From: the General Manager

By Lindy Bannister

As you read this issue of At the Wedge, I hope we are all enjoying the rays of wonderful spring sunshine (I'm writing this in February). This time of year is about renewal and revival. So many new adventures lie ahead at the Wedge.

The store is getting a face lift. A coat of paint here, a new countertop there. The floors will be redone (goodbye high-maintenance tile) and the well-worn check stands replaced. The flower boxes outside will nurture flowers and the winter branches will be retired.

Our farmers and producers are well on their way to filling our shelves with local goodies. This year we include our own farm, Gardens of Eagan in the mix. How exciting for us, as members, to say, our own farm!

Speaking of farming, several staff and board members spent a weekend in LaCrosse, WI, in February at the Organic Farming Conference. What an energized group of people! These are the people who link us to the earth. Their hard work makes what we do possible. One of the keynote speakers, Andy Kimbrell, said something that really struck a cord with me. He asked us in the room to remind our shoppers that you are not consumers, but creators. With every dollar you spend, you create the food system of the future. We are all responsible for creating a food system that works for the land and the economy.

It is not only organic or local or regional, but rather a whole system of food production and distribution that we can all have a part in creating. That is powerful, and we at the Wedge are going to help you every step of the way with connections to our farmers, producers and manufacturers. We will continue to search out and research the products that we bring to you.

In this time of rising prices and concerns about food safety, we will do our part so that you can eat in the healthiest way possible: with a mind at ease.