Danielle Vogel, founder of Glen’s Garden Market, comes from a long line of grocers, stretching back four generations. Before opening Glen’s, Vogel worked in federal government for 10 years, but when the effort to pass comprehensive climate legislation failed, she dedicated herself to finding a new, more incremental, way to address global warming. Thus evolved the idea for Glen’s Garden Market, a climate change motivated local grocery, deli and craft beer bar, entirely dedicated to making environmental progress by serving good local food, and growing partnerships with producers who treat their land, animals and ingredients with respect.
Here are just three ways Vogel is leading her store into a sustainable future:
Environmentalism. Every decision Vogel makes is made with the environment in mind—sourcing the most energy efficient materials and equipment, choosing solar power, implementing a no-food-waste mandate, creating a community composting program, using only recyclable or compostable packaging in the deli and craft beer bar, only offering reusable bags to customers, and more. The employee restrooms are equipped with showers and bike racks to encourage low-carbon commuting. The menus highlight veggie-based options to encourage less carbon-intensive eating, and the prepared foods menu design and pricing encourage the selection of less energy intensive options. Plus, Vogel created and endowed a partnership with the Chesapeake Conservancy to plant trees along the banks of the watershed that mitigate pollution and offset the carbon emissions incurred in transporting non-local produce to her store.
Empowering female business owners. In just over five years, Glen’s Garden Market has served as the launching pad for more than 80 local small food businesses, of which 49 are woman-owned. In April, Vogel founded AccelerateHERdc, a business pitch competition intended to identify, incubate and accelerate the next great lady-led concept in sustainable food.
Creating community. Through seasonal block parties, field trips, classes, book discussions, run and bike clubs, growler, wine and cheese clubs, and weekly grill-outs, Glen’s serves as a hub of
the community.
The other Retailer of the Year Inspiring Retail Woman finalists are:
The Natural Foods Merchandiser/Natural Products Expo winners will be announced Friday night at Natural Products Expo East 2018.
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