From the General Manager

By Lindy Bannister

Oh, the tastes of summer, our season to reconnect to the dirt and all that it gives us.

I have a mug on my desk from Linda, our Farm Manager at Gardens of Eagan, that says quite simply "Dirt First," Gardens of Eagan. That pretty much says it all. Look after the dirt and you will be rewarded. Our farm team has been hard at work for weeks now looking after the soil, fixing the green houses and planting the seeds. By the time you read this, the plants should be in their rows, starting their journey to your tables. Look for exciting new additions to the crops that have always been grown at GOE. We'll also be returning to the Mill City Farmers market on the weekends. Loon Organics sold our product for us in the past, but since they have bought their own farm, we will be driving our big blue van ourselves and staffing the stall. So if you can't make it to the store, or just prefer to enjoy the fun of the market, stop by and say "Hi."

Thank you so much to all of you who have stood with us and supported our efforts on the Trader Joe's project. The Wedge is a strong local business with a long history of supporting our neighborhood. We were quite surprised that the city and state would consider granting an exemption to a longstanding law that prohibits a business having an off sale wine and beer license within 2000 feet of another licensed business (Hum's, in business on Lyndale and 22nd Street for forty years). To do this for a company that has no commitment to our locale, yet not consider such licenses for locally-owned stores such as the Wedge, Lund's and Kowolski's, seems odd indeed. We'll keep you informed as things move along. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, our website, or just come on in and talk to us.

This is the issue of At the Wedge that calls for applicants for the Board of Directors and organizations to apply for WedgeShare grants. Please consider running for our board, or let worthy organizations know about our grant process (it is all on www.wedge.coop too). Also, the Board of Directors is inviting you to take a brief online survey to help us better understand what you need from us regarding information on food and related topics. We are so fortunate to have so many members stay connected with us through these processes. We look forward to working with you.

Have a wonderful summer, take time for yourself and your families and enjoy the incredible food from our local friends.