What Makes Us Different?

by Lindy Bannister, General Manager

We have been talking about these questions a lot lately: What makes us different? Are we safe in our industry? And what does safe mean? Every day we see news about recalls on pet food, tainted pork, contaminated feed in chicken houses; all in the name of making more money.

Maybe we at the Wedge hold our place in the retail world because of our relationships with our vendors. For years now, our managers have built strong connections with the producers of the food we sell. Dean of Produce and Rick at Co-op Partners Warehouse sign contracts to ensure our farmers receive a fair price for their product and that we have a reliable supply of vegetables and fruit to adorn your tables. Dean and Rick visit the farms, watch the production methods and get to know the families. As we like to say, "We have smelled the dirt."

Aaron and our Meat and Seafood staff do much of the same thing for their department with the help of Barth in Research & Development. Products are not brought in until everyone's research is complete. Farms are inspected, production plants are walked through and stories are documented. Until we feel that the producer meets our specifications, their product is not brought in.

Training sessions with vendors are an ongoing part of our Health & Body Care and Grocery departments, so the staff are more than familiar and up-to-date with what they are selling. They sample products, research ingredients, and even examine environmental, social and business practices of the vendors. And finally, our Deli and our Bakehouse never offer a new item without extensive testing and research on its ingredients.

So a theme is emerging: We do our homework and make sure products are as safe as possible before we put them on our shelves. We go above and beyond to earn your trust so you can feel good about what you buy at the Wedge. No system is fool proof and we would be unwise to think it is, but we remain vigilant on your behalf, every day.

The next issues of our newsletter will highlight and bring you closer to several of our many producers. Every one of them has an incredible story to share with you. I hope you enjoy getting to know them! And, join us again this year at the State Fair when some of our producers will be on hand showcasing their wonderful products.

Here's to an awe-inspiring season of the freshest, best tasting food we can bring you!