Each spring the Board of Directors takes time away from the normal hustle and bustle of Board service to retreat and connect in an intentional way outside of the co-op. This year we visited the Oakwood-Lincoln Park Clubhouse on the 2nd of March for a day of collaboration, reflection, and just a little bit of fun. Below are some reflections from a few of the Directors who attended.

Adam Deen: Entering my third year on the Board I have grown accustomed to the demands of the role. It takes time to get into the swing of not only participating, but contributing meaningfully to board proceedings and decisions. The spring retreat (there will be a subsequent session held in the fall with different priorities) is an opportunity to not only review how and where we are spending our time, but to take … Read More »

Operating the only grocery cooperative in the state of Tennessee has many challenges. You may have noticed some of your favorite products out of stock on the shelves or wondered if your annual member owner interest payment is worth it. Or you may be like some others who feel that shopping at the co-op is expensive when compared to some of the larger national chain grocers.

Last year we hosted Jon Steinman, who is the author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants (New Society Publishers). Jon held a series of cooperative dialogue workshops in the Three Rivers Market dining room, and recently published an article where he addressed the often-times false perception that a grocery co-op is more expensive:

“Claims that food co-ops are more expensive than other grocers often … Read More »

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, our bodies crave warm, hearty meals packed with nutrients. One of the best ways to nourish ourselves in the colder months is by incorporating root vegetables and tubers into our diets. These underground gems are not only rich in vitamins and minerals but also provide the comfort and sustenance we need to thrive during winter.

What Are Root Vegetables and Tubers?

Root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, beets, radishes, and parsnips, grow beneath the soil and absorb essential nutrients and water from their surroundings. They act as nutrient reservoirs, making them incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals.

Tubers, on the other hand, like potatoes, sweet potatoes, ginger, and sunchokes, are actually modified stems that store energy for the plant. Unlike root vegetables, tubers contain nodes that can sprout new plants.

Why Are They Good for … Read More »

At Three Rivers Market, we’re all about sustainability, and that includes finding good homes for our compost! If you’re interested in picking up compost for your garden, here’s what you need to know.

How It Works

✔️ No need to bring your own container—we’ll provide one! Just be sure to return it by the next day.
✔️ Take as much or as little as you need, within reason when available.

Fair Use Guidelines

To ensure everyone gets a chance to benefit from our compost, we’re limiting pick-ups to 1-2 containers per person for now. If more people begin using the program regularly, we’ll work out a fair system for distribution.

What’s in the Compost?

We offer two types:
– Organic vegetable waste only
– Deli compost, which includes eggshells and other non-vegetable items

Get Started Today!

If you’re interested in picking up compost, just check in with our team. Together, we … Read More »

This month we would like to share an update on our progress establishing committees for this year and insights from our new Directors after attending a Cooperative Board Leadership 101 training.

Committee Update

At our January meeting, the Board voted to establish the following committees for this year:
• Member Linkage Committee
• Board Perpetuation Committee
• Staff Involvement in Governance Committee

Draft charters for these committees are being prepared and will be reviewed for our February meeting. For now, the member participation sections will remain open as we continue to reach out to those who have expressed interest in serving. If you’ve already filled out the interest form—thank you! We’ll be in touch after our February meeting with more information.

The Board is also continuing discussions about convening additional committees, including the Audit and Ethics Committees. These topics will be addressed at our January … Read More »