Is this a crazy idea: Sell fresh vegetables at "Dollar" stores (?) in $1 portions

[KurtNYC]

I am consulting with a couple of small farms and CSAs and one idea I had last night was to approach some of the dollar chains and see if they have any interest in trying a few fresh ready-to-eat vegetable items in a couple stores. The items would likely include $1 portions of:
- carrots (peeled and pre-cut)
- salad with dressing packet
- tomatoes

CSAs are all going after the same customer and they have to replace a lot of their membership every year. Some say the average is 55% of their members walk away from one year to the next. One theory is those customers are rotating and trying a different CSA but whatever the reason selling through a CSA can be a tough business.

Any chain is going to want insurance and GAP certification (both of which we can get or some have already) before we even get to test this in-store. I got this idea while reading over the history of Earthbound Farm (who was just bought by a mega-food entity). One of the things that stuck with me is how they said when they first approached Costco, Costco said "organic sends the wrong message to potential customers" then 10 years later they were so in love with it they introduced private label orgainc food (eg, they put their own name on it because they love the message it sends). Another organic entity has a deal that has them selling exclusively through a pharmacy chain. So the trend is to sell fresh food everywhere and many food deserts have dollar stores but no veg sellers so...

Any reactions, thoughts or ideas?

[antiquie]

1. Good for the community, good for your client,

need cucumbers.

[blueamy66]

2. The 99 cent stores in AZ and CA do sell produce.

It was awesome.

[840high]

6. $stores in Atlanta, too.

[grilled onions]

3. The Budget Crowd Certainly Can Use Fresh Produce

They cannot afford the quantity buys at warehouse stores. They often cannot afford the more reasonable sizes at the normal grocery store. It's healthier than junk food and a fresh offering at their dollar kind of store. I think it would do well with seniors and the money strapped mother with a couple young kids who would rather see them eat veggies than cookies.

[blueamy66]

7. Exactly

2 pack of portabellos, brussel sprouts, 3 pack of good lettuce, 4 pack of tomatoes, spinach, English cukes, carrots, onions, fruits, squash, cabbage....I could go on and on...miss those prices!

[Arugula Latte]

4. I think that's a great idea. A lot of people get all their food from dollar stores.

[femmocrat]

5. Great idea.

A lot of elderly people buy their food in dollar stores here. The supermarkets are out on the main drag and too hard to get to.

[otherone]

8. overlooked idea, great idea, would love to hear more about the outcomes..

good morning from newburgh ny.. peace and low stress..

[mucifer]

9. Great idea! Best wishes.