This week, we spoke with Lacey Reichwald in Whitewater, WI about her efforts to bring a much needed grocery store to her community. We discuss the important connection between people and their food, the structure of the grocery co-op, and how the process is changing the community.
Lacey Reichwald is the founding member and board president of Whitewater Grocery Co., a cooperatively-owned grocery store startup in Whitewater, Wisconsin. In addition to her roles within Whitewater Grocery Co., she is a marketing mentor, travel enthusiast, and owner of two small businesses in Whitewater: The SweetSpot Café and The SweetSpot Bakehouse.
Building a cooperatively-owned food store involves a broad range of skills that include community building, fundraising, research, marketing, and leadership. Lacey credits her experience as a small business owner in helping develop these skills. Additionally, support from other food co-ops and from industry consultants and mentors have been invaluable to the growth of Whitewater Grocery Co.