Fresh, smart and just enough

Chef Tissany Gilmore

Portrait by Gloria Towne - All Around Towne Photography

Every time I walk into a grocery store, one question comes to mind: Where did this food come from? 

That question takes me back to my childhood. I was the daughter of a farmer, and I watched my father hire crews to harvest carrots, greens, cabbage and many other vegetables.

Food was not simply sitting on a grocery store shelf. I understood that food came from the soil and that hardworking people were behind what eventually reached our tables. 

One of my favorite childhood memories was traveling to New Jersey during the orchard season. I remember being around the orchards and picking fresh pears and apples directly from the trees. 

There was something special about knowing where my food came from. Years later, that experience continues to influence how I shop, cook, and teach others about food. 

Olympia Food Co-op 

Recently, I visited the Olympia Food Co-op to learn more about the resources available to our community and how seniors can make thoughtful choices when grocery shopping. 

During my visit, I toured the Co-op and learned about its products, bulk foods, local offerings, and programs that can help make groceries more accessible. 

One thing stood out to me: grocery shopping is not always about buying the most food for the lowest  price. Sometimes, it is about buying just enough.  That can be especially important for seniors who may cook for one or two people. 

Resources 

The Olympia Food Co-op offers several resources that seniors and low-income shoppers should know  about it. 

The Co-op accepts EBT/SNAP, giving eligible shoppers another option for purchasing groceries. It also offers free memberships for qualifying seniors and low-income community members, along with discounts for qualifying low-income members. 

For someone living on a fixed income, these resources can make a meaningful difference. 

The Co-op also offers curbside pickup, providing added convenience for people who may  have difficulty shopping in the store, carrying groceries, or making frequent shopping trips. I encourage seniors to ask questions and learn which programs they may qualify for. 

Buy just enough 

One area that caught my attention was the bulk section. Bulk shopping can be especially useful for someone living alone. Instead of buying a large  package of grains, beans, nuts, seeds, or spices, you may be able to purchase a smaller amount. 

Buying only what you need can help stretch your grocery budget and reduce food waste. 

Before putting something in your cart, ask yourself: How much will I realistically use? 

Then ask: How many meals can I make with it? 

These simple questions can change the way we shop. 

Plan first, shop second 

As a chef, one of my favorite pieces of advice is  plan first and shop second. 

Meal planning does not have to be complicated. Choose ingredients that can be used in several meals. 

Beans can become soup, tacos, or a grain bowl. Seasonal vegetables can become a side dish, soup, or filling for an omelet. Fresh herbs can brighten several meals. When we plan, we are less likely to overbuy. 

Farm to table 

My visit to the Food Co-op brought me back to my original question: Where does our food come from? 

My childhood taught me to appreciate the journey from the farm to the table.

My work as a chef has taught me to ask another important question: How can we make healthy food practical, affordable and enjoyable? 

For seniors, the answer may begin with a shopping list, a trip to the bulk aisle, a little meal planning, and learning about the resources available in our community. 

Fresh does not mean buying more. Smart does not always mean buying the cheapest. And "just enought" does not mean going without it. 

It means making thoughtful choices that support our health, our budget, our community, and our environment. 

For me, every trip to the market is still a reminder of those childhood orchard days and the simple joy of knowing where our food comes from is important. 

From the farm to the table, knowing our food is part of knowing ourselves. 

To learn more about the Olympia Food Co-op, including membership, low-income discounts, EBT/SNAP, bulk shopping, local products, and curbside pickup, click here.

Tissany Gilmore, of Lacey, is a professional private chef and food educator throughout the Puget Sound.