Graze Food Co-op, a community-owned grocery store, opened in July 2024 at 3 S. Minnesota Street. The store is committed to providing access to fresh, local, organic food. The co-op recently issued its first member dividends and reported a 49% sales increase. Photo by Fritz Busch

NEW ULM — The Graze Food Co-op issued its first member dividends and reported a 49% sales increase at its third annual member meeting Wednesday.

The meeting was held on Earth Day at Richardson Place.

Board President Amy Gulden said the co-op’s Minnesota Street location in the former Subway building, which it has occupied for one year, has increased foot traffic and helped the organization stabilize. 

“I joined the board just over three years ago because I wanted to make sure the co-op continued to stay, stick around, and grow into the future,” Gulden said. “I grew up in New Ulm and shopped at co-ops in other areas, and when I came back, I was ready to do more to help this mission.”

Gross sales for 2025 reached $170,290.44. That growth allowed the co-op to offer $2,718 in member discounts and pay dividends to 42 qualifying members, with a minimum payout of $5.

“The board has decided to pass enough to give out dividend checks this year,” Treasurer Jessica Wesselmann said. “Along with all of our reserves, we are in the positive, which is really great to see. We are very proud of the steps we’ve taken.”

The stronger finances also let the co-op hire its first part-time store manager. Anna De St. Croix started in November and now handles daily operations.

“Having Anna has been amazing,” Gulden said. “It got to the point where we realized we had the funds and we needed that professional appearance. Now, I don’t have to go to the co-op on my lunch break and try to squeeze in ten things; we have someone overseeing everything.”

Members voted in two new board members: Brady Murphy and Zach Bernardson.

“I started volunteering, just helping unload the trucks and started loving all the products we were seeing, so I just wanted to get more involved,” Murphy said. “I’ve worked for the city police department, but my real duty on the board now is taking the cardboard to be recycled, and I found us a bacon hookup in South Dakota.”

The co-op also formed new vendor partnerships. Schaefer Bakehouse in New Ulm now supplies fresh bread and scones every Thursday. Wooden Spoon in Mankato provides frozen soups that meet gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan needs.

Membership stands at 248. A new exterior awning installed by Sid’s Signs on Broadway displays “Food Co-op” on three sides to help identify the store after downtown sign rules limited the main sign to the word “Graze.”

The co-op remains largely volunteer-run except for the part-time manager. It operates Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Board members said they want to add more days but need additional volunteer cashiers.

During an open question session, members asked about more ready-made healthy meals and expanded gluten-free options. The board said it continues to seek suitable local partners while working to keep produce waste low.

Sharon Olson, a member who has shopped at co-ops since the 1970s, said she is pleased with the board’s progress. “It’s really nice to see the growth and it seems like the board is just so dynamic,” Olson said. “They really have a good set of skills among them, and it looks like we are on the right track.”

The board is seeking more volunteers, especially cashiers. Those interested can contact the co-op through its website or at the store during open hours.