With the numerous technological advances that have taken place in just the past couple of years, it seems that these days, not only do people want things done quickly and immediately, but since the pandemic hit, they also want things accomplished with as little exposure to other people and places as possible. A new first-of-its-kind, high tech grocery store that operates seven days a week just opened shop in Mount Pleasant, SC and promises to do just that for grocery shoppers. OPIE is a 24 hour drive-thru only grocery store that features thousands of items, offering almost every category one would expect in a traditional store, including fresh meats, produce, and bakery items. It also features a substantial natural and organic selection. Although the name and theme of the store are retro (its name is inspired by the TV character Opie Taylor from the Andy Griffith Show), the concept itself is quite the opposite. At just 3,000 square feet, the footprint is similar to that of a fast-food restaurant. Customers are not required to schedule ahead and there are no fees or order minimums. There are three options for ordering. The quickest option is to pull into a parking spot at OPIE and place an order on the app, selecting the option, ‘I’m at the store now.” The groceries will be brought out minutes after and order’s been placed. The second way to order is to do it ahead of time online or on the app. That order can be picked up as soon as five minutes it has gone through. The third option is for those who would like to order five items or fewer. In that case, a customer can pull up and order with a clerk directly. OPIE co-founder Tyler Sones says the company’s focus is on perfecting the high-tech close-to-consumer “dark store” concept. “Over 70 million Americans go through a drive-thru every day. This is a profitable way to bring real convenience to grocery. So far our biggest fans are busy parents and seniors.” Another selling point about the new concept is its commitment to sustainability. The store employs smart energy and water conservation technologies, uses 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper, recycles 99 percent of its cardboard and prioritizes products that use paper or glass over plastic – overall using 40 percent less energy than traditional grocery stores. What more could a modern day shopper ask for? The flagship store is the first of three planned in the Charleston area. The company website also states that it is looking for capital partners to continue its aggressive expansion plans, so if these initial stores are successful, don’t be surprised if you start seeing OPIE locations popping up in our neck of the woods.
Some good news for little farms that focus on regional customers and sales: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced earlier this month that it will be introducing a new insurance option for small agricultural producers that sell locally. Dubbed “The Micro Farm Policy,” it will be available to producers with a farm operation that earns an average allowable revenue of $100,000 or less, or for carryover insureds, an average allowable revenue of $125,000 or less. Offered through Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), it has distinct provisions that will simplify record keeping and will cover post-production costs such as washing and value-added products. The policy, which will be available beginning with the 2022 crop year, was created by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) based on research directed by the 2018 Farm Bill. “We are excited to offer this new coverage for producers who work to provide their communities with fresh and healthy food,” said RMA acting administrator Richard Flournoy. “USDA is focused on supporting local and regional food systems, and this new crop insurance policy is designed with this important sector of agriculture in mind.”
Speaking of small farmers, a new farmer-owned app is working to connect growers with consumers across the country. The app, called Grown By, was developed by Farm Generations Cooperative and is a fair and transparent marketplace for local food where shoppers can either browse farms for single purchase produce or participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. According to the online publication Food Tank, the app shows users a map with the participating farms in the area. If a local farmer that the consumer wants to buy from doesn’t appear on the map, they can invite them to join. Lindsay Lusher Shrute, founder and CEO of Farm Generations Cooperative, told Food Tank, “At Young Farmers, we were looking for opportunities for our network of farmers to support each other more directly as business owners. We surveyed the entire membership and technology rose to the top of our priority list.” She also noted, “People love buying directly from a farmer. Shoppers also love to feel rooted and connected through farmer relationships — to know a person who spends their days working on the land. This means a lot to folks who are removed from this connection.” Because there is no third party involved, the farmers can cut out the middle man and set their own prices and shoppers can get a better deal, so both parties benefit. It’s a great concept that hopefully will not only increase sales for the farmers, but will also encourage shoppers to support the local food system.
Giant Food just concluded its 17th annual pediatric cancer fundraising program to support pediatric cancer research initiatives during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to selling $5 coupon books valued at over $30, the Landover, MD-based retailer gave shoppers the opportunity to round up at checkout with the change going toward the fundraising goal. Also new this year to the fundraiser, which took place from August 13 to October 8, was the option for Giant Delivers and Pickup customers to make a donation of $1, $3 or $5 at online checkout. The eight week long drive raised more than $2.2 million (surpassing the retailer’s initial goal of $2 million) with all funds going to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation to support ongoing cancer research.
“We are privileged to support the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation in furthering their pediatric cancer research efforts,” said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food. “The campaign and its success each year would not be possible without the support of our customers and associates. The Giant family is excited to again join together with our communities to raise awareness and funds to support these two local organizations and the crucial work they do in researching, treating and eradicating childhood cancer.”
Year after year, the retailer not only hits but surpasses its fundraising goals for this cause. Childhood cancer research is consistently underfunded with less than 4 percent of the federal budget for cancer research dedicated to childhood cancer, so the amount that the retailer raises each year has a significant impact on the advancements made in its research. Kudos, Giant, for your consistent support of such a worthwhile endeavor!
Until next month…
Karen can be contacted via email at: [email protected]
