Middletown >> Members of the public who aren’t able to get to one of the farmers’ markets or can’t find what they’re looking for are reminded that Lake Co-op offers farmers’ market fresh Lake County produce and other grocery items through their weekly online ordering Website at www.lake.coop.
“You see some of the same products available at the local markets this time of year, but we have an expanded variety of products and produce from local producers, some who don’t vend at the local farmers’ markets,” said Lake Co-op Operations Manager Val Rasmussen.
Fresh local organic squashes, tomatoes, multiple varieties of kale, lettuces, sprouts and sprouted beans, are available as are cabbage, rainbow carrots, flats of wheat grass, herbs, multiple varieties of cheeses and butters, and value-added products such as local olive oils, chocolates and dried sea veggies.
In addition, Lake Co-op offers a variety of regional and imported organic produce that is not available locally including avocados, citrus, ginger, quinoa, popping corn and more.
“As an added bonus, our customers can have their purchases delivered to their doorstep for about the cost of a fancy cup of coffee,” said Lake Co-op Board President and Leonardis Organics farmer Jim Leonardis. “This is such a valuable service whether you’re busy or don’t want to spend the fuel.”
Lake Co-op has 10 accessible pick-up points around Lake County and offers home/office delivery.
Lake Co-op is California’s only cooperatively owned online food ordering system and seeks to strengthen Lake County’s local food system through congregating organic products of local and regional producers, including fresh produce, value-added foods such as rice, beans, flour, cheeses, oils and baked goods.
Lake Co-op offers its customers online or telephone ordering and owner discounts.
“It’s never been easier to get locally grown and produced organic products,” said manager Veronica Rasmussen. “Our model supports everyone — our producers, customers and owners. And it keeps our dollars more local.”
While shopping with Lake Co-op is open to the public, owners receive a 10-percent discount on their purchases. First time customers can now enjoy the owner discount (though are not afforded the one vote per membership that is a hallmark of cooperative ownership) for the first 30 days through registering as a trial-owner with the co-op.
For more information or to sign up to begin buying with Lake Co-op, visit www.lake.coop or call (707) 513-5226.
