From the Board President

Planting Ideas for the New Auburn Store

By Alana Lucia, BriarPatch Board President

Spring sprang sprung! It’s time for planting seeds and falling in love! That’s what’s going on out in the world of nature and that’s what’s happening here at BriarPatch.

At the end of 2021 the BriarPatch staff put together a forum of people interested in planting a few ideas for the Auburn store. Invitations were sent to members with an address in that region and there were many positive responses. People showed up from the comforts of their homes through Zoom to tell us what we may not know about the Auburn area and discuss what they were looking forward to in an Auburn BriarPatch. There were a few things people mentioned that struck me and warmed my heart. People are looking forward to having cooking classes to gain new skills in the kitchen and grow their repertoire of culinary delights. They are hoping to find other community that we are looking for in the ways we find comfort in community. May there be someone there who has a special smile for us (even if it’s through their eyes). May we have a favorite cashier or two that we’re always happy to see.

“I have some hopes for the new store myself. May we all find the community that we are looking for in the ways we find comfort in community.”

Some of the answers were expected. People are looking forward to having a place where they can get all of their wholesome food in one stop any day of the week. They are excited about the wholesome options and convenience of the deli. They are anticipating a quick, easy stop to pick up something special on their way to or from Sacramento. Many people have special diets they follow for a variety of reasons, and BriarPatch accommodates those needs beautifully in one stop. like-minded people who have similar values which are expressed through food choices. There were several voices expressing a hope that the new store will be a gathering place for people who also share these co-op values and may even become their friends and community. Oh yes! I am falling in love with this idea. I have some hopes for the new store myself. May we all find the May there be a trusted person in the Produce Department that can help you choose the perfect melon. May the community connections grow strong with other organizations supporting each other. May the new store be a fertile ground for all these seeds and more.