turnedNOTburned
Grandview/Columbus, Ohio
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So,
I've not been happy with the quality/value/locality of the veggies from my current source, so, I'm looking for a place to buy good stuff at a decent value (prefer local business as opposed to whole foods or big box). I was reading up on the community market and would like some public comment on it before I commit to it.
Can you shop there once as a trial? Pros/cons/alternatives?
- Devon
Mercurius
First Avenue
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turnedNOTburned wrote >>
So,
I've not been happy with the quality/value/locality of the veggies from my current source, so, I'm looking for a place to buy good stuff at a decent value (prefer local business as opposed to whole foods or big box). I was reading up on the community market and would like some public comment on it before I commit to it.
Can you shop there once as a trial? Pros/cons/alternatives?
- Devon
You can shop there as much as you want, but only members get a discount. If you should become a member, the discount ranges from 5 to 10%. The bulk food section is very cheap and they have an amazing selection of spices and teas. I also like their little wine and beer department. I usually make a trip to there and weiland's. Unfortunately, both of those places leave you wanting for a bit better produce. Luckily, the farmer's markets are in season for that.
turnedNOTburned
Grandview/Columbus, Ohio
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I will definitely check it out sometime this weekend - sounds like it'd be exactly what I'm looking for. I'll have to hit up some of the farmers markets as well. I'm practically a vegan/vegetarian this time of year since the veggies are so good and fresh.
Thanks for the comments.
- Devo
jennyw
Clintonville
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Yep, you can shop there without being a member. There are discounts of 5-10 percent available to members, but Anne is right, right now members (I'm a member) are being asked not to use the discount in an effort to shore up the co-op's finances.
And I agree, the bulk selection is pretty great. And they carry Spring Creek tofu, which I can't recommend enough. It's good stuff.
unejoliefille
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I'm a member of the co-op, and love it. They carry a thoughtfully-chosen selection of food/teas/produce/medicinals/home goods. Unfortunately, I think many people are turned off when they go into a smaller market and realize that they can't get their favorite brand of "x". The co-op is no exception, but they do a damn good job of covering the basics. Although I've never used it, they do have a system in place for special orders for members, and members are also encouraged to voice their opinions about the products carried. I love that the Community Market truly lives up to its name.
The Raisin Rack in Westerville is another favorite spot. It's larger, but also family owned.
TomOver
herenowbeyond.org
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lazyfish wrote >>
how about the actual farmers' markets in town....worthington, clintonville, downtown, and the north market all have local farmers and excellent produce.
One benefit of the Clintonville Community Market is that it's a brick and mortar facility, there for you 7 days a week from 8am to 10 pm. Farmers' markets tend to operate only once a week for only a few hours or less.
TomOver
herenowbeyond.org
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Mercurius wrote >>
turnedNOTburned wrote >>
So,
I've not been happy with the quality/value/locality of the veggies from my current source, so, I'm looking for a place to buy good stuff at a decent value (prefer local business as opposed to whole foods or big box). I was reading up on the community market and would like some public comment on it before I commit to it.
Can you shop there once as a trial? Pros/cons/alternatives?
- DevonYou can shop there as much as you want, but only members get a discount. If you should become a member, the discount ranges from 5 to 10%. The bulk food section is very cheap and they have an amazing selection of spices and teas. I also like their little wine and beer department. I usually make a trip to there and weiland's. Unfortunately, both of those places leave you wanting for a bit better produce. Luckily, the farmer's markets are in season for that.
As for wanting better produce, are you referring to winter or summer and fall ? Summer and fall of 2010, there was a lot of local organic/chemical-free, reasonably priced produce.
This summer and fall there were potatoes, collards, peppers, melons, tomatoes, squash, garlic, and other items from Shade River Farm and other local growers.
Yeah, the produce at the co op during the winter surely isn't local, and during any season there is no where near the variety you find at Giant Eagle, Kroger or Meier.
But you're smart enough to know or figure out that there is a downside--socially and ecologically--- to expecting to be able to have every conceivable type of food at any hour of the day or night, during any time of the year.
I buy just about all of my groceries at the co op in Clintonville instead of at Giant Eagle or Kroger, and eat very well on a modest budget.
TomOver
herenowbeyond.org
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jennyw wrote >>
Yep, you can shop there without being a member. There are discounts of 5-10 percent available to members, but Anne is right, right now members (I'm a member) are being asked not to use the discount in an effort to shore up the co-op's finances.
And I agree, the bulk selection is pretty great. And they carry Spring Creek tofu, which I can't recommend enough. It's good stuff.
As for bulk items, there is local, organic spelt berry from Stutzman Farms for about 95 cents/lb. And you can get through special order, a 25 lb bag of local oatmeal for less than you'd pay at Kroger or Giant Eagle, all the while supporting local, organic farming.
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