The Market Community Co-op is committed to offering the best selection of locally produced foods that we can. From meat to dairy and grains to produce, we put a priority on foods that are grown or produced within 200 miles of Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Why do we put such a focus on locally grown foods?

First, it is good for the community. Numerous studies have shown that a far greater share of every dollar spent at a local business stays in the community compared to a dollar spent at a national chain. The same goes for us. For every dollar we spend to stock our shelves, more of that money stays in the community if we buy from local growers and producers than if we ordered from a national company or distributor.

Second, locally grown and produced food is better for you and the environment. Locally grown produce is usually picked near peak ripeness when the fruit and vegetables are highest in nutrients. Compare that to food grown on the coasts or in another country where produce is picked weeks before it is ripe. On top of that, farmers who grow produce for their local farmers market or grocery stores tend to grow varieties of fruits and vegetables that are known for their taste while produce grown to be shipped frequently consists of varieties known for their ability to withstand shipping and longer storage times.

Finally, food produced locally is usually fresh and contains little or no chemical preservatives and stabilzers. I think most people would agree that the fewer preservatives and additives that we eat the better.

A gluten-free diet is a diet completely free of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, malts and triticale. Gluten is also used as a food additive in the form of a flavoring, stabilizing or thickening agent, often hidden under "dextrin". A gluten-free diet is the only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease,the related condition dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy. (www. wikipedia.com)

Every year, tens of thousands of people across the country are diagnosed with a food allergy. If you suffer from a food allergy, we encourage you to stop in and check out our selection of allergen free foods. If we don't have what you are looking for, we can special order thousands of different items from hundreds of different brands.

We carry a wide selection of national and regional organic and all natural foods. Here are just a few of the more popular brands that we carry.