The Market Community Co-op opened its doors in 2006 as the Market Natural Foods. For the first couple of years it was not a Co-op, but was instead owned and managed by a couple with roots in the area. By early 2008, a job relocation forced the owners to make a difficult decision: Move to Omaha and close the store.

The story might have ended there if not for a handful of community members who did not want to see the Lakes area lose a store dedicated to providing organic and all-natural foods.

These community members worked throughout the spring and summer to raise the money needed to keep the store open. Through their hard work and the support of hundreds of people in the community, The Market Community Co-op opened its doors on January 1st, 2009.

The future of the Market Community Co-op is a bright one. While our primary focus will always be providing the Great Lakes area community the best selection of organic and locally grown foods that we can, our goal is to promote the benefits of local and organically grown foods. To meet this goal we are planning:

1) Partner with local businesses through Business Memberships. These memberships give the employees of the member business a chance to receive discounts on purchases and a number of "lunch and learn" events each year.

2) Work with a local growers group to promote using locally grown foods in Lakes area schools, churches, and restaurants.

3) Classes and events highlighting local and organically grown foods.

And more!