Kitchen Therapy with Brandy:
Top Local Sources for Organic Food
People are always asking me where I shop for local organic food. So today, I am sharing some of my secrets! Well, they are not really secrets, all places that have fantastic options and I highly recommend you check them out. Choosing to buy organic food locally is a way to make simple changes that have a positive impact on our health and our community. Enjoy!
9 Local Sources for Organic Food
1. Natural Markets and Grocery Stores
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- Mama Jeans Natural Market
I am probably in the Sunshine location about 3-4 times per week. It is convenient for me and I love the local vibe. Everyone is so helpful. I will take my nutrition clients there for a “healthy shopping” tour. Mama Jeans is family owned and has a variety of locally grown and organic food options. They also have a great apothecary section for herbs and supplements.
HIGHLIGHT: Their website always list the sales for the month. They have a great selection of bulk items so you can get the exact amount you need without having extra. It is a lot more cost effective. My favorite is having a café for lunch and getting to pick up a few things at the same time. Stay tuned for a list of all of my “favorite things” to buy here!
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- Lucky’s Market
This is a great option for finding less expensive organic food in a grocery store. They take the stance that good food shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be a right. If you don’t want to eat things like pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones, natural and organic food shouldn’t be priced out of your reach. They offer lots of local offerings and substitutes for food allergies. Like Mama Jeans, they also have a great salad bar and apothecary section.
HIGHLIGHT: A Market aimed at lower price points for natural and organic foods, this is great place to get the bulk of your shopping done. They have a nice Rewards app with $5 off every $100 spent, and have incentives for bringing your own bags.
2. Urban Roots
Next, on my almost top ten list is Urban Roots. I have participated in Urban Root’s CSA for a couple of years. They are super nice and I LOVE THEIR PRODUCE. In their words, CSA is like having a subscription to the farm. I get fresh veggies every week throughout the 24-week series.
HIGHLIGHT: This is an amazing cost effective way to get a lot of locally grown organic fresh veggies that are Certified Naturally Grown.
3. The Gracious Plate
The Gracious Plate is a meal preparation and catering company specializing in farm-sourced and allergen-aware foods serving the Springfield, MO area. They source many of the ingredients from Blue Heron Farm in nearby Marshfield, Missouri. Katie Baker (the owner) and her husband have first-hand experience with food allergies and take great care accommodating clients’ needs. The Gracious Plate never use unhealthy oils, additives, preservatives, or extra sugar. What you get is raw, natural, organic, and clean.
HIGHLIGHT: They take on the burden of meal planning and preparation and guarantee fresh, local ingredients suited to your preferences.
4. Homemade Delivered
The next secret on my list, may actually be a hidden gem you haven’t heard about. I remember when this business just started out. Denise (the owner) has always been an amazing cook, gardener and entertainer. She turned her passion into a business that is now has a waiting list. It is Springfield’s fresh kept secret. The food is fresh, clean and very good. You get to choose from the menu each week and Homemade Delivered prepares and delivers the food. You just cook it. They also have amazing juices that I love.
HIGHLIGHT: They use food from their garden or our local farmers and they strive to use the freshest ingredients available. They also will make food with special request such as gluten free and dairy free.
5. Farm2Fork Pork
I love visiting this farm to see how the animals are treated and fed. They have a wonderful farm life on diverse pastures. It is excellent food and the farm is run by kind people who take amazing care of their animals.
HIGHLIGHT: The pigs are healthy heritage and are raised on pastures with a lot of love. The owner has fantastic blogs that are entertaining, humorous and informative.
6. Highway H Highland Cattle Ranch
This farm is nestled in the rolling hills by the town I grew up in – Laclede County. Their beef is free from adrenaline or natural stress hormones. They never feed their cattle grain, processed feed, hormones or antibiotics. The cattle graze naturally on abundant acreage and never are in small areas. Because of this, the beef is leaner, finer texture and richer flavor and is low in fat and cholesterol, and high in protein, iron and Omega 3 fatty acids. You will taste the difference.
HIGHLIGHT: They are raised 100% naturally and are the healthiest grass fed beef. They are now being sold at local Ruby’s Market.
7. Local Farmer’s Markets
Next on my list, is something for everyone and a great place to start if you aren’t sure what is available locally. When you shop at a farmer’s market there are so many benefits. You are getting freshly picked, in season produce at its peak in flavor and nutrients. Also, you are supporting your local farmers and the economy. I personally think it is a great way to get your kids involved. It is fun.
Here are a few favorites in the Springfield area:
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- Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks – Located at James River Expressway and Republic Road. www.loveyourfarmer.com/about/
- Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market – Located at the corner of Battlefield and Glenstone Ave. www.springfieldfarmersmarket.com
- C-Street Market – Located at 321 E. Commercial Street. www.itsalldowntown.com/streetwalker
HIGHLIGHT: More than just supporting local farmers, these markets each have a unique vibe and are an experience for the whole family to enjoy.
8. U.S. WELLNESS Meats
This is in Canton, Missouri so it is about 4 hours away but it is a very convenient website delivered to your home website. I have used them many times for many food items. Every family in the US Wellness Meats network is committed to sustainable, humane farming practices.
HIGHLIGHT: Their food is amazing. The go-to for me is the, “All Purpose Seasoning,” it is a family favorite! I also love their slogan “Our animals eat right, so you can too.”
9. YOU – Homegrown!
Finally, the best way you know where your food is coming from is to grow it yourself. What could be fresher than picking your food out of your backyard for dinner.
HIGHLIGHT: It is cheap and fresh. It is grounding to get your hands and feet in the dirt. There is something satisfying about growing your own food.
Lastly, I hope you found this information helpful. Organic food is a staple in my household, I simply do not buy anything else. I would love to hear your feedback or if there are hidden gems in the Ozarks I should know about, please share!
In all I do I lead with authenticity and a true desire to guide people to be happy, healthy and whole. With an integrative approach to nutrition, health and life coaching, I use my experience as a Certified Integrative Nutrition Counselor, and a Registered Yoga Teacher to inspire you to live your best life. As the owner of 2B Well Integrative Health Center I am able to offer services and programs with the support of a multitude of resources. From 6 month one-on-one sessions to a simple detox online program, we work together to effectively reach your current and future health goals and create life-long habits.
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