Hot–air balloons, birthday cakes, and Big Bird. What do these three have in common?
Not only do they ignite the interest of children and adults alike, but they also share this simple trait: they are all bulky.
Five years ago, the Bulk is Green Council, or fittingly referred to as BIG, initiated the National Bulk Week, in celebration, praise, and raised awareness of the sheer diverse amount of both staple (grains, beans, salts, sugars, flours) and specialty (coffee, granola, nuts, trail mixes) available for purchase in macro and micro quantities.
Well dear friendly folks & folky friends, we at the Fort Collins Food Co–op are currently in the belly of the Fifth Annual Bulk Week!
We are joining 1,400 other participating stores around this supersized nation—one that paradoxically seems infatuated with people, places, and things (also called nouns) being ever–so sleek and skinnier still.
Fat (pronounced with a ‘ph’) fact: Portland State University’s Food Industry Leadership Center compiled a 2011 study, finding that people save an average of 89% when purchasing the same foods in bulk, compared to their (over)packaged counterparts.
Rather than preach at/to you about the bulk benefits that burst at the seams, or try to singularly address commonly shared questions, I choose instead to highlight some of our featured (and my favorite) bulk items you may be currently getting (extra) prepackaged:
- locally made, non–GMO Mama’s Tofu in the refrigerated section
- locally roasted Bean Cycle‘s Food Co–op blend and Conscious Coffee‘s Guatemalan roast
- locally crafted granolas: Boulder Granola chocolate chunk, Fiona’s ginger walnut, and gluten free Indian Ridge, which has been popular enough to remain out of stock (due to ‘high’ demand)
Lest we forget, it is with sincere appreciation that I give a very honorable mention to the produce(rs) and what I consider to be the freshershest bulk section that considerably provides us with fine fruits, roots, lively leafy greens, prime peppers, potatoes, divine tomatoes, squash and rare heirloom pumpkins throughout the abundant growing season here in Colorado.
Yes, bulk is beautiful, and we’re bringing it back to the max (ever wonder why we keep it all in the back of the store?)
For those of you who skim articles, here’s the skinny: Help us make a difference in the world by supporting our co–op as generously as you can, by bringing your own bags/containers, and by continuing to create quality conversations with one another, i.e. share a recipe, suggest an herbal tea, select a different spice.
You just might find you not only get what you need, but also your savings will bulk up!
