high-level policy discussions and small-scale operational decisions. Community engagement is a key pillar in Ramsey County’s efforts to advance race equity, diversity, and inclusion. I engage with the community directly through procurement-related outreach and training, aiming to diversify our pool of contractors and reduce the barriers that small, local businesses face when attempting to work with the county. A monthly workshop at the Rondo Library gives me the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of local business owners — I provide resources, explain the county’s procurement processes, and gather feedback about those processes. I use this feedback to advocate for changes to policy and procedure that will advance equity and inclusion in county contracting. I also help the county connect with a network of culturally specific, community-based organizations that can help facilitate community conversations, foster relationships, and train county staff on how to engage effectively and respectfully.

4. Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board.

Through my personal and professional experience, I’ve worked hard to cultivate cultural competence and build strong relationships with people from a variety of racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. My experience advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through community engagement could be applied to work with the board.

5.  In your opinion, what is the role of the co-op in the community? 

Mississippi Market helps improve access to healthy and ethically produced foods, but not simply as a supplier to transactional customers — it can build a dynamic, two-way relationship with its community. It can provide education on topics like sustainability and healthy cooking, but it can seek to learn from the diverse communities in Saint Paul, becoming more responsive to their needs than larger chains. It can support local producers by stocking their goods, but those goods will in turn improve the Market’s appeal in virtue of being more unique, fresh or tasty than what is available elsewhere. By engaging with diverse communities, supporting the local economy, and organizing events, the Market can be a locus of community building.

6. What is your vision for Mississippi Market’s future?

I see Mississippi Market maintaining its commitment to sustainability and to providing a carefully curated selection of environmentally friendly foods while also finding ways to build stronger connections with groups that are underrepresented within its current clientele. Through research, engagement, and partnerships, the Market can seek to build the kind of dynamic, mutually beneficial relationship described above with people from a broader range of ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds.

7. The co-op is currently facing many new challenges due to the pandemic and an ever-increasingly competitive grocery industry. What opportunities do you see for innovation and growth for the co-op to overcome these and other challenges?

Mississippi Market can leverage its unique position in a grocery market dominated by large supermarket chains. The efficiencies of scale achieved by large chains sometimes allow them to provide goods at relatively low prices, but this often prevents symbiotic local connections. Mississippi Market can meet local needs that go unrecognized by larger chains (as described above) and can source unique local goods that are not available elsewhere. Large chains have achieved widespread brand recognition that draws customers almost by default. The Market can combat this and increase awareness, not just by marketing to its community, but engaging with and supporting its community through events, outreach and education.

8. Tell us about your favorite co-op food, and how you like to enjoy or share it.

I love the veggie pot pies and many of the soups, especially the creamy ones (e.g., rustic kale soup, lemon chicken soup). I heat them up and share them with my wife and two daughters. They make for a convenient and affordable meal for the whole family.

1. Why are you interested in running for this board?

First, I love the co-op as a consumer and as a community member. Second, I love the co-op both in values and in practice. I see the good it does. Third, I am interested in (and excited by) the opportunity to serve and give back, to leverage lived experiences, and to co-create with others for the benefit of the co-op and the community.

2. Briefly summarize what professional, leadership, and/or volunteer experience uniquely qualifies you to serve on the board.

I believe my unique set of lived personal, professional, and leadership experiences have set me up well to serve on the board. My parents are farmers, and I grew up helping them on the farm and at markets. I, myself, am a co-op customer and member! In my day job, I work in law. I have served on past boards and am currently on the board of another group. Given those combined experiences, I believe I uniquely understand the role of the board. Additionally, because of those combined experiences, I think I could add value to the Mississippi Market board — and by extension, Mississippi Market.

3. Please describe your experience in one or more of these areas: Board Governance, Community Engagement/Connections, Diversity and Inclusivity, Food Justice, Local Food Systems, and Long Term and Strategic Planning.

As it relates to Board Governance, currently, I am the president of another board (last year of my term). As it relates to Community Engagement/Connections, I have strong ties to the community personally and professionally. For example, in past jobs, I have formally worked in outreach, policy, and community organizing. As it relates to Diversity and Inclusivity, I am Asian American, Hmong American, work in the legal field, and know about farming through my parents’ experience.

4. Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board.

I’d be able to contribute to the board’s diversity, equity and inclusivity in several ways. Racially and ethnically, I am Asian American and Hmong American. In terms of industries represented on the board, I’d be able to offer legal and farming perspectives. Professionally, my day job is in law and personally, I am the daughter of farmers.

5.  In your opinion, what is the role of the co-op in the community? 

I believe the co-op serves many roles in the community, all of which are equally important. The facts that the co-op has so many roles and has so many constituents are strengths. It’s a grocery store for its consumers. It is a cooperative business for its members. It is an employer for its employees. It is a buyer among producers, farmers, manufacturers and vendors. It’s an investor in and connector of the community.

6. What is your vision for Mississippi Market’s future?

My vision for Mississippi Market includes: 1) provide exceptional customer experiences; 2) buy more products from local BIPOC vendors, producers and farmers — and help support a pipeline of them—; and 3) offer more ethnically and culturally specific foods and products.

7. The co-op is currently facing many new challenges due to the pandemic and an ever-increasingly competitive grocery industry. What opportunities do you see for innovation and growth for the co-op to overcome these and other challenges?

Related to my response above, I think there are many opportunities for innovation and growth. 1) Strengthen the customer experience. Perhaps that begins by surveying our consumers and members and finding out what we do best and where we could do better. 2) Buy more products from local BIPOC vendors, producers and farmers — and help support a pipeline of them if a pipelines does not currently exists. 3) Offer more ethnically and culturally specific foods and products. As an Asian American and Hmong American woman (and the primary shopper in my household), I’d like to be able to pick up the “staples” my family relies on from the co-op but can’t do so currently.

8. Tell us about your favorite co-op food, and how you like to enjoy or share it.

Almost any item from the deli, bakery or salad bar. I am especially impressed by the meat counter — I can add a few slices of Ferndale smoked turkey breast meat to every meal! My husband and I are also big fans of the Immaculate Baking Co.’s gluten-free fudge brownie dough.

1. Why are you interested in running for this board?

I would like to continue serving on the Mississippi Market Board of Directors because I am passionate about supporting and nurturing the local food system from farmers to consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic has only underscored the fragility of our global supply chains and the need for strong and resilient local food systems that benefit all community members. Community-owned cooperatives are a crucial part of a just food system that supports farmers, food producers, and the land while putting community health and well-being over huge profit for a few. I have spent the past year on the board learning the system, and I would be honored to take this knowledge and continue representing the member-owners.

2. Briefly summarize what professional, leadership, and/or volunteer experience uniquely qualifies you to serve on the board.

I have served on boards since I was in high school, lived in cooperative housing in college and currently serve on the co-op board. I am the executive director of the West Side Farmers Market and led the effort to become a nonprofit in 2019. I served on the Minnesota Association of Environmental Education’s Board of Directors, including serving as president, as we engaged in strategic planning that resulted in refocusing its scope of work to make space for positive, sustainable growth. I have been a climate scientist, environmental educator, and an evaluator and I have a passion for food. The food system integrates all my interests and directly impacts people’s lives. I am a systems thinker who loves working on a challenge with others.

3. Please describe your experience in one or more of these areas: Board Governance, Community Engagement/Connections, Diversity and Inclusivity, Food Justice, Local Food Systems, and Long Term and Strategic Planning.

I love strategic planning! Taking the time to pause and think about goals and how to achieve them is vital and energizing. Clear goals and expectations make ambitious things possible. My experience as an evaluator and leader has shown me the value of a thorough and thoughtful plan to make work easier to accomplish and more satisfying. I work in the supply chain and the local food system at the West Side Farmers Market: on the leadership team since 2013 and as executive director since 2019. In addition to serving as a vital community resource in the neighborhood, we help food producers in the early stages of their journey as they try to make a good living growing and producing high-quality food in the face of climate-based uncertainty, navigating licensing and insurance, and securing land. A more connected local food system across markets, food producers, and the community will help our region and gives farmers and food producers viable options that consider the well-being of human and environmental health over the industrial agriculture system. I am on a journey to better educate myself on race and racism and am actively working toward being anti-racist personally and professionally. Institutional structures and deeply engrained learned prejudices need to be examined and dismantled and replaced with just policies and ways of being. I have learned so much about good board governance serving on the co-op board this year; I would be honored to continue serving as your representative.

4. Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board.

Focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion is vital to disrupting the structural inequalities in our society. As a Jew, I know both the struggles of living in a society that discriminates against me and the privilege of visually fitting in to the same society. This experience has galvanized my commitment to equality, inclusion, and justice for each of us to live freely. As a former climate scientist, I bring a key perspective as the consequences of climate change are becoming rapidly apparent.

5. In your opinion, what is the role of the co-op in the community?

The co-op should be a leader in advocating for the use of cooperative principles more widely in society. Cooperative systems where the good of the community matters more than individual profit can demonstrate to the community the bright possibilities when businesses put aside corporate profits so all can thrive. Additionally, the co-op should continue to work to rebuild a robust and just food economy locally and globally. The co-op can work with farmers, food producers, and food consumers to make fresh local food accessible, appealing, available and utilized. A stronger local food system will address climate change, community health and the economic vitality of small-scale organic farming.

6. What is your vision for Mississippi Market’s future?

I see Mississippi Market as a vibrant collection of stores full of local and global food and craft products produced by fairly paid workers in ways that mitigate harm to the environment. I envision stores where all workers are happy and feel justly treated and members are more involved in their co-op. Ways to involve members more at Mississippi Market could include expanding and broadening class offerings, as well as offering more opportunities for members to give back to the community as a member of the co-op. Being a co-op member would mean more than quarterly discounts and yearly member refunds; it would mean becoming a part of a vibrant community.

7. The co-op is currently facing many new challenges due to the pandemic and an ever-increasingly competitive grocery industry. What opportunities do you see for innovation and growth for the co-op to overcome these and other challenges?

COVID-19 has created many new and unexpected challenges for essential businesses and front-line workers. From supply chain shortages to worker safety, to bewildered customers, the challenges have been great. Yet, Mississippi Market was a leader in store safety and in compensating front-line workers for the increased risk and stress associated with working through a contagious pandemic. The smooth response to this pandemic is an opportunity to be a leader in the community: when signals from the powers that be were disjointed, the co-op stepped up and did the right thing to protect people. As the global supply chain has been weakened, Mississippi Market is poised to help us find another way forward that is more sustainable for all.

7. Tell us about your favorite co-op food, and how you like to enjoy or share it.

My favorite part of the co-op is the extensive bulk section. Pre-packaged food wastes a lot of resources and I appreciate being able to reduce the waste associated with purchasing delicious food.

Molly has a Ph.D. in Free-Choice Learning, Science Education and Oceanography and is the executive director of the West Side Farmers Market. Molly lives in St. Paul and enjoys shopping at all three locations.

1. Why are you interested in running for this board?

For 30 years I have had the privilege to patronize and enjoy our co-op, and I have come to respect and admire its mission. It is vitally important that our co-op continues to thrive in order to provide its countless benefits to the surrounding communities it serves and to lead in the journey toward a more just and equitable food system. Contributing to our co-op through shaping the long-term vision, providing financial oversight, and setting strategic operational priorities would be a challenging and rewarding opportunity. I look forward to learning and growing with the board and co-op while also providing my ideas and expertise to push the boundaries to achieve our mission.

2. Briefly summarize what professional, leadership, and/or volunteer experience uniquely qualifies you to serve on the board.

After graduating from the U of M and working in the corporate ranks, the need to pursue a more fulfilling and meaningful career became too important to ignore. In 2014 I left corporate to co-found Simpls, a company dedicated to nurturing people and the planet through sustainable food. We built it to three locations, 30 employees and a central commissary kitchen. Building this business over the last 7 years has provided invaluable experience and immersion in the local food community which I truly love. I also serve as treasurer on the board for my condo association and have for the past 7 years. These experiences, along with my curiosity, creative passion and strong analytical skills, will allow me to add value and serve our co-op well.

