Astoria Cooperative: The Best Source for Local Organic Foods in Astoria, Oregon

The Astoria Cooperative is an organic and health foods cooperative grocery store, owned by local members in the Astoria, Oregon community. The community store sells locally grown produce, featuring many organic foods, beers and wine, locally produced milk and health foods.

The store is managed by Mathew Stanley, and a board of owners and members. Membership can be purchaced for a small yearly fee of $35. The Astoria Cooperative is a part of two CSA groups, sun-supported agricultural farming groups that allow members to exchange produce delivery for a share in local farm ownership. Pre-paid boxes of the farms' produce are dropped of at the store on Saturdays, during the May to October growing season.

The co-op's mission is to offer the best , healthiest, most natural locally grown and produced foods as possible, at a reasonable price. The variety of foods and other products is wonderful, from large bins of bulk foods, gluten-free items, ethnic foods, and green household products.

The deli at the co-op has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere with cafe-like seating, and an area just for kids. The deli serves local foods, from sandwiches to soups and salads, and will soon be introducing a serve-yourself salad bar as well. The retail section of the store has a frozen section, a refriderated section with dairy, organic foods, and organic beer choices.

The co-op also runs the occasional event, including cooking classes, music and wine tasting. There is a monthly food-tasting, every fourth Wednesday at 4 PM to 6 PM, with samples of dishes made with foods found in the store.

The Astoria Cooperative is located at 1355 Exchange Street in Astoria, Oregon. The Co-op is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and on Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM. You can get more information by calling 503-325-0027 during business hours.

Sources:

Hipfish vol 128

Personal experience