rhianna and jessy embury - kootenay farm to folk store

I'd like to introduce Rhianna & Jessy Embury, owners of Kootenay Farm To Folk store.

How has the current Covid-19 situation affected your business?

Our store definitely doesn’t look like a store right now, more like a warehouse assembly line. We’re pumping out over 400 orders a week now to make sure our customers are staying safe while still receiving good food each week. Our local suppliers are loving us right now, as there are no farmers markets. We have had to quadruple our supplies for the orders, feed our volunteers each week, outfit our vehicles to help with our deliveries, which is all bought locally, from other small local businesses. We’re donating weekly to either the food bank, Salvation Army or the women’s shelter which houses over 18 families. Trying our best to share the growth wherever we can!

What's something positive that you're seeing during this time?

This whole situation is changing the mindset of everyone. People are realizing that when it comes down to it, it’s the little local businesses that are going to hold the community up. Cranbrook is so amazing! If we all work together, we can get through this.

Are you doing anything in particular to find joy or have fun right now?

Music. When we have all our staff and volunteers together at the store doing prep, we crank the tunes. Usually sing-along music that everyone know the words to. Sometimes Spanish music, whatever we think will help keep people motivated.