Blog – Page 8 – Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op

Eileen at a Co-op picnic with a plate of food.

More Than A Grocery Store – Reflections of A Member

Hello, my name is Eileen, I moved to Sacramento in April 1990. The first and most important need upon arriving in a new city was obtaining organic food. Landing in the suburbs I realized that organic food was many miles away, Downtown. Also on my list of needs were a job and a place to live. So, I headed Downtown.

The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op had just moved in Sept. 1989 from Freeport Blvd. to S Street and Alhambra Blvd. The “New Store” was big and bright, full of creative staff and members. Enthusiasm and commitment to success were evident in one’s shopping experience.

Free range dairy cows grazing in a field

Alexandre Family Farm

At the Co-op, we pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality groceries available. Alexandre Family Farm is dedicated to producing nourishing eggs and dairy while also stewarding the land they occupy. The farm is certified organic, regenerative and humane. Anyone who is familiar with how to produce the best quality eggs and dairy knows that the care of the soil is always the farmer’s focus. Animals need rich soil, with diverse grasses and microorganisms for a quality diet. Located in Crescent City, just south of Humboldt, CA, 4th generation farmers Blake and Stephanie Alexandre care for year-round green grasses which are a product of well-nurtured soil.

A close up of a hand wearing a glove holding nettles.

Stinging Nettles – Nature’s Mineral Powerhouse

Just like dandelion, plantain, purslane, miner’s lettuce and chickweed, stinging nettles is a nutrient dense, resilient and prolific plant that can be found near lakes and rivers, along the roadside, and now we have them regularly at the Co-op!

Two people pose smiling at Cultural Roots Nursery.

Round Up At the Register – Farmers Resilience

Our Roundup recipient is a little different this month. The money that our customers round up in August will be donated to our Farmers Resilience Grant Program. We’ve partnered with California FarmLink to offer grants that focus on small farmers and ranchers who are seeking funds (up to $5,000) to advance the success of their farm or ranch businesses.

What is “Healthy”?

Have you ever asked the question, “is this healthy?” Jolie Laudicina, our Nutrition and Wellness Educator introduces how according to Nutritional Therapy, this question can be answered quite differently for each individual.

A Co-op employee picking garlic on a farm

It’s in Season — Garlic!

Most people are familiar with the unmatched flavor that garlic adds in so many dishes, but I would venture to guess that many don’t know the stages garlic goes through before it ends up in our produce department every summer. Some would probably be surprised to know that garlic has a “season” because it is generally available year round, thanks to its amazing storage capabilities.