As a baker myself, I make a point to try all the local bakeries. I heard from several people that a new bakery was opening in Kaukauna, and as soon as they posted their menu, I couldn’t wait to try it. Right in the heart of downtown Kaukauna, Sticky Fingers opened in...
The weather this past week has been sweltering. Our staff hasn’t been immune, so we decided to share with you one of our favorite ways to cool off, of course ice cream! Whether it be your favorite Mexican sundae, adding a few of your favorite toppings to tried and...
Tuesday. What is there to do on a Tuesday? Hardly anything, ever, really. Tuesday falls too early in the week and yet is so far removed from the weekend. Sometimes it is just another Monday masquerading as a Tuesday. 313 Dodge might just be what you are looking for....
As I’m getting used to living in Wisconsin, I’m discovering some of the Wisconsin staples when it comes to food and spirits. I knew about Spotted Cow and cheese curds before I moved to Wisconsin, but that was about it. Fortunately, Gabe’s Wisconsin Kitchen and Tavern...
As soon as the leaves begin to change, even ever so slightly, so does my weekly menu. When the shades of green turn to red and orange, my refrigerator, once full of peaches, quickly becomes home to all things apple. Taking a trip to a local apple orchard is my...
When I previously lived in Illinois, I became familiar with the popcorn chain “Garrett Popcorn.” One of my favorites mixes was their Garrett Mix, their world famous cheddar and caramel corn mix. When I moved to Wisconsin, I wasn’t sure if I would find a popcorn...
Oshkosh is about to get another grocery store. But it’s not like a regular grocery store, it’s a cool grocery store. Oshkosh Food Co-Op (OFC) is set to open their grocery store around summer 2021 in central Oshkosh, a USDA designated food desert. The store will be located on the first floor of the new Brio Building at Jackson St. and Pearl Ave. If you’re looking for a new grocery store to purchase locally sourced produce, continue reading to learn more about OFC.
OFC is a not-for-profit entity which has been in operation since 2013. “It takes an average of 5-7 years to start a food co-op, and we’re excited to be Northeastern Wisconsin’s first food co-op,” says Lizz Redman, Project Manager for Oshkosh Food Co-Op. The mission of OFC is “to provide a thriving, member-owned, full-service grocery store in the heart of the city.” The co-op plans to source at least 20% of their grocery store locally, with an emphasis on organic and natural food. They were recently accepted as a member of the “National Co+Op of Grocers”, which is the only new co-op that was accepted during this round of applying for membership. Cooperatives around the world, including OFC, follow these seven internationally recognized principles when operating their co-op:
As of November 12th, 2020, they have 1,390 members and are growing. Their goal is to reach 1500+ members before the store opens. When you purchase a membership, you purchase ine share of the business, and you can choose to pay for your membership up-front ($180) or through a payment plan. Non-members of the Oshkosh Food Co-Op can shop at their grocery store, however members can receive benefits like in-store discounts, voting rights, and possible profit dividends. When you purchase your membership, you can also opt for a yard sign to show that you’re a member of the co-op!
In addition to looking for members, they’re also looking for vendors. They’re looking for vendors of produce, beer and wine, options for a grab and go section, maple syrup, and more. You don’t have to be a member in order to apply as a vendor. If you’re interested in selling, you can fill out an application here and email it to oshkoshfoodcoop@gmail.com; they offer applications in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Vendor applications are being reviewed by the new general manager, Jeffrey Thouron, who will be relocating to the Oshkosh area in January from South Dakota.
The new Brio Building is set to finish construction sometime next spring. “Every time I drive by and see a little more of the building progress it feels very surreal; the Brio was just a plan on a piece of paper months ago and now it’s coming to life,” comments Joseph Stephenson, Board Member of OFC. OFC is hoping to start the build-out process for the store in April, depending on when construction is officially finished. While you’re waiting for their grocery store to open, there are ways to support OFC! A local student at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is selling holiday cookie decorating kits from Happy Bellies Bake Shop in Appleton, and proceeds will be donated directly to OFC. Kits are $33 (includes 12 cookies, frosting and decorations) and can be ordered through November 30th.