Author: Jenna Kowaleski

Various orange fruit graphics on a darker orange background.

neighborhood resources
Posted on by Jenna Kowaleski

With SNAP and other government assistance programs in jeopardy, we recognize that many members of our community may be impacted by food insecurity.  

Whole Foods Co-op remains a committed partner to regional food assistance programs, donating an average of $2,700 worth of food each week to local shelters, food shelves and on-site meal programs.  

In addition, starting Nov. 1, Whole Foods Co-op is accepitng donations to Second Harvest Northland at our registers, with 100% of donations being given to the nonprofit.

For those looking for assistance

There are a number of organizations in Duluth who provide direct assistance. A short list of some of Duluth resources includes:  

For those looking to help

The above nonprofits all take monetary donations. In the month of November you may also donate directly to Second Harvest at our cash registers.

If you’d like to contact your elected officials to advocate on behalf of SNAP shoppers to keep receiving their benefits regardless of whether the government remains shutdown, you can find their contact information by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and telling them your address, or by looking up your legislators on GovTrack.US (scroll down to find the look-up tool).  

When you call, a staffer will answer and write down your comments to share with the Congressperson.  

You may use the following script, which may be modified as you’d like: 

My name is [____]. I am deeply concerned about the insufficient federal funding for SNAP. Due to the shutdown, I am asking the [Congressman/woman/person] to urge USDA Secretary Rollins to release funds available to USDA in the SNAP Contingency Reserve to be used to fund November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, please urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority to fully fund November benefits. 

Thank you for your concern and engagement around this issue. 

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Jim sitting at a desk in an office holding a phone to his ear and writing on a pad of paper.

Staff Highlight: Jim R.
Posted on by Jenna Kowaleski
Jim sitting at a desk in an office holding a phone to his ear and writing on a pad of paper.

Jim R., Grocery Purchasing Lead, Hillside

Employee since 1998

Jim has been a buyer in the Grocery Department for 27 years, working with his fellow buyers to keep products on the shelves. “It’s a job that comes with a lot of troubleshooting and problem solving,” said Jim. Over the years, “I have enjoyed helping the Co-op grow into a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

When asked about his favorite thing about working at the Co-op, he replied, “I believe in the mission. The Co-op is the greenest business in town: we keep pesticides out of the water table by expanding organic acreage, we strengthen the regional economy by buying local (which reduces food miles/petroleum use), and we recycle and compost whatever we can. I love that we are community-owned by our friends and neighbors, as opposed to a corporation.”  

Favorite Food to Get at Whole Foods Co-op

Dried mangoes and dates with USDA organic seal.

  • Bulk organic dried mango
  • Stuffing bulk organic dates with local blue cheese

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Delores poses smiling in front of the deli grab-n-go case at the Denfeld Whole Foods Co-op.

Staff Highlight: Dolores M.
Posted on by Jenna Kowaleski

Dolores M., Deli Cook/Baker, Denfeld  

Employee since 2005  

Dolores remembers working at the Co-op back when it was where Burrito Union is now. “That’s where I started training,” she said. She followed the Co-op in their move to the current Hillside store, then transferred to Denfeld when it opened because it was closer to home. 

Delores poses smiling in front of the deli grab-n-go case at the Denfeld Whole Foods Co-op.

Anybody who’s tried the Deli’s beloved Grab ‘n Go items, has likely enjoyed one of Dolores’ creations. “I do a little bit of everything,” she said, which includes the salads, sandwiches, and soups. She’ll also occasionally do bakery, in addition to keeping the Deli stocked and “looking pretty” throughout the day.   

Over the years, the biggest change Dolores has noticed has been the Co-op’s “tremendous” growth. “I’ve heard so many people say that it’s such an asset to the community, and it’s gone from this little thing when I first started here.”   

And though we can’t prove it, we think it’s in part due to Dolores’ Fog City Pasta recipe.  

Favorite Food to Get at Whole Foods Co-op

Pasta salad and cranberry tuna salad with Co-op Made logo.
  • Deli Fog City Pasta Salad
  • Deli Cranberry Tuna Salad

She developed the recipe for both!

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Dylan poses smiling at the customer service counter at the Hillside Whole Foods Co-op.

Staff Highlight: Dylan S.
Posted on by Jenna Kowaleski
Dylan poses smiling at the customer service counter at the Hillside Whole Foods Co-op.

Dylan S., Front End Assistant Manager, Hillside 

Employee since 2009 

Dylan started as a part-time Front End Clerk, and over the years has been promoted to Manager on Duty, then Front End Assistant Manager. He takes pride in guiding the department towards their goal of providing the best customer service possible. And though he’s known for treating everyone like a star, he particularly relishes the memory of bagging an Academy Award winning actress’s groceries. “More than once!” he added with a smile.  

Dylan has seen the Hillside store grow and evolve since he started. “There was a bank in what is now our parking lot,” he reflected. “We also expanded our indoor seating area and installed green flooring.” And while many things have changed over the years, some foundational aspects of working at Whole Foods Co-op remain, including valuing its people. “My favorite thing about working at the Co-op is the relationships that I’ve developed with such a wide variety of co-workers.”

Favorite Food to Get at Whole Foods Co-op

  • Deli Red Curry Tofu
  • Food Farm carrots

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Staff Highlight: Nick S.
Posted on by Jenna Kowaleski

Nick S., Produce Manager, Denfeld

Employee since 2014

Nick started as the Produce Assistant Manager at Hillside, and when the Denfeld store opened in 2016, he was promoted to Produce Department Manager to oversee the new department. And while his roles and responsibilities have evolved, he has continued to ensure our shoppers are greeted by fresh, fragrant, local and colorful flowers and foods the moment they walk into our stores.  

Nick’s days are varied, as he manages all aspects of the produce department, including personnel, product and department financial metrics. He also works directly with farmers to support the local produce season. “Sometimes I get to stock produce, sometimes I get to buy produce,” he said of his role. But as far as what he loves about being a Produce Manager, it’s “the people I work with,” he said. “Learning from and building relationships with co-workers and local farmers and growers in our community and beyond continues to be my favorite thing about my work.”

  • Deli Chicken & Lime Burrito
  • Equal Exchange Organic Midnight Sun Coffee

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