Do your competitors also participate in sustainable practices and how do you differentiate the in-stores?

We do have competitors who share some of the same focus on sustainability.

Our chain differs in its focus on local vendors — both in locally produced ingredients and our support of small business. We use several local bakeries that bring in their products to sell. We help promote these small vendors with beautiful vendor spots in our Savories (bi-weekly) ad.

Our scratch baking program at each one of our locations is a unique difference that gives us greater flexibility to cater to our customers.

Do you think your location in the Pacific Northwest plays a role in MOC's sustainable mindset/practices?

I'm sure we are influenced greatly by the bounty here in the Northwest. There are so many wonderful ingredients grown locally here. With the beautiful mountains, ocean and valleys, it makes you want to take care of what we have.

What advice do you have for other in-store bakeries that may want to initiate some sustainable practices?

Set goals for what you want to accomplish, short and long term. Take each step one at a time. It isn't something that happens overnight. Do what you can at the moment, and look for ways to improve sustainability as you go.

How have sustainable practices evolved over the years?

I like a broader view of sustainability. It doesn't stop at packaging or ingredients. Are farmers where you get your wheat from being paid a fair wage for their work? What is the carbon footprint of your operation? Do you use solar power? These are big things. True sustainability is a whole bunch of small decisions made every day. Choosing a biodegradable package, turning off the lights if you don't need them, working with a small business even though they may not have all the signage you want. Sustainability is a journey; make the best-informed decision you can as you go along. It's about caring what impact your decisions as bakers, buyers and merchandisers have in your community. You may be more sustainable than you think.

Do you think sustainability/green practices are something that every in-store bakery can achieve?

I believe with corporate support, any chain can be sustainable. It's so fulfilling to be a part of a baking operation like this. Our customers show their appreciation with the loyalty they demonstrate by trusting us with their weddings and special events.

What is your history in the baking industry?

Baking has always been a part of my life. I grew up a child of a horticulturalist, and our one-acre backyard was filled with every variety of fruit and vegetable my dad could squeeze in. I learned much of what I know about baking from my mother and grandmother. We always had something tantalizing coming out of the oven. Eventually, I started as a cake decorator two days a week as a young mother and worked my way up, learning as I went. Market of Choice was a perfect place to broaden my knowledge of in-store baking.

How did you obtain your position as bakery sales manager for Market of Choice?

I became bakery sales manager as I helped develop systems to improve communication between our very talented staff members at each store. Merchandising and goal setting for our bakery departments all played a part as well. The company shares in my ideals for high quality products, customer service and sustainability, so it was a perfect fit.

What aspects of in-store baking do you find most rewarding? Most challenging?

The most rewarding aspect is the flexibility allowed to provide our customers with products custom made for them. It's great to work for a company that values your talents and takes care of its employees.

The most challenging thing for me is when you have a vision for a new product and the packaging options aren't out there quite yet. Or you find a perfect packaging item and the minimums are too high for what your chain can use. You have to be creative to work these situations out. Most vendors will help you if they can.

What do you see as the future of in-store baking?

Baking at the store level adds so much to your store — the aroma of hot brownies coming out of the oven is an irreplaceable asset. Making your grocery store a cozy place that customers are comfortable in.

Christina Jessie grew up baking alongside her grandmother and learned how to incorporate the many freshly grown fruits and vegetables from her father's garden. After marrying and starting a family, she began working as part-time cake decorator for Market of Choice, becoming full time in 2003. After working in the floral department for a year, she took a position as a bakery manager before being named bakery sales manager and overseeing all seven Market of Choice in-store bakeries.

MARKET OF CHOICE, Eugene, Ore., is a 30-year-old, family-operated supermarket chain with seven locations throughout western Oregon. The supermarket offers both conventional and organic products, and each location features an in-store bakery that bakes from scratch.