This is not the first time you’ve heard me wax on about Vancouver’s fabulous Home Grow-In Grocer, and it is unlikely to be the last. I absolutely love this little shop. Owner Deb Reynolds has held true to her original concept, selling only ‘made or grown in B.C.’ products. Back in August, when I first wrote about The Grow-In, the premises was so full of produce and freshly made goodies, extra boxes of bounty had to be stacked up against one of the exterior walls. It is not unusual for Reynolds to use her own nearby home as overflow storage.
Fast forward to Fall. Evidently, the Grow-In changes with the seasons. As the harvest wraps up for yet another year, the shop has switched its focus to more jarred goods. And I do mean more. During my last visit the place was fully stocked with an extensive selection of artisan canned goods (all local, of course)…… everything from pickles, mustards, jams, chocolates (Wendy Boys), to juices, syrups and tuna fish (Estavan). As for freezer items, there is a great selection of meat and poultry. And don’t miss ‘Helmis Perogies’ (try the ‘Bacon and Cheddar’ version- ouch!). At $6.50 per bag, they’re a steal.
But there is more happening at The Grow-In than meets the eye. Currently Reynolds is also in the process of establishing a buyers co-op for the 2010 harvests. Until now, B.C.’s co-ops have offered food from only one farm. The Grow-In version will be the first to not only provide fruit and vegetables from a whopping 7 farms, share holders will also be allowed to choose which foods they want, as opposed to the usual ‘get what you are given’ format. Anyone can purchase a share or more (single share $250, couple $400, mini family of 2-3 $500 or full family of 4 or more $600). Purchasing shares now secures the holder’s share(s) and helps participating farmers with expenses for the upcoming season.
“With a purchase of a share you will receive a certain amount of fresh produce grown both here in the Fraser Valley and in the Okanagan/Similkameen Valley from June 1 2010 to September 30 2010. It will be delivered 2x a week Monday and Thursday to ensure freshness and will be harvested the day before you receive it….. You will receive weekly updates on the planting and harvesting of your crops and a special feature is to help ensure that you receive the produce of the season that you enjoy you will receive a weekly email to ask you to pick out what fruits and vegetables you would like in your tote. Totes will be picked up at our store or for a small fee to cover gas. We can deliver within a certain kms.”
One of the best things about participating in a co-op such as this is that not only is the food fresher and, therefore, tastier- it is significantly more affordable. With the middleman removed, farmers are also able to enjoy higher returns for their efforts. Deb charges no money to anyone for her part, hoping that the benefit will come to her in the form of additional in-store sales, when customers come to pick up their deliveries. It is my great hope that models such as these will continue to succeed and be greatly emulated. The co-op structure can provide wonderful opportunities for consumers to connect with both the food they are eating the people who grow it.
Click here (and scroll down) to learn more about purchasing shares, drop by the store (196 West 18th Ave.) or contact Deb @ info@home-growin.com
