SPRING 2021

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” -Anne Bradstreet

As the earth springs back to life with the smallest of buds emerging from the ground and on the trees, I’m longing to be outdoors in my garden, on my bike, in front of the grill, or hanging out with friends – something that I’ve missed the most these past long winter months.

Here at the co-op new things budding as well! For our 16 -year-old Bay View location we are planning a major remodel that will expand the shopping area of the store with an additional 4,000 square feet. Our bulk hub (where we purchase bulk by the pallet to package and distribute to our stores and wholesale accounts) was housed behind the scenes at this location and recently moved to our central services location, both to improve operations and free up the additional space we need to make Bay View our largest store location! Look for more details of this remodel to appear by the beginning of summer.

Then, 414 Flowers will return around May 1 (weather dependent) at our Bay View store and will debut at our Wauwatosa location. Spring has sprung! This independent garden center works with local Wisconsin growers providing perennials, annuals, seedlings, and other gardening supplies. We’re excited to work with this local company now for a third season.

We’ve also been doing a lot of thinking about outdoor dining at all of our stores. With the indoor seating areas still closed for the foreseeable future, we are planning on larger outdoor seating options where feasible, at all of our locations starting in late spring. While some of our locations are a bit land-locked, we recognize the need for folks to gather in a safe environment, as our small, indoor seating areas will remain closed until it is truly safe to reopen them.

But wait, there’s more! New seasonal entrees, salads, and bakery will also appear at all of our stores throughout the season. Can I say I’m bursting with excitement about the vegan donuts from Eastside Ovens bakery? Bursting!

Enjoy the wonder of the season, stay safe, and please don’t forget to support the co-op. Together we are building a healthy, diverse, and sustainable community.

Pam Mehnert

General Manager

READ THE LATEST ISSUE HERE

In this issue:

GET FUNKY with Funky Fresh Spring Rolls

SPRING TABLE our periodic table of spring's bounty

ASK THE EXPERT tells you how to ease stress

GOAT CHEESE from Blakesville Creamery in Port Washington 

and more!