While federal, state and local mandates and recommendations have required most co-ops to close their self-service prepared food bars, co-ops have found creative ways to keep providing shoppers with the convenient, healthy meals they crave. Research shows that Americans are cooking more than ever now, but even experienced cooks appreciate an easy meal solution, especially now that restaurants have scaled back their services. Co-ops can respond to this need by shifting from common grab and go items like wraps, sandwiches and other single-serving dishes to family-style heat-and-serve main dishes, sides and desserts. Think: whole quiches, pans of mac ‘n cheese, enchiladas and lasagna, family-sized salads and take-n-bake pizzas. Don’t forget dessert! Multi-packs of cookies, pies and cakes can make a meal feel extra special, even when stuck at home.
Remember to keep it simple and consistently in stock, so folks can count on availability when doing their weekly essential trip or ordering for curbside pickup.
Valley Natural Foods in Burnsville, MN, offers a Basics Bag Program for immune compromised and senior customers. The program offers basic meal ingredients for two days for one to two people. Recipe ideas are included and available on Valley’s website. The bags are pre-packaged and available for pick up at Valley’s drive-thru. Bags include items such as pasta and house-made marinara, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, made-from-scratch soups, as well as dairy staples like milk, bread and eggs. Bag contents and recipes change every two to three days and are shared on Valley’s social media.
Similarly, the Merc Co+op in Lawrence, KS, launched a Take-and-Bake program that serves two to four people. Their eclectic menu offers everything from vegetarian entrees to pizzas to salads, as well as a selection of packaged sandwiches. Items are available both in store and for curbside pick-up. The Merc also has a variety of signature made-to-order sandwiches, such as tofu banh mi and Mediterranean chicken, available in the store.
Co-ops are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in new and creative ways. Each co-op is unique and there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Still, consider whether you may be able to adapt some of these ideas at your co-op. At the very least, we hope these short profiles will spark inspiration for new strategies to serve the changing needs of your owners, customers, vendors and community.
