As it approaches its one-year anniversary in July, Prairie Roots Food Co-op (PRFC), Fargo, has established itself as a valued asset by its members, and as a viable outlet for local foods producers.
“We have almost 2,000 owner-members in the community, and we’re so excited to have such strong community support,” says Kaye Kirsch, interim general manager for PRFC.
PRFC is a grocery store in the Red River Valley that is a one-stop shop for featuring natural, organic and local food. As a co-op, it is owned by members, and governed by a board of directors elected from the membership.
Kirsch says PRFC has a strong dedication to local foods growers and producers, and to showcasing their wares.
“We want shoppers and our members to feel like they are connected with a local farmers whose products are available in our store,” Kirsch says. Products for sale which are raised within 150 miles of the co-op store are tagged with a notation about its source location.
“We also have producer profiles up around the store so people can actually see and read about some of the farmers who have provided the products that are on our shelves, in the coolers and in the bulk bins,” Kirsch says.
Kirsch says fresh, ready-to-eat foods and snacks are a major feature of PRFC. “We have rolled out a new weekly menu,” Kirsch says, which involves a featured hot food of the day. For example, Monday is pasta bar day. “And, we have even rolled out a Sunday brunch menu,” Kirsch adds. Daily food service is offered from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday brunch is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prairie Roots Food Cooperative; 1213 NP Ave., Fargo, ND; @prairieroots.
Source: staff reports
