Online selling helps alleviate labor shortage issues

VEGGIE RX, from pg. 9 duce from their Stockholm Wisconsin Good Turn Farm to both the Red Wing and neighboring Wabasha Farmer’s Market using the Open Food Network. They like the Network because they can fill their vegetable orders at the farm and drop them off at the markets. They are not required to be at the market for the entire session.

“We have limited labor available so selling through an online platform vs. being in person has worked great for us,” Annelie said. “We received payment from the Farmer’s Market in a timely fashion and were able to charge our regular retail price for our products.”

When the Andersons receive an order they do not know whether or not it is from the Veggie Rx program or some other source. They are, however, very supportive of the program.

“We really like it and think it encourages Veggie Rx participants to start buying local produce,” Annelie said. “We hope that participants will start buying because of the program’s incentive but stay into the future for the high quality produce and connection with their local growers.”

George says Veggie Rx will be continued in Red Wing for 2023 and that there are plans to expand it to other communities. v