Viroqua Food Co+op Blog

We asked Prepared Foods Manager Sam Witte & she delivers!

VFC: The pandemic changed how our customers shop as well as how we operate. What challenges has the Deli Department faced in the past year?
Sam: At the beginning of the pandemic, we had to close some of our most popular services including the hot bar and the salad bar. We knew it was important to continue to provide hot and nutritious food and had to get creative about how to bring some of those services back. We currently have hot meat and vegetarian options on the hot bar daily and will be adding some family-sized portions later in the day. We have also seen a lot of success with pre-made salads in the grab-n-go, in both the single-serve and the family sizes. It is encouraging now to see people get back into regular routines.

In October, National Co-op Month gives us a lot to celebrate! We honor the spirit of cooperation and a model of business that: builds community; strengthens relationships; empowers people to collectively realize their social and economic aspirations. 

Community Hunger Solutions (CHS) exists to connect locally produced food with community members who lackaccess. To accomplish this, CHS works with farms, food processors and others to source locally produced foods that would otherwise go to waste. Then, volunteers sort the food for distribution to food pantries and other community partners. CHS averages about 150,000# of produce annually – plus a growing amount of Organic Valley dairy, such as milk and cheese. While the primary source of food is through donations, CHS purchases anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 worth of food from local family farms each year.

Our Mission is clear when it comes to supporting locally produced foods. Sourcing locally strengthens our small-town economy, builds sustainability and ongoing regional food security. It’s important to note how the resiliency we create through our support of local served us during the pandemic. The relationships we have with local producers kept our shelves full of fresh foods, even as the regular channels for food distribution were strained from unpredictable consumer buying. You may have noticed that products are still sometimes unavailable – but local, seasonal and fresh produce is always at the VFC!

The Roots of the Tea Trade
Did you know that tea is the second most popular drink in the world – second only to water?

It has been my privilege to serve as the VFC Marketing Manager for the past fourteen years. As I head towards retirement this autumn, I’d like to reflect on a few of the many things I appreciate about working at the Co-op.

Pack for a snack or a meal!

The quandary that never ends: When does a snack qualify as a meal? A sandwich doesn’t need a plate or cutlery, but can gratify even the gluttonous! Although – hard salami, slices of cheese, some fruit, and a favorite beverage can fill one up... So, which is it? A snack or a meal?

I love snacks and the more they keep my energy levels consistent, the more likely I am to keep them on hand! If you’re hopping on your bike this summer, keep a snack “go-bag” ready. I keep a cloth bag of reusable cutlery, one sharp knife, a dish towel or reusable cloth napkins, all wrapped in a beach towel or table cloth that can convert into a lawn blanket – and perhaps a resealable container, to save some snacks for later!

When you get to the Co-op, now all you need to grab is a protein, a fruit, a carb’ if you enjoy a good cracker or bread, and a 4-pack of whatever wets your whistle!

Bike Repairs – On the Go!

Minnesota-based bicycle rack manufacturer Dero describes themselves as “bike parking nerds.” We love that! Dero’s mission is to populate the world with bicycle infrastructure. While they may be fulfilling such world-wide dreams, they have also claimed their stake right here at the Viroqua Food Co+op.

Our friends at local nonprofit Vernon Trails donated this Dero Fixit Station to the VFC in 2018. We’re so glad to see it be utilized by our fellow bike riders, more and more each year.