Meet Cheri!

We’re thrilled to spotlight Cheri Greenfield, who has been a dedicated member of the Friendly City Food Co-op Board of Directors for over two years! Cheri’s commitment and thoughtful contributions have been instrumental in shaping the co-op’s mission and fostering a stronger connection with our community. To help you get to know Cheri better, we asked her a few questions about her experiences, passions, and what drives her work with the co-op. Read on to learn more!

What Has the Board Been Talking About?

  • Co-op Membership 
  • The Board’s Roles

What’s Your Favorite Grab & Go Item from the Co-op?

I am a huge fan of the Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato grab & go meal. This combo offers a solid source of protein and fiber, and the perfectly balanced flavors always leave me happy. On a busy week, one container gives me two easy lunches or one dinner. I also recently discovered EatPastry’s Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It’s both vegan and gluten free, and you can eat it up as is or bake it into delicious cookies. YUM.

What is Your Favorite Recipe to Cook or Bake?

I’ve been loving this gluten free focaccia recipe from The Loopy Whisk, a.k.a. the amazing food chemist and creative genius, Katarina Cermelj. Over the winter holidays, my daughter gifted me her cookbook, The Elements of Baking, and I have really enjoyed digging into the science of baking and exploring new ways of approaching creativity in the kitchen. I’ve always loved exploring new foods and flavors, but a few years ago, my relationship with food became pretty challenged by food allergies and dietary restrictions. I’m excited to find new recipes and techniques that are bringing joy back into my kitchen, and I’m super grateful that I can find so many allergy friendly foods and ingredients at our Co-op.

What is Your Dream Weekend in the Shenandoah Valley?

This area became my home more than 30 years ago when I moved here for college. Like many university students who transition into Townies, all it took was one summer to truly fall in love with Harrisonburg. I now live in the mountains west of town, but I still call Harrisonburg home. Downtown is the heart of our community, and I am lucky enough to lease office space in a beautifully restored building on Main Street. I enjoy walks around town during lunch breaks, checking out local art at the Frame Factor’s rotating galleries, thrifting at Dart or Gift and Thrift’s new Agora location, grabbing treats from local downtown bakeries and eateries (BMC Bakes and Cuban Burger are two favorites), or chatting with any of the beautiful folks at Friendly City Food Co-op. As in love as I am with our sweet and lovely Harrisonburg, if I find myself with a weekend free, I will most likely spend it with my family at home in the mountains reading, meditating, making art, walking through the woods, and cooking good food. No matter where I am, I know there is limitless opportunity to find beauty and connection, and I am happy to call the Shenandoah Valley home.