Newly formed co-op receives first delivery on Christmas Eve

WASILLA— An up-and-coming, community-driven, organic produce-loving group marked an important milestone Christmas Eve. Wholesome Food Co-Op received its first shipment of organic produce from Washington and distributed it to its first customers at the Valley Church of Christ.

“It went really well… We’re off to a very good start,” co-op founder Karen Ross said.

Aside from a few hiccups, all the logistics went smoothly, according to Ross. She said about 45 people ordered $4,000 worth of organic produce for the first order. She said nearly all the crops looked “beautiful.”

“Almost everything was in pristine shape,” Ross said.

Ross noted that the delivery was just in time for Christmas. She said that several people made baskets out of the food they picked up.

Ross and several passionate locals formed the Wholesome Food Co-Op to put quality, organic produce in the hands of the people at a reasonable cost. She said that the overall quality from their orders tops all the major box stores across the Mat-Su Valley and the pricetag is better to boot. She said it’s all about eating healthy with the “power of the dollar” and the “power of choice.”

Ross said that one customer, who showed up at the church, said it was an “insane amount of food for the money.”

About six co-op volunteers had the whole order sorted in 2.5 hours, according to Ross. As a member-owned initiative, she said that participation is required amongst members for the co-op to work.

“Everybody has to contribute or it doesn’t work,” Ross said.

“We had great participation… I think there’s enough interest that once we get the whole machine running smoothly, quietly and well oiled it will be easier to pass off some of these parts to the volunteers in the group and really making it a community effort of people coming together,” Ross said.

Ross said they’re currently seeking new members to sign up for the co-op and they’re also looking for donors to help them get organic produce into the hands of the needy. She said that they also plan to help a number of local organizations across the Valley, especially for the youth.

“The needy are always at the bottom of the food pile and they get processed, factory food mostly. That’s one of the things I want to accomplish with this,” Ross said.

Ross said they’re expecting the next order in 2 to 4 weeks.

“I’m really excited about what’s possible here,” Ross said. “I’m just going to do this for the community because I think it’s so helpful.”

Ross said to join their Facebook group for details and updates by visiting facebook.com/groups/WholesomeFood/

She said people can also reach via email at wholesomefoodcoop@gmail.com

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com