Delicious, sustainable cranberries in the Burgerville bike-thru

Today, a dream came true for me.  That may sound like soft-focus, swelling background music hyperbole, but it’s true. When I started working with cranberry growers on Oregon’s scenic south coast, we were focused on helping them consider the range of options to certify their growing practices as sustainable, creating a new cranberry farming collaborative, and connecting them to Northwest buyers who share their values.  However, my secret hope was that one November I’d see their sustainable cranberries featured in a turkey cranberry sandwich at Burgerville, and that I could ride my bike through their take-out line and get the sandwich to go to eat curled up on my cozy couch at home while listening to the rain patter on my roof outside.  I also longed to see the sandwich featured on their seasonal specials billboard as I rode into work every day.

I’m happy to say that my dream is now a reality. We have a new Food Alliance certified cranberry collaborative in Oregon – Clearwater Cranberries. And, Burgerville just rolled out their rock star November seasonal menu, which features a turkey burger with cranberry jalapeno salsa (even better than my dream!) with cranberries from Clearwater Cranberries. There are also two vegetarian cranberry options – Sweet Cranberry Bourbon Baked Beans and a cranberry walnut tart!  It’s a nice, deep bench. Burgerville also now has an explicit bike-friendly policy in its drive-thru. Yes, the world is a better place.  

By the way, Burgerville’s commitment to supporting local farmers goes deep.  They source approximately 70% of the food they serve from the NW – that’s very impressive for a quick food chain.   Check out Burgerville’s November cranberry specials here, and stop by in November to try their cranberry specials – you’re supporting happy tastebuds, local farmers and a healthy environment in one meal.