LAKEPORT, Calif. – Members of the public who aren't able to get to one of the local farmers' markets or can't find what they're looking for are reminded that Lake Co-op offers farmers' market fresh Lake County produce and other grocery items through their weekly online ordering Web site at www.lake.coop .
 
“You'll see some of the same products available at the local markets this time of year, but we have an expanded variety of items and even produce from some of our local farmers' who don't vend at the local farmers' markets,” said Lake Co-op Operations Manager Robyn Bera.

Fresh raspberries, chard, collards, kale, radishes, turnips, lettuce, baby rainbow carrots, cabbage (green and Napa), flats of wheat grass, walnuts and more are available this time of year, in addition to the value-added products such as local olive oils, breads, wheat flour and vegan mushroom fudges.
 
Lake Co-op continues to expand their products and now include health and beauty products produced locally, as well as imported exotic teas and spices, bananas, avocados, and mushrooms for their customers.
 
“As an added bonus, our customers can have their purchases delivered to their doorstep for about the cost of a fancy cup of coffee,” said Lake Co-op Board President and Leonardis Organics farmer, Jim Leonardis. “In these times, with the cost of fuel continuing to be a concern for most of us, that's a valuable service.”
 
Lake Co-op has 12 easily accessible pick up points around Lake County, offers home/office delivery and also has a “pop up” store with overage and other local delectables in downtown Lakeport at the Lake Made store next to Watershed Books, at 307 N. Main St., on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
 
Lake Co-op is California's only cooperatively owned online food ordering system and seeks to strengthen Lake County's local food system through congregating organic products of local and regional producers, including fresh produce, value-added foods such as rice, beans, flour, cheeses, oils and baked goods.

“We've created a model where you can get farm-fresh produce virtually every week of the year,” said Lake Co-op Manager JoAnn Saccato.
 
Lake Co-op also offers its customers convenient online or telephone ordering, home or office delivery, and owner discounts.

“It's never been easier to get locally grown and produced organic products,” said Bera. “Our model supports everyone – our producers, customers and owners. And it keeps our dollars more local.”
 
While shopping with Lake Co-op is open to the public, owners receive a discount on their purchases. First time customers can now enjoy the owner discount (though are not afforded the one vote per membership that is a hallmark of cooperative ownership) for the first 30 days through registering as a Trial-Owner with the Co-op.
 
For more information and to sign up to begin buying with Lake Co-op, visit www.lake.coop or call 707-513-5226.