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: Rosemary Pitts

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am married with three grown children and fortunate to have two granddaughters. One is a sophomore at the University of Mary Washington, and the other a junior in high school in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

A favorite pastime is travel, and I also love to ride a bike. Over the past 30 plus years, I have combined the best of both by traveling through many
countries on bike tours. It’s a great way to experience the world and different cultures.

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

In September 2015, I learned about the idea of starting a Food Co-op in the Fredericksburg area while attending a meeting of the Fredericksburg Vegetarian Group. I joined immediately, as I was familiar with the Food Co-op philosophy, having shopped in one in my home town in Vermont. Food co-ops are very popular in New England and, as I have since learned, all over the U.S.

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

Primarily, I cover the Food Co-op table at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Fredericksburg. In addition, I participate in other special events that the Co-op puts on throughout the year. I consider volunteer work an opportunity to give back to the community that I live in, and an added benefit is that you meet some really fine folks along the way.

What are you most looking forward to about the Co-op?

The grand opening! Seriously, the wonderful, healthy local produce that will be in our store. The many workshops that will be offered, and the camaraderie that you will discover among your fellow shoppers.

A Co-op is unique in that it is a community of like- minded people.

What is your favorite thing about the Fredericksburg food scene?

The food scene has changed 200% since I first arrived in 1968. There were few choices of good restaurants, and Sammy T’s was the only opportunity to get a vegetarian meal. Now with the population growth in this area, it has created such a diversity of fine eating choices, that one does not have to travel far for a unique dining experience.

What advice would you have for someone considering becoming a Food Co-op member?

I take pride in ownership, and the Food Co-op offers an individual the opportunity to own a stake in their very own grocery store! As an owner, you have a say in what you would like to see the store carry. In addition, you are keeping it local, supporting the local producers of the food you eat and the products that you purchase. In the long run, this is the best scenario for all involved.