A Bulk Bin Update
About a year ago, we took a trip to Arkansas to purchase a set of bulk food bins. We'd found a great deal from a natural food store that was upgrading. We didn't really have the space and weren't quite ready to make the switch from mason jar exchanges—but it was an opportunity we didn't want to pass up.
Our goal was to have the new bulk bin system goiong within a year. But the year has passed, so we believe you deserve an update.
Switching from mason jars to bulk bins is challenging for a couple reasons. One is creating a smooth system with adequate space for customers to weigh their containers, measure out products, and keep track of the weights of multiple items—without forgetting to tare the container, or accidentally clearing the scale when another customer is using it, or stepping on each others' toes. None of those issues are impossible to solve—just issues we are continuing to think through.
The bigger challenge is keeping products fresh. The bulk bins are not airtight, and we simply don't know how well or for how long products will store in them. We keep most of our pantry products in the fridge or freezer to prolong their shelf life. Having them out all the time—in containers that are not airtight—in a room with a temperature we cannot control—makes us nervous. Spoiled food and pests are both nightmares that we want to avoid at all costs. Throwing out a batch of something that attracted ants, weevils, or mold is not only devastating from a waste perspective, it's a big financial loss in an area where we have very low margins. And if customers notice the issue before we do, it will make them understandably hesitant to buy bulk items in the future.
We have some ideas to address these issues. We are currently thinking about building our own bulk bin display using buckets that could be sealed completely and more easily packed into a fridge at the end of the day.
Right now, however, we have a few higher priorities—including working to find funding that will help cover the overhead of our organization. With paid staff, we will be able to continue doing what we are doing and devote more time to projects like our bulk food expansion.
Whatever system we end up with for bulk food access in Topeka, we want you to know that the donations you made for our bulk bin fundraiser last year will be applied to those costs. We were so impressed with your generosity and so encouraged by the vote of confidence those donations represented. We do not take lightly our obligation to be good stewards of those funds. Please know we want to make package-free groceries more accessible and want to make the bulk-food-buying process as smooth and easy as possible for you. Thank you for your patience and grace as we continue to figure out what that looks like at Full Circle!
-Justine
