Dear Co-op Community,

It has been a year that none of will ever forget. Those of us working at Deep Roots can say that we have all been pushed way outside of our comfort zones, bonded more deeply, and have learned and acquired some great skills in the areas of compassion, grace, patience and endurance. We have all changed and we have all grieved many losses along with our co-op community.

Here is the hope though. History shows us that Cooperative potential grows exponentially when humans need to lean on each other more. Shifting our culture away from isolation and “the other” towards a collective care is the key to our survival and the health of our environment. I have felt this hope growing since long before the pandemic and once the reality of the changes washed over me, I came to understand that this is why we exist and why we work so hard to keep skin in the game. See, co-ops are not beholden to our shareholders to turn a profit like the corporate grocery stores. We are here to serve and bend to the needs of our community and we have done just that, as well as any huge mega store, and I think even better. Profits are celebrated and either reinvested or paid to out to owners.

This team of seasoned managers and essential workers has blown me away with how they show up every day, care about people and planet, and make Deep Roots better for all of us, not just the few at the top who no one even knows. I am so proud of how our team plugs in and fights for equality and justice. The raw honesty and candidness of our little culture has developed some serious confidence. It is working to serve us all. We are working hard on creating the ideal work environment despite the fear many people have of even entering a grocery store these days.

Here is some good news! We are finally able to review Owner benefits again and add some enhancements. I am thrilled to announce some great changes starting January 1, 2021. All hot bar meal boxes will be $1 off for Owners and $2.50 off for LIMe recipients. Do you utilize our Special Order Program? Well in 2021 you might want to start. We are happy to offer 20% off all special case orders for Owners. Guests will still receive the 10% off special order cases. One more big exciting addition- The Stock Up Café! We will be utilizing the café space to offer special case deals of 25% off or more for Owners and 10% off for guests. The Stock Up Café is scheduled to start in early February. Other plans for 2020 include a Deli remodel to provide full service hot, salad and sandwich bar options.

If you have been on the fence about joining the Co-op, now is the time to jump on in with us. We are here for you and we are better than ever. Bring your friends over too. The more we cooperate, the more our community is able to thrive and everyone gets a seat at the table!

A big thank you is going out to all of our lovely vendors, volunteers, staff, owners and guests for making 2020 a success for Deep Roots Market. As hard as it has been, this was our best year on record for sales. Cheers to a less challenging and more cooperative 2021!

See you in the aisles,

Nicole Villano, GM