Senior discount
Q: I haven’t been to the Coop in a few months. I didn’t think to check my receipt. I usually get a discount for being a senior. But I don’t see that reflected in my receipt today. Have you changed this policy?
A: Thank you for contacting us about your account. We do not have a senior discount exactly, but it looks like you participated in our Access Discount Program which people qualify for in numerous ways including having Medicaid, SNAP FoodShare Benefits, SSI, or SSDI income.
No matter when someone signs up for this program, we ask Owners to renew the discount and verify that they still qualify each year in the month of March. We send out emails to all accounts that have an email address on file and also mail out letters to mailing addresses in February to let people know they need to renew by March 31st or the discount will automatically turn off.
That said, renewing your discount is easy from here. I have attached the renewal form if you are able to print from home. You also can get this form at our Customer Service desk and fill it out before you starting shopping on your next trip. If you are able to work with the form I am attaching, you may scan it and send it back to me at this email address or take a good picture on your phone of both pages and send it my way. Please let me know if you have any questions including help with filling out the form. -Robert Halstead, Owner Records Administrator
Thanks for the treats
Q: Although belated, I would like to thank you for a wonderful Willy Street shopping bag filled with treats that was included with my grocery delivery just prior to Halloween. In this prolonged time with minimal contact with family and friends, I was so touched by this unexpected and so kind gesture. Willy Street Coop and staff are the very best. Thanks again.
A: Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the goodie bag. Best, Liz Hawley, Owner Education and Outreach Coordinator
Cash for quarters
Q: Hi! I spoke to someone over the summer about whether the cash for quarters service was still in operation during COVID-19, and they told me that this service had ceased due to the pandemic and the national change shortage. Is this still the case, or are customers now able to ask for quarters at the service desk or cashier? Thank you!
A: Thank you for checking in about this. At this time, we are still not offering rolls of quarters as change for customers. Post-pandemic, when businesses reopen and coins and cash circulate more frequently, we will revisit this policy. In the meantime, your bank should be able to offer you this service. -Anna Geisthardt, Front End Manager–East
Gift cards
Q: Just wondering if you sell gift cards? Would love to get one for my son who lives in Middleton and recently became a coop member.
A: What a thoughtful idea! We definitely sell gift cards, and you can find out how to purchase one at www.willystreet.coop/promotions/gift-cards. Thanks for thinking of us! -Kirsten Moore, Cooperative Services Director
Fish counter
Q: I’m wondering if your fish counter is open. I’m trying to get some sushi-grade tuna or wild-caught lox. thanks!
A: Thanks for asking! The Seafood Center is open at Willy East from 10am-6pm daily. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Hope you’re enjoying your Monday morning! -Kirsten Moore, Cooperative Services Director
Product placements
Q: When I go to the coop (since 1976) to buy Half and half, I am always perplexed. The .99 is on the top shelf while the $1.99 Sassy Cow brand is at eye level. As no one really can see the cheaper brand, it usually outdated in a few days.
I would like to see the cheaper alternative get equal exposure for those who are pinching pennies in this pandemic. Thanks.
A: Thank you for your comments and ideas!! I believe you are talking about the Valley View, 16 oz, Half and Half. I can talk to the Grocery Manager at that store and our Product Placement Manager, about the location of the half and half and see if we can get it moved. I am not sure if they will move it, but I can at least check.
Many people come to us to buy local foods, so that is a good reason to have the Sassy Cow at eye level, but I hear what you are saying. These are difficult times. Have a great day! -Dean Kallas, Grocery Category Manager
A1 and a2
Q: Your helpful discussion about cheese distinguishes between A1 and A2. Neither corresponds to the problem that makes it difficult for me to eat cheese: lactose intolerance. Can you enlighten me on that the relationship is between your A1 and A2 and lactose intolerance?
A: I am not a doctor and if you are lactose intolerant most of what I have seen suggests that A2 milk will not help.
A1 and A2 are proteins in the milk, there have been studies that have found that some people have a hard time breaking down the A1 protein. There are some people who thought they were lactose intolerant and were actually only having an issue breaking down the A1 protein because the reactions are similar, this is what happened to my sister-in-law. She spent most of her adult life thinking she was lactose intolerant and after reading an article on A2 milk decided to try it and found she had no reaction and now enjoys A2 milk and cheese daily. Here is a good article about it. www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/01/a-tale-of-two-milks/514397/
I hope this helps and if you have any other questions please let me know. -Jeremy Johnson, Meat and Specialty Category Manager
Missing soup
Q: I see that more prepared foods are appearing on the shelves of East and North Willy St. Coop. The tuna burgers are wonderful, by the way. Thank you. I am missing the Senegalese Peanut Soup. I expect I am not the only one. Do you have any idea when we might see that again? I hope you are weathering this COVID disaster as well as can be expected. Thank you for your help in the past.
A: Good timing! We are in the process of re-starting the soup program at Willy Street Co-op, planning to add a number of favorite varieties back to the shelf. Senegalese peanut has always been a favorite of mine, too – I will work to get this one included in the roster! Please check back in January. Thanks for your request. Josh Perkins, Prepared Foods Category Manager
Membership renewal
Q: Hi, our account expired and now we can’t even log in. How do we renew our membership? We’d like to place an order for pick up but are unable to do so.
A: Thank you for your message. The best way to renew without physically coming to the store is to call the North Customer Service desk at (608) 471-4422 and make your next equity payment over the phone. Please let me know if you have any further questions, and have a great day! -Robert Halstead, Owner Records Administrator
