Member Spotlight: Ali Floyd
The heart of any co-op is its member-owners, and that is certainly true of the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. We are starting 2019 by launching a monthly feature to tell you more about some of the member-owners who give their time and talents to help us on our path toward opening a free-standing, locally owned grocery store.
Name: Ali Floyd
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am married with two wonderful boys, ages 16 and 21. We moved to the Fredericksburg area in 2016 when my mother and stepfather moved from Knoxville, Tenn., and in with us. I recently retired from the U.S. Army in the summer of 2017.
How did you hear about the Fredericksburg Food Co-op and why did you become a member?
I heard about the co-op from my mother, who would attend the local farmers market on Saturdays. My mother was also a member of a local co-op in Tennessee, when they used to live there and she had her salad dressing business. I wanted to join the Fredericksburg Food Co-op so that my mother and I could become involved with the local community, volunteer and help build a strong program that promotes healthy eating and supports the local farmers and vendors.
What volunteer work do you do with the co-op and what do you like most about volunteering?
I am the food coordinator for the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. I find volunteers who love to cook healthy plant-based foods to make snacks and other dishes for our events.
What are you most looking forward to about the co-op?
I always look forward to each event the co-op sponsors or co-sponsors. You get an opportunity to meet new people, talk to them about the co-op coming to their local area, inspire them to get involved, and try some amazing vegan food that you would never believe could be vegan. I am also very excited for the day the co-op store opens – what an accomplishment this will be.
What’s your favorite thing about the Fredericksburg food scene?
The downtown area is friendly, clean and vintage. A must see. There is something for everyone.
What one local food experience would you not want our readers to miss?
I am sure everyone is familiar with the Saturday Farmers Market. If you love healthy options, and you haven’t checked out these Downtown restaurants – they are a must: Agora, Katora Coffee and Sammy T’s.
What advice would you have for someone considering becoming a co-op member?
If you are thinking about becoming a co-op member – do it, join! You can’t go wrong. You are becoming a member of a program where everyone is passionate about bringing healthy food to the area, while promoting and supporting our local farmers and vendors.