3. Please describe your experience in one or more of these areas: Board Governance, Community Engagement/Connections, Diversity and Inclusivity, Food Justice, Local Food Systems, and Long Term and Strategic Planning.

Leading a small business for the past 7 years has been an eye opening and robust learning experience in almost all these areas. Nurturing people and the planet through sustainable food is at the core of my business and this directly relates to Local Food Systems and Food Justice. I’ve been fortunate to work with and cultivate strong relationships within the local food community that are doing incredible work in both areas. Through strategic partnerships with Second Harvest Heartland and Land Steward Project, we have been able to amplify our impact. In addition, we have developed direct relationships with organic and regenerative farmers, small independent grain mills, nonprofits and thought leaders in the industry. Diversity is a key strength that we leverage through inclusion. By having an inclusive environment, we have reaped the rewards of continuous improvement from different ideas and perspectives, created an enjoyable and safe working environment for everyone, and promoted from within, leading to improved retention. Long term and strategic planning is particularly important for any successful business and the approach we’ve taken has evolved and improved over time. We now have a well-organized system we use to generate, foster and collaborate on new ideas and strategies. We use those to clearly outline our vision and then create well-defined goals and objectives to achieve that vision.

4. Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board.

The first step is understanding that an inclusive, diverse and equitable board is critical to the long-term success of our co-op. From there we can contribute and foster this environment through thoughtful collaboration, active listening and respectful dialogue with our board, co-op leadership, our members, and the communities we serve. Additionally, we must be self-aware and identify areas where we need to focus and then implement plans of action to continuously improve.

5.  In your opinion, what is the role of the co-op in the community? 

To be the thought leader and driver of change toward a more just and equitable food system, which will ultimately build stronger, healthier and more cohesive communities. Our co-op achieves this through where it sources its food, keeping its offerings accessible and affordable, and most importantly through educating their consumer on what it means to have a just and equitable food system. This, in turn, enables the co-op with the incredible ability to empower its consumers to drive that positive and meaningful change through the simple act of grocery shopping.

6. What is your vision for Mississippi Market’s future?

My vision for the co-op is to see it continue to grow and play a bigger and more influential role in our community while aligning with our mission. It is imperative that our co-op continues to push the boundaries to help effect as much positive change within the food system as possible. Our co-op would continue to lead in product innovation and offerings through continued equipment and lay out investments in our current locations. It would also include reducing conventional options in our co-op while at the same time making organic and regenerative foods more affordable and investing in our staff to drive better consumer education and strengthen the bonds with the community.

7. The co-op is currently facing many new challenges due to the pandemic and an ever-increasingly competitive grocery industry. What opportunities do you see for innovation and growth for the co-op to overcome these and other challenges?

The opportunities are rooted in our core differentiators: our food and our people. We need to engage and leverage our membership base through innovative approaches such as sustaining membership options that can give back to community members in need or other benefits that drive exposure to highly differentiated products. For our food we need to be pursuing supply chains that maintain the highest level of integrity, sustainability and nutrients. For example, regenerative farming continues to emerge as the most innovative and sustainable method for producing our food. We should be investing time and money into establishing local relationships with these types of farmers to create the best and most differentiated supply chains.

8. Tell us about your favorite co-op food, and how you like to enjoy or share it.

Bulk Mild Italian Sausage. We use it in all sorts of Italian dishes, but our favorite is our homemade lasagna! Another secret ingredient for that is Kalona’s 4% Cottage Cheese.

1. Why are you interested in running for this board?

My family and I have been enthusiastic customers of the co-op for many years. There is nothing else like the co-op with its variety of local, healthy food and the sense of community it fosters. St. Paul is my home, and it would be an honor to help guide an organization that occupies such an important space in the community. I also believe that my interests and skills would make meaningful contributions, marrying my deep interest in food and sustainability with my skills as a lawyer — communication, critical thinking and leadership.

2. Briefly summarize what professional, leadership, and/or volunteer experience uniquely qualifies you to serve on the board.

