Meet Kathryn!
We’re thrilled to introduce Kathryn Tuttle, a dedicated member of the Friendly City Food Co-op Board of Directors in her first year of service! Kathryn’s thoughtful insights and commitment to the co-op’s mission have already made a positive impact, helping to strengthen our community connections and drive our vision forward.
Curious about what inspires Kathryn’s passion for the co-op? We asked her a few questions about her journey, motivations, and favorite co-op experiences. Keep reading to get to know her better!
Kathryn’s Co-op Journey: Finding Community Through Food
What Brought You to First Shopping at the Co-op?
On one of my first trips to Harrisonburg, even before we officially moved here over four years ago, I joined Friendly City Co-op and have been shopping here ever since.
It was during those initial visits that I felt something special about this place. Having experienced the food industry from the production side for most of my career, I was immediately drawn to the authentic community connection I felt walking through the door. The Co-op wasn’t just selling products – it was creating a space where values and food intersected.
What’s a Co-op Item You Can’t Live Without?
Curry Chicken Salad from the Deli Case. As someone who focuses on protein in their diet, I love the spicy and creaminess mixed with delicious local chicken for a healthy, low-carb lunch.
When I’m rushing between meetings and picking up my twins from school, it’s my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on quality or taste. The fact that it comes from a local source makes it that much better!
Describe the Co-op in Three Words
Community. Education. Sustainability.
These three words represent what drew me to the Co-op initially and what continues to inspire me as a board member today. The Co-op is more than a grocery store – it’s a community hub where people connect over shared values. It’s an educational resource teaching us about our food system and introducing us to new, mindful ways of eating. And it’s a sustainability leader, modeling how local economies can flourish while respecting environmental limits.
What Makes the Co-op Special/Different?
Without independent natural grocery stores like our Co-op, there would be a massive gap in our food system. They are the proving ground for the products that change how we think about health and sustainability.
What makes our Co-op truly special is the incredible balance between staying true to core cooperative values while continually evolving to meet our community’s needs. Unlike conventional grocery chains that prioritize profit above all, Friendly City puts people first—both the customers who shop here and the local producers who supply our shelves.
The magic happens in the everyday interactions, educational events, and thoughtful curation of products. The Co-op creates a space where shopping for groceries becomes an act of community building. Every purchase supports local farmers, reduces environmental impact, and strengthens our local economy.
I’ve seen firsthand how important these community spaces are for nurturing the growth of sustainable food systems. The Co-op provides what I consider the perfect “proving ground” for emerging local products – something I deeply appreciate both as a consumer and now as a board member committed to supporting this vital community resource.
