mid january news

New bulk section growing, what would you like to see?

One of our number one requests from customers is for bulk food. We have been working on the proper licensing and equipment needs in order to make this happen. We're really close, and want you to now let us know if there is something you want to buy in bulk from us. Many things will have to be bagged "weavers" style, but we do have a few bins that will allow you to fill up your own container. We won't have a ton of these bins to start out with, as they cost anywhere from $75 on up per bin, but that is our long term plan. Thanks for helping us get there with your support!

Why we carry what we do.

We have customers that come from all over to get their hands on great local food. I'm always flattered when someone says they drove 50 miles to visit our store. I was thrilled the other day when a familiar couple from Ladysmith was checking out. They love our store, and always challenge me to do better. They asked why we expanded beer when they want to see us expand our produce section. It's a good question, one I've heard before, and one I'm not afraid to answer. Of course, our name is Just Local Food and as such we set ourselves up for some flack when we stray from that pretty confining moniker. So why did we choose beer over more produce, or cheese, or anything else?

Well, we are more than food, and more than local. You know that. We're also a business, and we need to sell things (food mostly) to make money so we can pay the farmers and the workers. Unfortunately, not everything people want to buy brings in money for our business. Fresh produce is one of them. Sometimes it tastes great but is ugly so people don't want to buy it. Sometimes it has a weird name, or color. And sometimes we sell out of something, then get a bunch more in and it doesn't sell. Unfortunately we can't just put the produce in the warehouse (as if we had one anyway) and wait until we think folks are ready to buy it. No, it rots. Our fault? Sometimes. Your fault? No. That's just the way it is. We have set a goal of having the best produce section in town, so we're not going to quit.

So. Why beer? We had room on our shelves, some customers asked for it, and there are quite a few great microbreweries around here. We also want to provide as many different items as possible - not only to increase sales overall, but to remind people that we live in an area that really can provide for most of our needs! And it makes our art openings easier since we have an in-house supply of beverages!


Grow your own.

The best way to ensure your own supply of fresh produce is to grow your own. We want to help. We're starting by ordering a bunch of seeds through Seed Savers exchange. You'll see them in the store soon. We'll also be working with Dragsmith Farms, the folks who bring us the incredible greens every year, to supply you with other gardening supplies and starter plants when the time comes in Spring. Start planning now!