Readers’ Write!
Saturday Demos
Q: You should have more food to taste on Saturdays.
A: We are working on a product demo plan for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Please look for it in the future. Thanks for your comment. -Jan Erik Gjestvang-Lucky, Merchandiser

Dark Chocolate Dreams
Q: I would love to see Vivani’s dark chocolate as well as New Moon by Dagoba. Both are vegan dark chocolates and oh so delicious. If space is an issue, why not mix up the selections in the check out lanes?
A: Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve had the Vivani and I agree with you. Look for both of these in the store soon, as well as a reorganized layout of chocolates by the check-out lanes. -Jan Erik Gjestvang-Lucky, Merchandiser

Breakfast Breads
Q: It would be great if you’d sell the great ‘breakfast breads’ you make in whole loaves! The banana and date breads featured over near frozen foods are often gone.
A: Thanks for the idea. We are currently short-staffed in that department, but this will be a priority for the new manager, Liam Donohue. Thank you. -Wynston Estis, Assistant Store Manager.

Shot Glasses for Wheat Grass
Q: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Please use glass shot glass for wheatgrass shots instead of plastic cups. Feels better on the lips too!
A: Sorry, I didn’t realize that we were out of these. I will request more. Thanks. -Wynston Estis, Assistant Store Manager

Kung Pao Cravings
Q: It seems like most of the time I shop at the Co-op (which is several times a week) you usually do not have Kung Pow Tofu. Why? It’s easy to make, I make it at home sometimes. I love it, please stock it all the time, even in the to-go case would be nice.
A: Thanks for writing. I’m not sure how you make kung pao, but it’s an involved process. We freeze the tofu overnight, marinate it overnight, then bake and cool it—a three-day process. We have very limited freezer space—so storing large hotel pans of tofu is difficult. Because it sells so fast we are unable to store enough frozen tofu to keep up with demand. We are in the process of making this particular salad every day. I recommend phoning ahead to see if it’s ready and having it set aside. Thanks. -Dan Moore, Deli Manager

Gluten-Free Enchilada Pie
Q: Any chance you could make the enchilada pie without flour, i.e. gluten free. It doesn’t seem that flour is really necessary in the recipe.
A: Thank you for reading the sign. The flour listed on the sign is a remnant from an old (very old) version of this recipe. It has since been updated so that there is NO gluten in the enchilada pie. We simply missed that ingredient when updating the sign text. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. -Dan Moore, Deli Manager

Recyclable Strawberry Containers
Q: The strawberries are really great! But I wish they could be in a recyclable container (#1 or #2) or non-plastic containers. Any possibility of this?
A: Hi! Good Question! I’ve been wondering this myself. I mailed off this question to the Driscoll Company to see what they have to say. I also expressed a desire to have recyclable containers. I will share the answer when I get it. -Jenny Ohlsen, Produce Manager

Organic Raisins
Q: Do you use organic raisins in the muffins you make here? I have heard that raisins retain the most pesticides of any fruit.
A: Thanks for your question and information. The raisins that we use are in fact organic. We strive to use as many organic ingredients as are available and cost effective. Thanks for your input. -Liam Donohue, Juice Bar/Bakery Manager

Bike Exit Drainage
Q: Is there any way to improve the drainage where the bike exit meets the lot? Spring—lots o' water; winter—lots o' ice. Both equal dangerous surface for your eco members.
A: I am sorry for the sloppiness of the bike exit in the winter. As a 365 day a year bike commuter, I share your frustration. Biking in the winter/early spring can be hazardous! Unfortunately, it is not feasible to redesign the parking lot drainage, but I will stay on top of this as best I can this season. Thank you for you comment. -Fred Knoch, Maintenance Coordinator