Kevin Kiley

Mr. Speaker, Greeting · 46 wordsI rise today to honor and congratulate BriarPatch Food Co-op for reaching a significant milestone of 50 years in business this year and to recognize its contributions toward promoting a sustainable local food system and expanding access to healthy food and natural products throughout our region.Greeting Claims · 282 wordsBriarPatch’s story began in 1974 as a modest health food club formed by 12 to 20 families who shared a passion for wholesome and nutritious food options.¹ Transforming the food club into a more formal co-op, the early founders opened the first retail store in 1976 in Grass Valley.² Over the years, the co-op moved through several locations before establishing its current Grass Valley store on Sierra College Drive, which opened in 2007.³ The move increased the store’s footprint from a 2,000-square foot space to 15,000-square feet, enabling BriarPatch to better serve the growing needs of the community.⁴ Building on that success, the co-op opened a second location in Auburn in 2023.⁵ For five decades, BriarPatch Food Co-op has been devoted to providing fresh, high-quality products at affordable prices while supporting local farmers and producers. They have earned the trust and loyalty of customers in the community as reflected in their recognition as Best Grocery Store in Nevada County by the readers of The Union newspaper.⁶ Today, the BriarPatch Food Co-op has become one of the Nation’s leading and largest food cooperatives. Its success has allowed them to help other cooperatives thrive and has strengthened our local agricultural economy by creating reliable markets for small family farms and supporting local food producers. Beyond its business operations, BriarPatch has made lasting investments in the community through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and initiatives that improve the quality of life of people in our region. BriarPatch has also demonstrated a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2016, the Co-op installed more than 600 high-performance solar panels, generating up to 55 percent of the Grass Valley store’s electricity and demonstrating the value of sustainable business practices.⁷ Positioning · 12 wordsAcross its long history, BriarPatch has met challenges with innovation and resilience.Positioning Claims · 28 wordsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-op quickly introduced online ordering and curbside pickup, ensuring continued access to healthy food, while protecting customers and employees during an unprecedented time. Reasoning · 15 wordsThese efforts not only served the community, but also positioned the organization for continued growth. Claims · 30 wordsBy fostering strong partnerships with local farmers, businesses, and community organizations, BriarPatch Food Co-Op has helped build a stronger, more resilient regional economy, while promoting healthy living and environmental responsibility. Thanks · 38 wordsTherefore, on behalf of California’s Third Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, I am proud to recognize BriarPatch Food Co-Op for their 50-year anniversary, and I wish them continued success in the years to come.Thanks