As an attorney for the state’s largest county, I am general counsel to the Hennepin County Public Health Department and advise on a wide range of issues. I also actively litigate complex cases. In addition, during the last 18 months, I have extensively advised Hennepin County leadership on its COVID-19 response. Before becoming an attorney, I was a newspaper journalist for more than 10 years, which gives me an ability to understand how decisions or messages may be broadly perceived and how to handle difficult situations that might draw media attention. These experiences would enable me to bring strong communication, critical thinking, and strategic skills to the board.

3. Please describe your experience in one or more of these areas: Board Governance, Community Engagement/Connections, Diversity and Inclusivity, Food Justice, Local Food Systems, and Long Term and Strategic Planning.

In my role at Hennepin County, I am an integral part of a legal team that advises on strategic planning related to the county’s COVID-19 response. I have advised county leadership amid a dynamic and life-threatening situation on how to keep employees and residents of the county safe during the pandemic. This has required agility during a rapidly evolving situation, as well as critical thinking and team building — the same set of skills I would bring to my service on the board. In addition, I have experience in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion on multiple levels. I have engaged in multiple trainings on utilizing equity and inclusion tools. Most recently, I took part in an in-depth training that emphasized the importance of dialogue (not debate) in creating open and constructive discussions. Diversity, equity and inclusion is a critical part of my day-to-day work, as well, in ensuring that new and ongoing efforts take into account potential impacts to diverse communities. Finally, community engagement has always been important to me as a critical way to connect and give back. For several years I have volunteered with the Reader/Writer program in Minneapolis. I provide writing tips and instruction to middle-school students, as well as mentorship. I also provide pro bono legal services to those without the means to pay. Working with and representing people in my community through pro bono work is some of the most meaning professional work I’ve done.

4. Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is at the forefront of my professional work. I am always thinking about how the results my clients want to achieve are consistent with diversity, equity and inclusion goals. I would bring this same lens to my role on the board. Additionally, I am always working to be aware of and expand my cultural competence by understanding that my perspective can come with limitations and being open minded and empathetic.

5.  In your opinion, what is the role of the co-op in the community? 

The role of the co-op is to serve the community’s needs as those needs change and evolve. At this time, I believe one of the co-op’s key roles is to make healthy and sustainable food available to all people. There are many strategies to reach this goal. First, create a welcoming and inclusive experience for people who identify as BIPOC. This includes who is working in the stores and how they treat shoppers, in addition to examining what is stocked in the store and whether foods from non-majority groups are as inclusive as they can be. Second, continue to make the case for the value of co-ops from a standpoint of nutrition and health, but also community-building, as it’s member-owned.

6. What is your vision for Mississippi Market’s future?

My vision for Mississippi Market is for it to be a leader in promoting local and sustainable food practices, while also being an equitable and inclusive community organization. The co-op’s role in supporting and providing education on sustainable food practice is critical, as climate change alters growing patterns and disrupts supply chains. The co-op can be a leader in moving people toward food that is healthy while also protective of the environment. Additionally, the co-op can grow in its role as a community organization that confronts wrongs in St. Paul — namely, racism and its many links to gaps in employment, health and well-being for people who identify as BIPOC.

7. The co-op is currently facing many new challenges due to the pandemic and an ever-increasingly competitive grocery industry. What opportunities do you see for innovation and growth for the co-op to overcome these and other challenges?

During the height of the pandemic, my family and I were avid users of curbside pickup. The customer experience was amazing, and we were continually impressed with the attention to detail by staff members. I believe this experience points to a potential area of growth for the co-op: alternative delivery methods that retain the personal touch of the co-op. Staff members were responsive to dietary needs, communicative and helpful when substitutions were made, and available to discuss what was available on any given day. I think this and other alternative grocery delivery methods deserve further exploration as an area of potential future growth.

8. Tell us about your favorite co-op food, and how you like to enjoy or share it.

My favorite co-op food is the organic lacinato kale. I use it to make a kale salad that is a hit at home and everywhere I take it. The salad has a “Caesar” dressing that substitutes Worcestershire sauce for anchovies, topped with panko bread crumbs that I saute with olive oil and garlic.