Organic Food is Good Food- Where To Buy in the Twin Cities

By Megan Torrini

Known as one of the healthiest places in America, it's no wonder the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area has some great places to shop for organic and locally grown items. Quaint neighborhood co-ops, grocery stores and city farmer's markets all have healthy, organic selections for you to choose from.

Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op (2 Locations)
622 Selby Avenue, St. Paul
1810 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul

Working toward a sustainable local economy and global environment, the Mississippi Market is St. Paul's premier source for natural foods and healthy products. The Mississippi Market offers delicious high quality local and artisan foods and a wide variety of natural health and body care items. Mississippi Market is a Certified Organic Retail Operation and takes tremendous pride in careful handling of high quality, organic products. Is search of fresh vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies? Don't waste your time at the average natural foods chain store (how long have those vitamins been sitting on the shelf anyway?) Instead, head over to the Mississippi Market, where you're sure to find the freshest in town.

The Wedge Community Co-op
2105 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis

Named #22 in the Best 100 Things About the Twin Cities by Minneapolis-St. Paul magazine, The Wedge Community Co-op provides a diverse selection of high quality and fairly priced products available to all members of the community. The Wedge empowers you to make lifestyle choices that support your well-being, your health and the health of our planet.

Linden Hills Co-op
2813 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis

Just up the hill from the Lake Harriet Bandshell you'll find the Linden Hills Co-op. The Linden Hills Co-op provides, uses and promotes earth friendly, sustainable products and healthy choices for its members and visitors. With a full service deli, a great selection of locally made and locally raised foods, many choices for different dietary needs and an inviting outdoor courtyard, the Linden Hills Co-op serves as a community gathering place- with groceries.

The Seward Co-op
2111 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis

Located on Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, the Seward Co-op Grocery and Deli is natural foods cooperative that prides itself on offering quality organic products to its customers. The Seward provides a wide variety of products, like locally grown organic produce, naturally raised meats, environmentally friendly cleaning products and a huge choice of health and body care items. The Seward also has a great lunch and dinner menu, with fresh sandwiches made daily, smoothies to go and a selection of tasty baked goods, including but not limited to delicious pies and cookies. Anyone can shop at the Seward Co-op- its members are invested in their neighborhood and welcome everyone.

Trader Joe's, Cub and Rainbow
Locations throughout the metro area

Trader Joe's, with locations in Woodbury, Maple Grove and St. Louis Park, offer its customers an array of delicious foods and beverages from the basics like milk, bread and butter to more exotic fare like imported cheeses, organic produce and hand-tossed pizza from Italy. Trader Joe's focuses on the important things like natural ingredients and inspiring flavors. Local grocery stores, such as Cub and Rainbow, also have an organic section. Although not as extensive as the specialty stores, Cub and Rainbow have enough stocked for you to grab the basics and then some.

Farmers Markets
Corner of 5th and Wall Street, St. Paul (Saturdays and Sundays)
Lyndale location (everyday) and Nicollet Mall Market (Thursdays), Minneapolis

The St. Paul and Minneapolis farmer's markets equal fun for the whole family. Together you can stroll through the aisles, choosing from delicious bakery goods, cheese, meats, maple syrup, eggs, honey, organic plants and produce, flowers, plants, shrubs and many other items.

The downtown St. Paul farmer's market has been in operation for 150 years and promises fresh food and good times. In Minneapolis, the Lyndale Avenue location has the largest selection of products of any outdoor market in the upper Midwest. The Nicollet Mall location is a bit smaller, but if you live or work downtown, or just enjoy visiting the heart of the city, it's the one for you. A popular midday destination for busy downtown professionals, the Nicollet Mall market is perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or shopping for fresh produce to bring home after work.

Megan has a range of education and experience-from Resource Management and Forestry to Information Technology. She also enjoys freelance writing and is currently developing her own online business. Megan lives in Inver Grove Heights with her husband Tony, daughter Isabel, son John, and two beautiful but very naughty Siberian Huskies, Mika and Timber.