About Us
Community Powered
Naturally Better
open daily to everyone 7am - 10pm
For over 50 years, SNFC has been at the forefront of the sustainable food movement in the Sacramento region, working with local producers to provide our community with healthy choices while giving back.
Mission Driven Standards
Member Created Standards
Our high standards for sourcing and selection reflect what our community values. We prioritize locally produced natural groceries with simple ingredients that satisfy a variety of diets including gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free. We proudly support local small businesses, cooperatives, and BIPOC-, LGBTQIA+, and women-owned brands.
100% Organic Produce
We're proud to be one of the few grocers in the nation with an entirely organic produce department. We have long-standing relationships with local growers committed to sustainable farming, which allows us to provide a variety of organic produce to our customers all year. For products that can’t be sourced locally like bananas and avocados, we work with Fair Trade grower cooperatives like Equal Exchange to support fair wages and sustainable farming practices.
Deli
Our deli is dedicated to bringing you fresh, scratch-made meals made right here in our kitchen. We focus on local, organic ingredients to create wholesome, flavorful dishes that reflect the changing seasons. With options for a variety of dietary preferences, our menu evolves throughout the year, featuring certified organic produce, grains and beans. We strive to use healthy alternatives to seed oil where possible.
Bakery
Like our deli items, all our muffins, scones, cookies, quick breads, cakes and cupcakes are scratch made on site. We use real, high-quality ingredients: Giusto’s flour, real butter, and non-GMO oil in vegan options. Our bakery standards reflect our store standards: 100% organic produce without the use of preservatives or artificial flavors or colorings.
Bulk
We have the largest selection of bulk foods in Sacramento with hundreds of options! Our bulk selection includes a variety of baking ingredients, grains, beans and legumes, sweeteners, snacks, coffee, tea, local honey and olive oil. Our bulk in-house water is made using reverse osmosis and is one of our best-selling products.
Grocery
We offer a wide selection of sustainable, organic, plant-based and allergen-free options that cater to a variety of budgets. Choose from Vegan Cheeses to Gluten-free snacks and treats. All dairy in our store is produced without the use of artificial hormones and we carry cage-free, certified humane and pastured eggs. We source many items from local producers and offer sustainable household paper and cleaning products.
Fish Meat and Poultry
We partner with farmers and ranchers who prioritize responsible animal husbandry and environmental stewardship. We offer Non-GMO, organic, grass-fed, Wagyu and regeneratively pastured meats, along with poultry that is cage-free, vegetarian-fed, and free from antibiotics, added hormones, nitrites, and artificial preservatives. Our seafood follows the Montery Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch standards for sustainability.
Wine & Spirits
We offer wines from nearby Northern California regions—Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, the Delta, and the Foothills—as well as international selections. Organic, biodynamic, and sulfite‑free options are available for every budget. We also carry regionally produced and world-famous spirits to craft the perfect cocktail as well as tasty non-alcoholic alternatives.
wellness
We offer a wide selection of natural, high-quality supplements, body care, bulk herbs, and wellness products carefully sourced to meet our standards for clean ingredients, sustainability, and trusted partnerships. Our products are cruelty-free, with many organic, vegan, gluten-free, locally made, and sustainably packaged options. We also carry third-party tested house-brand supplements from long-standing partners and even offer pet-friendly wellness products.
Beer, Ciders, Hard Kombuchas & More
We carry a wide range of craft beers from local and award‑winning breweries, along with ciders non-alcoholic and gluten‑free options. Many are available as singles!
Cheeses & Olive Bar
Our cheese case features specialty cheeses from Europe, the U.S., and many California artisans, plus organic everyday favorites. Choose from 22 olives, pickles, peppers, and other preserved items, all available in bulk for mixing and matching.
What We Do Not Sell
- Foods containing artificial preservatives, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, or high-fructose corn syrup
- Artificial flavors, colorings, or sweeteners
- Animal products derived from animals treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) or similar substances, or antibiotics
- Products from producers using inhumane or unnatural practices, such as forced molting
- Body care products tested on animals
Our Story
The Early Years - 1971 to 1989
1971 – In Search of Real Food
Our roots trace back to 1971, when a small group of community members started a buying club to access unprocessed, organic bulk foods like rice and fresh vegetables. Meeting in alleys and basements—including the now-legendary “Quicksilver Palace” at 1012 19th Street—the demand for natural, whole foods quickly grew, leading to a move to 1525 16th Street.
1973 - SNFC is born
In 1973, the collective officially incorporated as a cooperative, driven by a vision of sustainable, real food for the community. The first store opened at 15th & Q Streets (now the Naked Lounge), led by a dedicated group of founding board members.
1975 – Growing Connections
The Co-op moved to 2996 Freeport Boulevard, expanding offerings and building strong relationships with local farms and producers. This set the stage for our long-standing support of the Sacramento agricultural community.
1976–1985 – Member Powered
Membership was just $7 and required 4 hours of volunteer work per month. In 1979, we adopted a fresh new logo. In 1981, sales topped $1 million for the first time. By 1983, we hired our first professional General Manager. In 1985, we passed our first Merchandising Policy, defining our standards for organic, sustainable, and responsibly sourced food.
Alhambra - 1989 to 2016
1989 – A Sacramento Staple
We opened a flagship location on Alhambra Boulevard with plenty of room to grow. Over time, this store became a destination for organic groceries, introducing Sacramento’s first specialty cheese department, a full-service deli, a plant-based and omnivore-friendly hot bar, a natural wellness section, and fresh seafood and poultry counters.
1997–2007: Growth & Resilience
In 1997, we expanded our Bulk and Wellness departments and introduced the Health Notes terminal. Paul Cultrera joined as project manager and later became General Manager. In 2000, we launched the Directions 2000 plan, which led to opening the Elk Grove store in 2005. While innovative, the store didn’t perform as hoped and eventually closed. By 2007, with strong member support, we paid off all debts and refocused on our Sacramento roots.
2013 – Looking Ahead
Approaching our 40th anniversary, we announced plans to build a new flagship store—just two blocks from the Alhambra site. The vision included a modern space for organic groceries, plant-based options, and deeper community connection.
R street - 2016 to present
2015–2016 – Building Our Dream
Construction began in 2015 with support from staff, farm partners, and city leaders. On October 12, 2016, we opened our beautiful, sustainably built location with a weekend-long Grand Opening featuring local food, music, and community spirit.
2022 – Blue Heron Farm
When the opportunity came to preserve Blue Heron Farm in Rumsey, we knew it was worth protecting. As a continuation of our One Farm at a Time program, we're keeping this beloved organic orchard growing for future generations. Farm Manager Orlando now tends the trees, and the fruit is shared with communities across Northern California.
2023 – celebrating 50 years
We celebrated our 50th anniversary in Winn Park, joined by bands, local vendors, speakers, and community groups. It was a powerful reminder of our deep roots in the Sacramento community.