A Season for Planning

By Alana Lucia, BriarPatch Board President

Winter!

A time when the activity is happening within, the internal is where we grow and flourish. The plans are being mapped out and the external darkness allows for the inner works to become focused and charged. So it is with the seed, so it is with our farmers and producers, and so it is with the Co-op. Last season we had many opportunities to visit our local farms. I am continually inspired by the farmers we have in this community. They, like so many of us, are working with the changing climate, price fluctuations, and a general lack of predictability. An ability to pivot is what is keeping everything going.

Here on the Board, we are in the winter planning and pondering mode as well. We are taking a deeper look into our Ends Policies, considering how we, as a grocery store, impact our community. Our role is always to constantly consider the ways that BriarPatch can continue to make positive impact in the lives of the individuals who are affected by the Co-op — from the products they buy to where we might open our next location. As a board, we think about these things a lot.

One of the ways BriarPatch impacts the community is by selling locally-grown and produced products. It warms my heart to know that we can support people’s lives and dreams through our business practices. My hope is that the support that these businesses receive from BriarPatch makes them stronger and in turn makes our community stronger as a whole. From what we learn on a national level, it is often the initial support from a co-op that serves as the catalyst to to become a strong, viable entity on its own.

My wish for the season is that you are just as positively impacted by our coop: that you are able to find what you need to warm your hearts, and your bellies. I hope you are nourished by the joy you find in your food and the joy we find in one another. Many blessings to you!

What Are Ends Policies?

Ends are statements that describe the purpose of our organization and why we exist. Ends define the results of our work, who benefits from it, and what value it is to them.