Is Coosa County ready for a local health food grocer?

 

It was very lovely to get some rain last Sunday. Not a lot, but an all day drizzle to knock the dust down.

I spent the day cleaning up the front porch. I still need to get some heavy items moved off and away, one being an old piano that nobody wants, but Rodger hates to see just go to the dump.

First Saturday, much like the previous Neighborhood Watch meeting, had very low attendance, which is a shame because volunteers put a lot of effort into putting things together, and the proceeds do go to our volunteer fire department that benefits this community greatly.

I have been thinking about my future retirement more often, and I have always, from the age of 21 years old, wanted to retire to a community where I could walk or ride my bicycle to do all my local shopping. Right now, Equality lacks a grocery store.

Then the thought came to me that Jenny’s General could be a grocer, and I have been re-looking at food distributors. Homesteaders have used Azure Standard for decades for organically grown produce at reasonable prices, and comparing them to other wholesale distributors they are priced better while providing organic.

The biggest risk for the store is an annual commitment of $10,000. I am afraid that even though folks say they want to shop locally they still will prefer to drive to another county and shop at the big box stores, and any investment I make will be a loss to my retirement funds.

I would really like to be the local health food grocer, but I don’t think Equality or even Coosa County is ready for that, and unfortunately, I can’t continue running the store at the current state because it is not supporting my retirement.

Community activities that are available in Equality and Nixburg area:

• The Equality quilting group meets every Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jenny’s General Store. We do more than quilt; some embroider, crochet and other needle arts. And yes, we still meet every week!
• Elaine Rutledge of Nixburg hosts Rummikub at the Alexander City Senior Center in the Sportplex every Friday starting at 10 a.m.
• Equality Neighborhood Watch meeting on the fourth Thursday of every month.
• Equality Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser on the first Saturday of every month.

I depend upon my readers to share with me what is happening within your organizations, churches, neighborhoods, groups, or family to share in next week’s column. Please contact me; leave a voice message or text 256-794-3801 or email at coosacafe@gmail.com.