WVC Farm Store thriving

When you walk in to this quaint building, you’ll see maple syrup, honey, coffee, colorful organic produce, cheeses, eggs, bread and cookie mixes and laundry detergent.

And even beard oil!

Nestled off from the east side of the building is the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice Center (WVC) Farm Store, which has only been open for four months.

The store is thriving through its fascinating business model.

Currently, nearly all of the products – with the exception of the produce – are from various local vendors. WVC Director Lorrie Heber said the center is working with approximately 20 vendors and is always looking for more.

Heber and others began the process of their business model by contacting these local producers to inquire if they would be interested in selling their products at the Farm Store. While she said some of the vendors have only sold their products individually, many have established relationships with other markets – such as local grocery stores. However, the Farm Store offers them another place to sell their goods.

“We started making phone calls and building those relationships,” Heber said. “Now, we’re able to give these folks another outlet to sell their products.”

She added produce will always be available.

“We will always have produce in the store because we can grow year-round,” Heber said. “But we could be limited in the winter months.

“We feel really good about where we are, because we are supporting families and farms,” Heber said. “It’s a win-win for everybody. People are embracing the concept of supporting White Violet Center. This is all local, local, local.”

Heber said there is a possibility that in the future, the store could grow.

“We’re always looking for things that are compatible with what we have,” she said.

Hours for the Farm Store are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call 812-535-2936 or email wvc@spsmw.org.