I apologize if this is a bit lengthy, but I think this is important for all of us Q cooks. I’ve had a relationship with a small market near us in a rural area outside of Flint, Mi. We came home early from our Florida winter, not knowing what we would find in stores here. Hit the senior hour at Meijer(the big box grocer) when we got back & found it insane. Went right back to Ray at the little market & he had a cooler full of meat. He’s bustin’ his chops to butcher beef, grind sausage & keep the shelves full of what folks need to survive. I’ve made a deliberate effort to tell everyone I know that this small market is a better alternative to the madness of the grocery chains. He has gone out of his way to keep safe practice (gloves, masks & shields at the checkout). Today, i stop to get a few groceries to make dinner. Ray tells me with moist eyes how much he appreciates me doing business with him. I tell him how much I appreciate him being there. He tells me how hard it is to buy quantities, but he’s doing his best to keep the shelves full. I’m tellin’ ya, my priorities have changed. From here on out, I shop Ray first & go to the big box if I can’t get it from him. I would encourage all the Brethren to seek out that little Mom & Pop, keep them goin’ cuz they are keeping us goin’.
