The heart of any co-op is its member-owners, and that is certainly true of the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. This monthly feature will 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. Want to help out? Contact us about volunteering!

Name: Ann Emerson

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I’ve lived in Stafford since 1989. My four kids are grown now,  but back in the day, we spent a lot of time trouping about the greater Fredericksburg area for sports, scouts, meals and street festivals. I work at Germanna Community College. My hobbies include swing dancing at Dance FXBG (a studio in Eagle Village) and finding great reads at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.

How did you learn about the Fredericksburg Food Co-op and why did you become a member? 

Honestly, I don’t remember where I heard about the Co-op. I just realized it was a great idea and decided to get involved.

What volunteer work do you do with the co-op and what do you like most about volunteering? 

So far, I’ve helped with recruiting members by manning a table at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market. As people pass by, I ask them if they are curious about the Co-op and if they give me any opportunity, I tell them the opportunities and the benefits. I like the idea that I am sharing something that people are eager to hear about and be a part of. They won’t know about us unless I reach out and tell them.

What are you most looking forward to about the coop? 

I am not great at planning my time, and sometimes I end up not making it to the Farmer’s Market on the weekend. But I still want my fresh produce. And I am really excited about the possibility that new produce will be grown when there is a more consistent way for farmers to profit.

What’s your favorite thing about the Fredericksburg food scene?

Fresh local peaches and apples! C&T produce is a super group of folks to buy from.

What one local food experience would you not want our readers to miss?

I recently had a terrific meal at The Falafel Joint and hope everyone enjoys their fabulous sharwarma or falafel. On the other hand, I had a great tempeh sandwich at Sammy T’s , with seasoning that was bona fide delicious.

What advice do you have for someone considering becoming a co-op member? 

A lot of people may be discouraged by big events, or wonder if there is really anything they can personally do to make the world a better place. Buying local is one of them. The Co-op will make “buying local” an institutional fact, not a favor you do our farmers when you have some time on a weekend morning. The Co-op will embody a world-changing truth, that the small ways we work together can add up to a big, healthy impact on our lives and our community.