‘Produce +’ promises quality, value
From our weekly issue dated April 16, 2008
Donna Pernicka with produce. (Photo by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)
“People just love it -- they’re buying bags of fruit and vegetables, walking out with big smiles and big savings,” according to Donna Pernicka, customer service representative at Produce +.
It’s a new business at 115 S. Redwood Hwy. in Downtown Cave Junction, across from the 76 station.
The Pernickas moved to Cave Junction from Happy Camp 13 years ago, and have been in business for 10. Early in April, they branched out and started Produce +. Donna’s husband, Michael, directs quality control; their son, Michael, is produce manager; and his brother, Drake, is company salesman.
Click here to learn more about how you can tell us what you think
“Oregon has been good to us; it was the best move ever,” said Donna. “Now we can help our community by buying local and selling for local prices, making it affordable so people can eat better. We all need to eat a lot better.
“We stand behind our products, we believe in customer satisfaction and service, and we’re glad to take special requests. We are trying for mostly organic, right now we have a mix.”
Produce + has submitted its application to accept Oregon Trail food stamp cards. Once that is complete, the business plans to apply to the WIC program to process vouchers for produce.
The family goal is for anyone producing healthy food to come in on Saturdays, and pay $10 to set up and sell all day long in front of the store.
Farmers markets will be held every Saturday, not just seasonally or once a month, the family said. During the winter, Produce + will move inside and be open year-round. For example, organic eggs are needed, with one possible vendor in May.
Advertisement:
“Whoever has it now, bring it now,” said Donna. “This is a way for local growers to make a little extra to get through.”
This week Produce + is offering a free cucumber to new customers. Prices on any fruit or vegetable starting to go bad are reduced.
Said Donna, “I would rather put a pepper on sale for 25-cents so someone can use it, and not have it go to waste. Our prices will be as cheap as possible.”
Currently the building used is divided, with one side Produce +, and Puff ‘n’ Stuff separated into the other side of the store.
A “blowout” sale on dresses ($18 to $22.50) is making room for produce. Tie-dye clothing and gift items also are available.
Current produce sales include jumbo yellow onions at 25-cents a pound, cauliflower $1.68 head, and organic bananas 99-cents a pound. Granny Smith and organic Fuji apples are 65-cents each.
Produce + labels identify each grower. Those with double green ++ mean double savings.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are delivery days for all fresh produce; organic is delivered on Fridays only.
“Last week we had organic Swiss chard; it was so good and it went so fast that I know local growers will do well at Produce + all year-round,” said Donna.
Current hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until summer, when 8 p.m. will be closing time. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Phone 592-5473 for special requests.
~Zina Booth
