Dear Deep Roots Co-op Community,

We have been trying to prepare ourselves for another ride in the masking mandated world. We are not looking forward to this. We are used to masking ourselves and have not stopped since we started. We are used to extra cleaning and have not stopped that either. We care about our community!

“Policing” the public is traumatizing. We are kind and caring people here and are not interested in upsetting anyone, ever. Heck, we prefer making you food and seeing you smile as a general vibe. We are, however, very interested in moving past the “time of COVID” and realize that this is part of the process. Looking back to March 2020, I remember thinking that this was going to be something that we would be dealing with for at least 2 years, so I am not surprised we are moving into this period again.

I can’t tell you how proud I am of the Deep Roots Team! I probably fail to communicate how wonderful, gritty, tenacious, and kind your Co-op team really is. This is no easy industry to be in right now. Handling major shifts and adapting to constant changes coming at us has reached a new level that I have never seen before. These fearless folks continue to push the Co-op towards excellence, even during a global pandemic when most everyone we know has been at home and getting paid to not go into work!

I am asking everyone to be kind to your Co-op people as we shift back into this difficult operation of REQUIRING MASKS. Starting at 5 pm Friday 8/13, you must wear a mask to shop at Deep Roots Market. If you forgot yours, no problem, just ask for one. We still have lots of great reusable ones to choose from and we encourage you to buy those (masks cost us money - money that could be put towards wage increases, which I am trying to make happen in a very tumultuous time in our economy).

Other news subject to possible changes - our Return Policy will remain intact. We will keep the café open with the same request that you do not linger more than eating your meal. The Community Room will remain open to bookings with these expectations - wear a mask, clean up after yourself (sanitizer is in the room for your use), maximum 10 people. We love chatting, sharing information, and even hugging, but please just wave or throw us a peace sign for now. We are busier than ever and crave distraction from the stress.

Reminders - we offer no rainchecks on any deals. In this market where catfish jumps from $3/lb. to $10/lb. overnight, it is not a wise or healthy practice. Online shopping is working well for us. You can use Mercato or Instacart. You can pick up or get delivery. You can even call and place a special order and we will bring them out to your car.

There are so many ways we can serve each other and I sincerely believe that this is our purpose in life. So now is another great opportunity for us to let our humanity shine. Join us! The world has never been so ripe for Cooperation!

See you in the aisles (with cute masks),

Nicole Villano, your GM