Perlinger takes reins from Tines as Alison’s Pantry representative in Perkins County

BY BECKY UEHLING

GRANT TRIBUNE

Since 2020, Chelsey Tines has served as an Alison’s Pantry representative in Perkins County, but is now handing the reins off to Lori Perlinger.

Tines expressed gratitude and confidence in the transition. “I was beyond happy when Lori wanted to become our new rep,” she said. “It allowed all of us in Perkins County to still have a friendly, local face to order and pick up from. She has been great, and I’m excited to be one of her many loyal customers.”

For more than 30 years, Alison’s Pantry, a family-owned, direct-selling business, has helped families stock their freezers and pantries with premium, foodservice-quality products—the same ingredients trusted by restaurants and chefs, Tines said. Founded by Alison Chuntz and based in northern Utah, the company serves customers across many states through a local representative model.

Instead of shipping directly to individual homes, a local representative orders in bulk with the products shipped to the representative’s home for community pickup. In Perkins County that familiar local connection was Tines who stepped into the role just as the COVID-19 pandemic reached the area.

At the time, Tines was a stay-at-home mom with the space, flexibility and interest to take on the role. “I knew other people would love it,” she said. “It allowed us to order so many things that just aren’t available around here—many in bulk. And since I hate shopping, I loved having that option right in Grant.”

Tines said the timing proved significant as grocery trips became difficult and supply chains tightened. Having bulk food delivered locally was a blessing for many families, she said. Orders were picked up directly from her garage, providing both convenience and reassurance during uncertain times.

Tines served as the local Alison’s Pantry representative for five and a half years during a time when the flexibility of the job allowed her to keep up with her son Brock’s high school activities, but also allowed her to serve the community and make a little money. But with Brock graduating last May, Tines was ready to pursue a full-time career outside the home, and will be working as an Admissions Rep at the Grant Medical Clinic.

In mid-November, Chelsey reached out to customers to share the news and asked if anyone might be interested in taking over her accounts. That message opened the door for Perlinger.

Perlinger began ordering from Alison’s Pantry in 2021 and has prior experience as a sales representative for several well-known companies, she said. She said the opportunity felt like a natural fit.

“I love to cook and consider feeding my family and friends one of my love languages,” Perlinger said. Living in a rural area, she said she values the convenience of having high-quality, hard-to-find products delivered close to home without the need to travel.

“Alison’s Pantry products are always in my freezer when my family comes to visit,” Perlinger said. “It saves me time and travel, and I look forward to serving my friends, family and neighbors.”

Currently retired from off-farm employment, Perlinger helps on the family farm and plans to continue doing so alongside running the business.

The transition between representatives has gone well. Tines’s final order went out in December, and Perlinger began immediately in January, ensuring there was no lapse in service. One notable change is that product pickup will now take place in Elsie instead of Grant, Perlinger said.

Looking ahead, Perlinger said her focus is on honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction. “If I’ve had good or bad comments on a product, I’ll tell you,” she said. “I’m not in this just for sales—I don’t want people disappointed in what they order.” While she has ideas for the future, her immediate goal is to learn the process and build on the strong foundation already in place.

Customers can connect with Perlinger in several ways. Catalogs are available at the senior center thrift store in Grant and at other businesses in Grant, Madrid, Elsie and Wallace. Orders may be placed online at www.alisonspantry.com or directly by phone or email. Updates and previews of specials can also be found on Facebook in the group “Alison’s Pantry with Lori Perlinger.”

Perlinger said she has much appreciation for Tines. “I would like to thank Chelsey for all her guidance and support. She did an awesome job as a representative for the company, and I have big shoes to fill,” Perlinger said.

Tines will continue to run her farmstand business, a seasonal grab-and-go bakery offering sourdough and other breads, jams, salsas and produce grown in her organic garden. The Farmstand is currently closed for the winter and is expected to reopen this summer, she said.