An interview with Food Shed Co-op owner #358 Bonnie Rudolph. 

To say Bonnie is a productive member of her community would be the understatement of the century. It isn't every day that Food Shed Co-op receives a member into our ranks that is, well, a true inspiration. Bonnie and her husband, John, were inspired to join our cooperative by a trip to the Wedge Community Co-op in Minneapolis. They have always been environmentally conscious. Joining the Food Shed gave them an opportunity to bring that consciousness into their everyday lives with the food they buy and the daily choices they make at the grocery store. Read a little more about Food Shed Co-op founding owners the Rudolphs.

1. What makes you tick?   

I have been blessed with two successful sons who I taught to be environmentally conscious but who as adults and through their travels have shifted my perspective on many different issues. I have been a leader in the Boy Scouts of America for over 25 years. I am very active in the Methodist Church I belong to. I am part of a group called the Mission Commission. The Mission Commission holds fundraisers several times a year to raise money to feed the hungry. We also sponsor a free dinner once a month for the homeless. I am also a part of a group called the United Methodist Woman and we work to raise awareness for women and children. Last year, I was a part of a fundraiser that raised over $100,000 for the Pioneer Center. It is an annual event called Sleep Out for Shelter and we all raise money and everyone camps on the church grounds. It feels good to make a positive impact in my community and in people’s lives.   

2. What sparked your interest in local, sustainably grown, fresh organic food?

Well, as a family my husband and I love nature. I like to spend my time gardening. As a family we have always spent a lot of time hiking and camping. My son used to live in Minneapolis and when he lived there he was an owner of a co-op. It was also a priority for him to live environmentally responsibly. As I saw the way he was living it resonated with me. I saw how I could make changes in my own life that were more environmentally responsible. I was really impressed with it. I could see how with a co-op you are closer to the food you eat and how co-ops supports the local economy. It really makes sense to me. I always strive to be a better person and when I saw the Food Shed Co-op table at the fair, I joined.

4. What excites you most about a community owned grocery store?

The opportunity to have a year-round farmers market. To support local farmers. To buy bulk items and decrease the packaging waste that is so prevalent in our society today.   

Thank you Bonnie for your support and for taking the time to share your story!

Would you like your story or your local business to be featured on the Food Shed Co-op Blog and in our newsletter? Send us an email or Facebook message and we'll arrange an interview. Stay tuned for more interviews!