This spring we conducted a survey of SHARE members. We wanted to learn who you are, what you value about SHARE, and how we can serve you better. We’d like to thank the nearly 1,000 people who took the time to share your thoughts and opinions! We learned that you…
• represent a broad cross-section of ages and income levels, though many are of more modest means
• live either in two-person households, or have larger families
• participate in SHARE to stretch your food dollars
• greatly value our fresh produce and frozen meat selections
• split half-and-half between purchasing SHARE food packages, or selecting items a la carte
• are proud to tell others about SHARE
• would be interested in higher quality meats with less seasoning and items for heart healthy diets
Last month, I wrote about the challenges that we have been facing with prices. So in conjunction with the price changes for the BIG Value and Mini Packages that begin on the August order form, we decided that now is the time to also begin implementing some of the changes suggested by our members. The overall goal of these changes was to include new, healthier options while maintaining the favorites that so many people enjoy. Here’s what you’ll see at the right:
• The BIG Value and Mini Packages feature a robust variety of items, with a focus on meats and fresh produce.
• We have boosted the Deluxe Produce Assortment to include at least one more fresh fruit or vegetable.
• The Mini Package is now at the top of the order form. Many people were not aware that we offer a food package customized for smaller households.
• We added a “Fit & Frugal” section to spotlight a few of the healthier choices on the order form.
• Our “Select Values” section continues to offer more great deals on quality foods.
This is just the beginning. There is a lot more work to be done in order to consistently source a new range of healthy, quality foods at prices that can make a difference for your family budget. We would like to work with our nutrition experts to establish criteria for a health symbol system for the order form. We want to work with our vendors to get more information about the food so you can make better informed decisions. And we want to establish some easy ways for members to share their feedback as we introduce new products and features. So keep an eye out in The SHARE Times and our email newsletter for updates.
We also trust that you, our members, will be patient with your local SHARE volunteer team as they adjust their systems to work with more, different products. As in any new endeavor, we may not always get things perfect on the first try. Know that all along the way, we stand by SHARE’s Promise to offer a credit or refund should any product not meet your complete satisfaction. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions with us any time at info@sharewi.org or toll-free 800-548-2124.