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 secrets; all places 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!
Local Sources for Organic Food
Natural Markets and Grocery Stores
1. 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 an excellent apothecary section for herbs and supplements.
HIGHLIGHT: Their website always lists the sales for the month and dietary shopping lists like Mediterranean. 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 going to their café for lunch and getting to pick up a few things at the same time.
2. Urban Roots
Next, on my list is Urban Roots. I have participated in Urban Root’s CSA for a couple of years. They are super lovely, 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. They also offer a farm stand to pick up veggies as needed.
HIGHLIGHT: This is a fantastic cost-effective way to get a lot of locally grown organic fresh veggies that are Certified Naturally Grown.
3. 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 now has a waiting list. It is Springfield’s freshly 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 strive to use the freshest ingredients. They also make food with special requests, such as gluten- and dairy-free.
4. 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 of accommodating clients’ needs. The Gracious Plate never uses unhealthy oils, additives, preservatives, or extra sugar. What you get is raw, natural, organic, and clean.
HIGHLIGHT: They take on the burden of catering and guarantee fresh, local ingredients suited to your preferences.
6. 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 a healthy heritage and are raised in pastures with a lot of love. The owner has fantastic blogs that are entertaining, humorous, and informative.
7. 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, has a finer texture and richer flavor, is low in fat and cholesterol, and is 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.
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:
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. Other Farms I have Love:
9. 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 US Wellness Meats network family is committed to sustainable, humane farming practices.
HIGHLIGHT: Their food is fantastic. The go-to for me is the “All Purpose Seasoning,” which is a family favorite! I also love their slogan, “Our animals eat right, so you can too.”
YOU – Homegrown!
Finally, the best way to know where your food comes 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!
Brandy Lane Hickman, NBC-HWC
2B Well Integrative Health Collaborative, Owner Inspired Nutrition, National Board Certified Health Coach, Kitchen Therapy
Board President, Missouri Nutrition Alliance Non-Profit
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