DECEMBER 2009:
A Sampler of recent suggestions of general interest ... and our answers:

I just joined the co-op and the first thing that I noticed was the plastic bags in the bulk and produce section! Can we please have paper bags, especially for the bulk section! Thanks!

We tried putting paper bags out in the bulk section, but we had to stop. Unfortunately, some people were putting high priced items in the bags, and writing a lower-priced item number on the bag. It was happening way too often. Sorry.

Can we get copies of the local producers list?

Yes – the list is on our website. That list includes New England and New York items. We have some better news that should make local shopping easier.
We are creating a new larger shelf tag with a gold theme that will be on all Massachusetts items – and those produced by Massachusetts companies. Shopping at the Co-op is another great way to support local. What better way than to shop at a business that is owned by you and over 3,500 of your neighbors?
I also serve on the steering committee for Cambridge Local First, working to encourage people to shop locally owned businesses, not conglomerates. More at their website.

I grabbed a donation card for the food banks that you have – but there was already a name on it in the “donated in the name of…” part. Do you reuse these donation cards? Why?

Yes, we try to remove the “filled out” cards – we missed that one. We originally planned to reuse the cards – believe it or not, this is the TENTH year we are re-using these same cards – that’s why we made them from thicker paper - card stock - and didn’t put a date on them!
It’s a great way to save a tree or two by minimizing paper use.
We get some good names in the “name” slot – from “George W” to my personal favorite, “Earthlings”.
Also, I have to point out that when we started, our good neighbors at Classic Copy and Printing (now Classic Grafix) saw what we were doing, and did the printing for free!
Thanks for thinking of those in need during the holiday season. Our friends at the Greater Boston Food Bank and Food For Free – and all those they serve – appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I lost two of my member cards so I am getting new cards. It’s very frustrating that my remaining old card will no longer work, as well as the lost ones that are probably at home and will turn up. We’ll be confused and try to use the wrong one.

Sorry. The cards have bar codes, so when a card is lost or stolen and needs to be replaced, the old card is “turned off” so if someone else finds the card, it cannot be used.

Is it too early to sign up for the farm deliveries? That stuff I saw last year on Fridays looked great!

No – It’s a great time. Red Fire Farm CSA is taking new members on a waitlist – giving their current CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members time to sign up. Go to their website for more information.

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