OSHKOSH, Wis. — While she was a student at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 10 years ago, Bridgette Weber wanted to become an organic farmer.

What You Need To Know

  • AN Oshosh food co-op opened July 22
  • The idea began 10 years ago
  • The co-op sources at least 20% of food locally
  • There are 1,800 community owners, but anyone can shop at the co-op

 

After some advice from an advisor, she spearheaded a campaign to bring quality food to the area. The idea of a food co-op was born. The thought of bringing quality food to the area intrigued her.

“That was like, wow, if you own a store, you get to choose what’s happening there,” said Weber.

As part of her research, she identified farms in the area that could be sourced for food.

“We had this abundance of food at our fingertips but we weren’t using that,” said Weber.

The energetic college student started talking to local leaders about building a food co-op. It could serve as a hub and connect the town, college, and food producers.

“It’s sort of bringing that farmer's market experience. You go to the market, you see your friends, you know your farmers. It’s bringing that opportunity to every day of the week.”

The co-op is community-owned by about 1,800 shareholders.

“We want to support the local economy,” said Weber. “We want to support our local farmers and neighbors and producers. We can do that and we can keep the money local in our community. We can create jobs here.”

After four years of work on the project, Weber’s time in Oshkosh was up and she passed on her leadership role to others. Her impact remained.

“It goes without saying that without a visionary founder like Bridgette, this project probably wouldn’t have gotten off the ground and wouldn’t have gotten started,” said Brenda Haines, Oshkosh Food Co-op President of the Board of Directors. “It means the world to see her walk in the doors and experience that as well as the 1,800 people who’ve invested to help make this project happen.”

Weber lives in Madison now but stays connected to the Oshkosh Food Co-op and recently stopped in for a visit.

“Every time I drive in, I giggle or I get emotional because it still feels unbelievable,” said Weber.

Anyone can shop at the co-op which prides itself on natural and organic products. They’re not all local but the ones that are hit home with Weber.

“Walking around I see all these local products from many of the producers that I’ve known and I’ve met through Oshkosh,” said Weber. 

She browsed through items on a recent visit including Wisconsin maple syrup and honey.

“You can see here, Sunset Apiaries is Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin,” said Weber.

Ten years later, the vision is now a reality and Weber is delighted to see Oshkosh area families taking home quality food items for their meals.