Saint Cloud's Good Earth

Friday, June 24, Barbara will be at The Good Earth in Saint Cloud, Minnesota for lunch, dispensing good vibes and samples of Barsy's Almonds. Good Earth carries quarter pounds of all five Barsy's flavors, as well as Naughties in bulk.

Every Friday through September 2, The Good Earth hosts its "Good-for-You Cookout" from 11:30 to 2:00, offering deli selections and healthy grilled food. Barbara will miss John Hooper's yak burgers by a week (he's at Good Earth on the first Friday of every month), but she'll probably take time out for a portabella burger. If you're looking for healthful tasty Friday lunch, the Good Earth is the place to be in St. Cloud. Cookout cost is seven bucks; six to members.

While you're there -- Centennial Plaza, 2010 8th Street North (Veteran's Drive) -- get to know this community-owned source for least-cost nutritious food.

Check progress on the deli seating expansion, due to open the second week of July. Good Earth is committed to healthy lifestyles and cooperation between producers and consumers, with respect for the ultimate source of health and wealth always in mind. In addition to a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy your food, the expansion will include space for classes in preparing and enjoying nutritious foods that are good for your family and the environment.

Grand Opening - St. Peter Co-op

Join us in St. Peter, Minnesota on Saturday, June 11, to celebrate the grand opening of the St. Peter Food Co-op's new store. St. Peter is located in the Minnesota River Valley, about seventy miles southwest of the Twin Cities  on US 169, and twenty minutes northwest of Mankato. The new store is on the right at the intersection of 169 (Minnesota Avenue) and Mulberry Street, across from the Nicollet County Courthouse.

The St. Peter Co-op has been supplying the scenic home of Gustavus Adolphus College with healthy and delicious food since a handful of residents organized to supply themselves with better nutrition in 1979. The spacious new store is the Co-op's third location, and can supply a food-conscious household with everything it needs. The staff prides itself on "personalized customer service," "product expertise," and "customer advocacy." Store personnel have shopped for housebound patrons, and will special-order the odd item you don't find on the shelves.  There are free in-store classes, and Brand Development Manager Jennifer Luhmann says that members and staff "are passionate about food, about its look, smell, and taste. They know where it comes from and the people who supply it."

In addition to groceries (and nutritional supplements and body-care products), the Co-op includes a delicatessen with hot bar, sandwich- salad- and build-your-own-burrito bars. On the day I'm writing this, the hot bar features Teriyaki Chicken, Ma’sMashed Potatoes, Baked Penne, Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Vegetarian Sloppy Joes, Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Veggie Pizza, and Brown Rice.  Today's soups are Tomato Basil Feta and Cream of Spinach. Seating is airy and inviting. The day I visited, it was full of people enjoying tasty lunches with friends.

St. Peter carries all five Barsy's flavors -- Smokies, Sweeties, Naughties, Hotties, and Stuffies -- in bulk. We will be at the Grand Opening on the tenth to tempt you with free samples. Other local food suppliers with be on hand, too, showing off their wares.