PORT TOWNSEND — A popular breakfast item has nearly tripled in cost but is still one of the best values in town, the merchant said.
On Jan. 1, the Food Co-op raised the price of its oatmeal service from 99 cents to $2.49 for an 8-ounce bowl and from $1.49 to $4.29 for 16 ounces because of cost increases in oats, condiments and labor, said Kathie Meyer, outreach manager.
“It’s always a hard decision to raise prices, but we still have the best organic oatmeal in town and for a reasonable price,” Meyer said.
“We have offset this increase for someone who cannot afford a $2.49 bowl of oatmeal by making a regular donation of oats to the food bank.”
Visiting the Food Co-op at 414 Kearney St. is a standard part of the day for many Port Townsend residents, especially since an approximately 500-square-foot addition to the dining area was constructed last year.
Part of the draw is the oatmeal.
“This is the best oatmeal that money can buy,” said Don Kruger, a daily customer.
“The oatmeal has been a gift here for many years,” he added. “They’ve lost money on every bowl, and I still don’t think they are making very much.”
The intention to raise prices was posted by the deli register for several months but still caught some people by surprise, Meyer said.
Even so, only one customer “has objected voraciously,” she said.
“We knew it would be a shock,” Meyer said of the increase.
“But last year, we gave back about $20,000 to organizations like the food bank and the Jefferson Land Trust. We are truly a community business.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@
peninsuladailynews.com.
