Hello, Co-op friends and fans!
I hope that you are all safe and well. Sadly, another instance of police use of force against a black man resulting in death, is in the headlines sending people out into the streets in anger and anguish in Minnesota. Our hearts go out to Daunte Wright's family with a hope for healing and real progress toward positive change. I'll say again, I know that this is just an email from your local grocery store but it just doesn't seem quite right to just jump right into the "regular" and fun stuff without acknowledging some of the sad and bad things that we face together.
Did you know that Co-op checks prices of top items against our giant conglomerate competitors all the time to make sure that we're keeping our prices fair and in line with the "going rate" in Greenbelt? Yep, it's true and we keep some items at very low or no mark-up so we can be well priced. This doesn't mean that the big guys won't have some better prices than us, but it does mean that we're competitively priced for a basket of groceries. Sometimes the other gigantic grocers will have better prices on some things or a great sale, but we also know for sure that we often have items on sale, (or on regular price), that are better than theirs.
Take for example our new Flash Sale on Certified Angus Boneless Beef Chuck Roast or Steak available this FRIDAY and SATURDAY only for just $3.69/lb. You save more than 2 bucks a pound on this great item! We'll be having more flash sales in various departments. They're available first come, first served only on the days listed and are available IN-STORE ONLY, (sorry, online shoppers). What's your favorite deal at the Co-op?
Plants and produce
We've sourced some sweet little succulents this week. Have you seen them? SO nice and really easy to care for. If you are usually a "Brown Thumb" these are for you! We've got a good batch of starter plants and herbs coming from our new friend, Farmer Pam from Calvert Farms on Thursday. Look for broccoli, tomatoes, kale and lettuces, and a bunch of basil, rosemary, and more on the herb side, all available in our mini Co-op Garden Center on the ramp! Did we mention that all of Farmer Pam's plants are grown with organic methods? It's true, happily! Check back because we're trying hard to source all kinds of local plants and flowers this spring, as well as from other places.
Earth Month
Earth Day is April 22, but we think environmental matters should get a least a whole month's worth of attention. I know many of us want to be more environmentally friendly but can be intimidated by the subject and not even know where to start. That's why we've set up an end cap with Easy Earth-friendly swaps in cleaning, household goods, personal care, and body care. For example, we're featuring the Diva Cup this month, a great way to reduce the environmental impact of feminine hygiene products and reduce the cost to your pocket as well. Here is an excerpt from an article from
insider.com that might just convince you to give a Diva Cup a try: "The study published July 16, in
The Lancet Public Health, analyzed 40 previous studies of menstrual cup use among 3,319 participants, and found that they are safe, effective at preventing leaks, and cheaper than other menstrual products because they can be reused. The fact that they're reusable also makes them better for the environment. What's more, a majority of people who tried them wanted to keep using them, even in the face of challenges such as lack of privacy or clean water. Only a small minority of people reported any problems."
We're very glad to be able to bag your groceries into your reusable bags again! Bring those bags back and reduce our use of single use bags and plastic! We'll give you an air high five when you do! (OK, maybe not, but we'll be happy!)
COVID updates
I'm pleased, that many of our staff have been vaccinated, (or are in the process of getting vaccinated). And I'm proud of our pharmacists for getting many other Greenbelt neighbors vaccinated, too. Due to guidance from the FDA and CDC, and the Maryland Department of Health we are PAUSING the Johnson and Johnson vaccine vaccination process until further notice. There have been 6 reactions reported out of 6 million doses, so all signs still say the vaccine is very safe. If you're still waiting for a vaccine continue to look around and we'll make it known when we can resume our vaccination schedule. PLEASE, DO GET VACCINATED, so we can beat COVID after all this time!
We're continuing to require mask wearing from all people in store at all times and it must cover your nose and mouth. We will (and do) follow up with customers who are letting their masks slip. For the safety of staff and each other PLEASE continue to comply with this.
Our deli dinners keep on rockin'
On Meatless Monday, April 19, it's Indian night with Macro Vegetarian Chickpea Masala, Samosa Dumplings, rice, and steamed cauliflower for just $7.99.
Wednesday is our Ultimate Chicken Meal deal: dinner for TWO, with 4-pieces of roasted chicken, 2-small sides of YOUR CHOICE, plus 2-soft rolls for only $4.99, or the all-time favorite FAMILY Chicken Meal Deal, with 8-pieces of roasted chicken, 4-soft rolls, and 2-large sides: mac 'n cheese and a choice of potato salad or coleslaw for only $6.99!
Fish Friday features a generous helping of Salmon baked in Himalayan pink sea salt and garlic butter, with steamed broccoli and brown rice for just $7.99.
Each meal is available for pickup from 4-7 pm at the Deli. Walk-ins are welcomed, but if you want to secure a meal for certain, call to reserve 301-474-0522, by 1 pm on each day of pickup.
Spoiler alert! Ashley and I have been working up a Nashville Hot Chicken for another meal. Who would like a somewhat spicy roasted chicken dinner? If there is interest, we may have a special Nashville Hot Chicken dinner sometime soon.
I hope you have a great week, see you around the Co-op.
Dan Gillotte
Greenbelt Co-op GM and E-mail Guy