First Alternative Food Co-op, Corvallis, Ore., was one of the recipients of Organically Grown Company’s (OGC) Mission Fund Grants. The co-op used the $5,000 grant to install new fixtures, including a new track lighting system, in its south Corvallis store’s produce department. The investment in the department will help improve the shopping experience with a better-lit space and, hopefully, increase sales.
 
“We finished installing our new track lighting system just in time for the holidays,” Produce Manager Natalia Mikkola said. “What an incredible difference it makes! We are blown away at the change in the visual warmth of the department and the heart of the store.”

“As a longtime OGC partner, we applied for the grant with the purpose of improving our lighting in our south store’s produce department. The goal was to help improve the shopping experience and sales with a better lit space and fixtures,” First Alternative Brand Manager Emily Daniel said.

First Alternative brought in the expertise of an interior design firm to help identify the best type of lighting, placement and any additional improvements that could be made to the space. Based on that, the co-op focused efforts on warm-toned lighting strategically installed throughout the produce department to highlight the product and relevant signage.

Both staff and shoppers have been pleased with the results. “The warm lighting helps brighten the space, make it more inviting and showcases all of the wonderful local and organic produce we have available,” Daniel said.

OGC launched its Mission Fund Grants in the fall of 2020 as a way to share their prosperity with mission-focused partners. First Alternative was one of 21 Northwest businesses and nonprofits that received funding in 2021. All recipients were identified as having a direct connection to OGC’s supply chain or are leading work to build a resilient and just agricultural economy.