Why I Shop at the Co-op #8

February 6, 2022

Founding Board Member Angie Noll was there at the beginning of the Co-op.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

We both grew up in Virginia. I grew up in Hopewell and James grew up in Reston.  We met at Mary Washington College while we were students there in the 1990’s. We married about a year and a half after graduation. We raised three daughters here in Fredericksburg and now have two wonderful grandsons. I have worked for the RACSB in various roles for the past 25 years, currently in the Early Intervention program as a Service Coordinator. James taught high school English in Spotsylvania for many years and this year is teaching in Prince William County. He is also a writer and has published seven novels and two short story collections.

When did you first hear about the Co-op?

I was a member of the Founding Board of the Co-op when we incorporated in September 2015. Since that time, I’ve visited many other co-ops and have learned about how co-ops work and the many things they have to offer to a community. I’m still serving on the Co-op board, having been reelected in 2020 to another three-year term. We’re both delighted that the Food Co-op is now open and serving our community and excited by all that it will accomplish in the future.

What are your favorite products at the Co-op?

One of my favorite things is the coffee selection. We enjoy trying the different brands of local and fair-trade coffees the Co-op has in stock. Our current favorite is the Maya Super Dark by Just Coffee Co-op. We also like Equal Exchange BioRevolution which is sold in the bulk coffee aisle. James loves the beer selection at the Co-op, specifically the Wilderness Porter.

What do you love most about the Co-op?

What I enjoy most about the Co-op is the people and the community that is being built around a love of healthy and local food. I love that while shopping I often run into friends I haven’t seen in a while. I enjoy talking to the cashiers and getting recommendations from Suzie on the best wine or beer selection for a specific occasion or a gift. I also love seeing other favorite local brands of foods in the Co-op from places like Kickshaw’s Bakery and Juan More Taco. 

Have you ever made a suggestion to the Co-op and what was it?

I have not made any specific product requests. I’m really happy with the quality and variety of products the Co-op offers. 

What advice would you have for someone thinking about checking out the Co-op?

My advice would be to come by and check it out. There is something for everyone. I even bought Christmas gifts at the Co-op last year.