New Member Spotlight
Trent Wagler - and wife Chris and kids Bailey and Maia.
Trent, why did you join the FCFC?
I think there's a revolutionary side to having a grocery store in downtown Harrisonburg that supports and depends on local food producers. I also believe in a cooperative mindset that doesn't depend on or benefit a few people because of their wealth. I want to take the corporate out of my food chain and try to get more connected to the farmers who help me nourish my body. I see the co-op as helping me do that. I like to support revolution whose goal is to put good and healthy food in my family's collective belly.
How did you first hear about the coop?
I heard that there was a group meeting to explore ideas about a co-op after the Little Store Collective closed its doors. I knew a few people on the committee and was impressed from the beginning with the planning and variety of stakeholders that were represented by the committee members. I knew this wasn't going to serve just one segment of Harrisonburg.
What are your dreams for the coop?
I want to enjoy going to the grocery store. I have a brother in Madison, WI, and he lives blocks away from their food co-op. And it's actually FUN to go grocery shopping! Can you imagine? I also like the community aspect of the co-op that has already been shown through the membership events. I hope to continue to engage with that community of people about our basic agreed values of good food for people. I dream of a music venue that supports local music out of a cafe that is on the co-op's site. The music venue would support local music and would partner music with the co-op's vision. I know that might just be because I'm a musician, but you asked me to dream, right?
What would you like to say to people out there who are thinking about buying an equity share ownership/membership?
Don't wait to become a member. I've heard from several folks who say, "Yeah, I'll probably join, but I don't know, what's in it for me? I'll just wait and see." It's about value. How much value does this store represent to you? How much do you value the hard work and vision the store represents? I see great value in a store whose priorities will be in line with healthy sources of food - a store that looks out for my health and the health of the environment. Join us.
Readers: If you are interested in sharing why you joined the coop, email your responses to the same questions above, along with a digital photo of you or your family/household, to FC2@mail.com. Questions, call Sam Nickels at 476-4180. Thanks!
Previous New Member Spotlights:
