Best Places For Organic Produce In Minnesota

Eating healthy and organic is more than just a phase. Practices that are better for both farmers and consumers have taken hold in communities all across the country. For many years, it was hard to get your hands on produce grown organically, or you had to drive far and pay more to add it to your shelves. That's no longer the case, as the following local grocery stores and delivery services will have you eating better without any added stress.

Mississippi Market
622 Selby Ave
St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 310-9499
msmarket.coop

This local St. Paul chain has slowly been expanding throughout the capitol city to provide fresh, organic produce and groceries to neighborhoods typically designated as "food deserts." The original location, at the intersection of Dale and Selby Avenues, opened long before the neighborhood's reincarnation as dining and boutique-shopping destination. Their second location on West 7th offered organic groceries in an area with only traditional grocers, and the East 7th location which opened just last year, filled an empty lot in a neighborhood where fresh produce was previously unheard of. Working often with local suppliers, you'll be able to find all the organic and seasonal produce you can hope for, and the rest of your grocery needs taken care of as well.

Wedge Community Co-op
2105 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 871-3993
www.wedge.coop

The longstanding Minneapolis co-op was the first certified organic grocery store in Minnesota. Coming from humble beginnings in a Minneapolis basement, the store has grown and grown to become  one of the Twin Cities' most beloved destinations for produce. But it's important to them that you not only get the finest organic groceries, but also understand why. Their website is full of not only seasonal specials and fresh items made daily, but also news and guides to what your eating and the reasons these groceries are better for your mind, body and soul.

Eastside Food Co-op
2551 Central Ave. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 788-0950
www.eastsidefood.coop

The Eastside Food Co-op's long story of putting down roots in Northeast Minneapolis earned it the nickname "The Little Co-op That Could." It was a long and arduous process to bring a co-op back to a neighborhood devoid of one for decades. Now expanding to better suit your produce and grocery-purchasing needs, the store can be called a bona fide success story. It's always a great place to find organic produce, and you can check their website to peruse the selection before heading in if you need something specific. You can also learn about their current deals to keep your pantry stocked at lower prices.

Related:  Best Restaurants With Organic Food In Minnesota

Fruit Share
9798 75th St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 644-2800
www.fruitshare.com

Fresh fruit has never been more accessible. Certified organic fruit will be delivered to your front door using eco-friendly methods by this Stillwater-based company, so you don't have to resort to fast food when you schedule is just too busy to allow for long shopping trips. You can order various items to be delivered from their website, whether you're looking for a melange of summer fruits or just a whole case of blueberries, peaches or whatever other seasonal fruits you want, and you can choose the size of the delivery as well depending on your (and your family's) needs.

Seward Co-op
2823 Franklin Ave. E.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 338-2465
seward.coop

There are a couple of different locations (well, two locations and a Creamery Cafe retail store) to shop fresh. The original location has stood since 1972, and is known as a pioneer in local and healthy groceries. It's still one of the best places in the city to find organic produce, and, as with the other co-op's mentioned, a great community to become a member of (which will also get you discounts on your groceries). If you're curious about the organic, sustainable, fair trade movement, you can subscribe to their excellent newsletter, or take part in classes and tours to learn more as well.

Related: Best Neighborhood To Go On A Shopping Spree In Minnesota

Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.