At the Keweenaw Co-op in Hancock, Michigan, you can find a variety of locally grown, in-season vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, microgreens, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and sprouts. These are ideal for meals like garden salads, vegetable wraps, stir-fries, spring rolls, fried rice, and ratatouille. Locally produced bread is also in season, with companies like Trenary offering options such as sourdough rye with caraway seeds or cinnamon toast. Additionally, farmers supply fresh eggs during the winter, which are available at the Co-op.
Frozen fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries, are also offered. These were picked in the summer and frozen to be enjoyed during the winter. They’re perfect for pancakes, smoothies, parfaits, scones, ice cream, and pies.
Buying in-season and local produce benefits both the environment and the community. Denise Hansen, one of the owners of Keweenaw Co-op, explains, “When you buy local, you’re helping farmers and making a difference by reducing carbon footprints. During winter, most fresh produce is limited to root vegetables and greenhouse-grown items.”
Out-of-season produce, on the other hand, requires additional chemicals, energy, and resources. It is often transported over long distances, resulting in a larger carbon footprint. For example, Kaetlyn Anne, author of “Harvest and Home: Recipes for Autumn and Winter”, notes, “Strawberries can’t grow in North America in the winter, so to get them to our grocery stores, we have to source them from Chile or Mexico. That’s a long trip that uses a lot of resources and creates a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions.”
To keep fresh, in-season items on the shelves, the Co-op partners with local farmers who deliver produce three to four times a week. This reduces food miles, supports local farmers, and ensures high-quality produce for customers.
The Co-op also strives to make local products affordable. Students can take advantage of a five percent discount on Sundays, and coupons are regularly updated. These coupons are often posted on shelves next to prices and can be used at checkout. Additional deals can be found in their booklet, available at the entrance or on the Co-op’s website and social media platforms.
For more information, visit the Keweenaw Co-op at 610 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI, call (906) 482-2030, or explore their website at www.keweenaw.coop.
