Gift Wrapping Alternatives

It’s estimated that 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper is used each year in the U.S., with only half of that getting recycled. So how can we make our gifting habits more sustainable? Try these ideas for an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper — better for the planet and still festive for the season. Tied … Continued

Gift Basket Ideas from the Co-op

We all want to buy that “just right” gift, but sometimes we’re stumped! Let us take the pressure off with helpful gift basket ideas! (No actual baskets required.) Make their holiday with a bundle of sustainably made, thoughtfully selected items from the co-op. From kids to foodies, from friends to family, we help you check … Continued

Cheese Board Tips for the Holiday

Charcuterie boards are a great way to add some excitement and visual appeal to your appetizer spread. Creating a beautiful and tasty board doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these tips as a starting point, then get creative and customize your cheese board to fit the tastes and theme of your gathering. Choose your canvas. Wooden … Continued

New at the Co-op, November 2021

November’s list is a big one! We’ve added a lot of items this month, from new hot sauces and sodas to fun gift ideas and other holiday necessities. Whatever you choose to try, don’t sweat the details: Our team of dedicated and informed buyers make sure that everything meets our exacting standards for safety, quality, … Continued

Meet Doubting Thomas Farms

  Before noon, organic farmer Noreen Thomas meets with a local baker, helps harvest oats, feeds her chickens, checks on the lion’s mane mushrooms she’s growing, assesses her organic rye field, and stops by a field of experimental flaxseed. And within that busy morning, she takes time to talk about her local organic farm, the … Continued

The Core of Local Apples

Apple season in Minnesota is the epitome of local flavor. Across the state and throughout the produce department, local apples abound. But what’s the story behind the crisp, juicy fruits we love so much? Local apple growers give us the in-cider scoop! WHISTLING WELL FARM Hastings, MN Located in the rolling hills of Washington County, … Continued

Lunch Ideas for Back to School and Fall Routines

The fall is a great time to get into your new groove: Vacations have wrapped. School’s in session. Work is full steam ahead. But when schedules fill up and time is at a premium, making nutritious lunches can feel like one more thing you don’t have time for. Here are some lunch ideas for back … Continued

10 Morning Routine Tips to Make Your Day Better

The alarm goes off and you’re off to the races: making breakfast, packing lunches, getting showered, preparing for the day. If your mornings leave you feeling frazzled, here are some tips from the team at the co-op! Help your morning routine be a little easier and smoother, so you start your day calm, cool, and … Continued

Lakewinds & Neighborhood Forest: A Partnership for the Planet

Giving back to the community isn’t just an important part of Lakewinds’ mission, it’s something you support every time you shop at the co-op. Throughout the year, our co-op makes sponsorship-level monetary donations to local nonprofits whose work relates to sustainability and equity in the food system, education about nutrition, or the environment. One such … Continued