By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Mar 17, 2022 at 11:01 AM

According to 2021 U.S. Census Bureau statistics, 19.9% (1.1 million) of all businesses are owned by women.

But, despite the fact that there are 114% more female entrepreneurs in the U.S. today than there were 20 years ago – and woman-owned businesses historically invest up to 40% more in their communities than those owned by white males – there are still large disparities in the funding and support available for women workers and business owners.

That means that there is no better time than now to support the female entrepreneurs in our city. Fortunately, Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative is making it easy to do so!

Woman-owned makers' market

This weekend, in honor of Women’s History Month, Outpost is hosting woman-owned makers' markets on March 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all four Outpost locations (Bay View, Capitol Drive, Mequon and Wauwatosa). 

Here’s the list of vendors you can support at each location: 

The markets are part of Outpost’s mission and commitment to support a healthy, diverse and sustainable community, and foster the development of locally owned, independent businesses. They’ve done so already this year through regular makers’ markets, including a series held during Black History Month. 

The local grocery also supports women-owned businesses by carrying their products. Outpost lists nearly 40 local and regional women-owned businesses on its website, as well as nearly two dozen women-owned national brands.  In fact, nearly one-third of Outpost’s 2021 sales (totalling about $14.7 million) were derived from local and regional vendors.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.