LOOKING BACK WITH GRATITUDE
EXCITED BY THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD!

January 11, 2023

As your Co-op Board reflects on the year just past, we are filled with gratitude for the support of this wonderful community.

The writer Anna Lappé said: “Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” In 2022, a growing number of people in this community shopped at the Co-op and in that way cast their vote for the kind of world that is represented by our Cooperative’s values.

Our Co-op is the only community-owned grocery store in the Fredericksburg area and we are only as strong as the support provided by this community. In 2022, the community showed its great support for the Co-op by its actions:  both our sales and the number of households that are Co-op owners increased at double digit rates. In fact, the number of Co-op owners grew by more than 450 in 2022 — pushing our total number of owners over 3,000!

Never for a moment do we take your support for granted. We realize that these are difficult and turbulent times for many in our community. Inflation continues to impact the cost of groceries. At the Co-op, we strive to hold down prices and we LOVE to offer extraordinary value to our shoppers. Our Co+op Deals – published twice a month – offer some great savings. You can pick up a copy of the Co+op Deals flyer in the Co-op’s foyer as you enter the store and it is also inserted two Wednesdays a month in the Free Lance-Star. In addition, we have more than 100 Co+op Basics products in the store at all times – these are high quality, often organic items offered at everyday LOW prices. 

Although our Co-op is still in its very early years, we believe that we are off to a good start. As your elected board, we are committed to do all we can to ensure that the Co-op delivers on its Core Values and the vision of its early founders. These values include (1) prioritizing LOCAL products; (2) centering sustainability in all of our decisions; and (3) building a stronger sense of community while sharing information on the link between food and health and making healthy foods affordable even for families in need. In addition, as your representatives, the board closely monitors operational and financial performance.

By shopping at the Co-op for your groceries, you are making a REAL difference in ensuring the Co-op’s success and you are voting for a world that reflects our shared values of supporting local producers, environmental sustainability and a stronger and healthier community.

As we enter 2023, we are filled with optimism and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. At the CORE of a Co-op is the belief that Together, we can make a real difference. We embrace that belief and are grateful that 2022 gave us a glimpse of what’s possible for this wonderful Co-op community.

Wishing you good health and every happiness in 2023. Looking forward to seeing you and visiting with you at the Co-op.

Your Co-op Board of Directors