Edmonton Valleyview IGA opens with a wide variety of kosher products

by Regan Lipes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(AJNews) – Kosher shoppers of Edmonton, rejoice!  IGA on 142nd Street has returned, with a kosher selection that is bigger and better than ever! The Valleyview IGA, under new ownership, had its grand opening on Sunday, August 23, and the community could not be happier. It is like the welcome return of an old friend, but with a great new makeover. Through the support of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, and consultation with past IGA management, Stuart Trenchard is ensuring that the kosher selection under his watch goes above and beyond.

Alberta Jewish News stopped by IGA to meet with Trenchard and tour the kosher sections.  The previous IGA was always a go-to for the Edmonton Jewish community, and the new facility has upped its game.  Shoppers may recall a portion of a larger cooler dedicated to kosher meats. Trenchard’s set-up boasts a full stretch that takes up the entire side of a full-sized horizontal meat cooler. “We have several different kinds of chicken at the moment,” he pointed out. “We’re getting beef in very soon. And all the way down on the left there’s salmon. It isn’t here yet, but we also carry smoked meats.”

Three side-by-side standing freezers showcase challah and other baked products. “As you can see, we already have the circular challahs in for Rosh Hashanah,” said Trenchard.  “The Federation is helping me learn what foods are needed for what holidays, and I’m staying on top of things.”  Beside the challah, burekas, and blintzes, Trenchard has a designated standing refrigerator for dairy.  IGA will carry Chalav Yisrael milk, cheese selections, and various yogurts.

Where once there was a dedicated portion of an aisle, there is now one full side, from end-to-end, stocked with kosher dry products. “We have these larger bags of Bamba ready to go for back-to-school, but the smaller sizes too. I haven’t tried them yet, but I’m looking forward to it,” he added with a smile.  All the standard favorites in plentiful variety line the shelves in ample supply, along with some newer goodies previously only available when visiting Toronto or Montreal.

“We have the braided candles here,” noted Trenchard holding out a Havdalah candle. “But we also have a few different sizes of Shabbat candles,” he noted, indicating the tea-sized, medium-tall, and full-height candles.  “We have the memorial candles too,” he pointed out.  “I’ve been in this industry for 30 years, and I knew the previous management, so I’ve gotten a lot of help figuring things out.”  Scanning the aisle thoughtfully he added: “This egg matzoh is going fast.  I’ll definitely have to have a healthy supply ready for Passover. Beneath several brands of matzoh, lines of Kedem grape juice jugs had recently been re-stocked. “This is also a big seller!”

Each IGA location is independently operated, and when the Valleyview store reopened under different ownership, they donated $2,500 to the local Jewish community.  “This is our way of supporting our larger community,” emphasized Trenchard. The funds will be allocated for community events hosted by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, and some will be distributed by Jewish Family Services of Edmonton to those in need.

“I make sure our prices are competitive,” said Trenchard.  “It’s about community, so we want our prices to reflect that.” He explained that his kosher products are mostly sourced from Montreal and Toronto. “I’m working very closely with our supplier, and he knows what he’s doing, but if there are products, kosher and not-kosher, that customers want to see on the shelves, I’m taking suggestions.”

Trenchard would like to remind shoppers that the first Tuesday of every month any purchase over $50 will earn an automatic 15% discount. That makes shopping for the High Holy Days easier and more affordable than ever!  “We have our honey cakes stocked and ready to go,” said Trenchard with enthusiasm.  This year, instead of ordering kosher ingredients from out of town, or asking visitors to schlepp things cross-country in checked luggage, the IGA Valleyview grocer is conveniently located and equipped for holiday cooking.  With the support of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, Trenchard and his team are committed to helping serve the kosher needs of the community.  Shana Tova!