Departments
Produce
Our goal in the Produce Department is to supply our owners and customers with fresh produce, both locally grown and Certified Organic from around the country and world. The style of the department is a merging of a farmer’s market and a modern, gourmet-style grocery store. Shoppers will find the atmosphere cozy and inviting as well as aesthetically pleasing. During peak local season (June through October, depending on the weather), we carry as much locally grown produce as possible. With our “Think Local First” campaign, owners and customers can be assured that we stand behind our local growers 100% and can verify that they use growing methods aligned with our beliefs: that fresh, local produce should be grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, herbicides and insecticides. We carry local items ranging from radicchio, mushrooms, and tomatoes to all varieties of lettuce, greens, and parsley. In the autumn, our locally grown Winter Squash display may very well be the best-looking in town.
Bulk
As a co-op, we know how important it is for our customers to have a wide variety of items that can be purchased with minimal packaging, the least amount of ingredients as possible, and in the quantities desired. If these guidelines are important to you, we would like to focus your attention to our bulk section. We have whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, dried fruit, granola dried herbs and spices, and more. If you would like to cut down on packaging completely, bring your own reusable container. Oh, and if you have never had fresh nut butter that you can grind yourself without all of the added salt and oil, try out our nut butter grinders.
Grocery
We are delighted to present the community a welcoming diversity of healthful food choices produced with integrity and infused with the down-to-earth service of our Grocery staff, which itself is quite flavorful. We invest a lot of work and attention in keeping the shelves, dairy, bulk bins and freezers stocked with time tested favorites we have all grown to love… everyday and gourmet, special diet, natural and organic packaged goods and ingredients from the world over; baby needs, pet foods and ecologically sound cleaning supplies. We thrive not only on supporting your family’s healthy existence and the well being of the planet but also upon on your thrill of discovery. We want you to expect that of us. Here’s a taste…
We’ve put together a rich array of worldly cheeses and an array of domestic and imported cheddars. So many are appropriate for special parties and picnics, but you can also top your tacos, round out your pesto, or pair with your snack crackers.
Oh, as long as you’re celebrating, you may want some beer or wine to share, with select organic and vegan options included. Your friends might appreciate the terroir of an Old-World red, a crisp California white, or a hopped-up Michigan ale.
Then there’s the convenience of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, provided by a host of distinctive Marquette kitchens; the pleasure of whole grain breads baked in town; the inviting aroma of coffee beans roasted right next door.
In fact, our buyers are excited about creating an ever-growing offering of sustainably grown food from nearby farms as well as emphasizing regional suppliers. We can’t seem to overestimate the popularity of fresh eggs delivered from farms just down the road. Do you know we have free-range meats from Marquette County? Jams, hot sauce, maple products, and honey from the U.P. are currently part of the mix. There’s something special about supporting growers and foodies who are also our neighbors.
Altogether, it’s a dynamic and conscientious collection that just keeps getting better.
Wellness
Our Wellness Department has spent many hours researching ingredients, sampling products, and talking with customers and other Co-ops in order to bring you quality items from businesses that are committed to providing natural and effective wares. Our shelves house a wide selection of vitamins, supplements, essential oils, body products and more. If you are looking for items made in our community, we have an assortment of soaps, salves, tonics, and even bug repellant. Our new service desk is located across from the supplements to provide you with assistance from our knowledgeable staff.
General Merchandise
Our General Merchandise area features an assortment of beautiful locally and globally crafted items. We have everything from greeting cards to kitchen gadgets to soft toys for children. Check out our book selection for information on special diet needs, gardening, international cooking, homesteading, and more. If you are looking for organic seeds to start your garden we have a large selection in the spring just in time for planting.
Front End
The Front End’s mission is to create an experience that you can look forward to having time after time! Our team of cashiers are a group of enthusiastic folks who will greet you with a smile and love customer questions. We take personal interest in your experience, asking how you’d like groceries packed and if you’d like a helping hand out to your vehicle (even when it’s 20 below).
We invite you to come into the store and try a new way of grocery shopping. Unlike a typical shopping experience, we strive to accommodate your needs as a person, not just a consumer. Our store is chock full of interesting products, and it’s normal for an employee to help you navigate- we’re happy to! Rest assured, we want to help you find what you need and along the way you may even be tempted to eat the “normal” stuff we sell like chocolate, beer, and potato chips (in case you were wondering if we only sell granola and items resembling twigs and lawn clippings).
We look forward to seeing you in the store!
Education & Outreach
The Education & Outreach Department brings our Co-op into the hearts and minds of the greater community. We are the face of our Co-op. Being highly visible in our community has helped to create a perception that our Co-op is “the” source of information on “all things organic and local.” With this perception comes a great deal of responsibility. Our department works with owners and the general public alike to make healthy food accessible and exciting. We also work to educate current owners of the advantages afforded to them through their ownership in our Co-op.
The department is responsible for workshops, cooking classes, farm tours, social event planning, store promotions, support of local farms and farmers’ markets, volunteer coordination, advertising, creation of informational brochures and publications, maintaining our database of owner records and much more.
