Henry's Village Market in Homestead, Iowa

Homestead, Iowa, located in the historical Amana Colonies, is home to Henry's Village Market. Located on 4125 V Street, this market is a must see. Henry's is run by husband and wife team, Lalanya and Andrew Bodenbender. Their store specializes in organic and local foods, homemade bratwurst, goat milk soap, and European imports. By next year they are hoping to offer their own homemade goat cheese as well.

My husband and I pulled up to Henry's Village Market and were greeted by Andrew Bodenbender grilling homemade bratwurst outside the store. When we went inside, Andrew's wife, Lalanya Bodenbender was chopping up a cucumber and tomato for their customers to sample.

The husband-wife team talked with ease about organic farming and their plans to expand the store area.

In early June, Henry's was selling locally grown, ripe-red tomatoes full of flavor. What the Bodenbenders do not grow themselves is supplemented by what their friends grow, or what they buy from local Amish families.

Henry's also sells their produce to local restaurants.

The cooler is stocked with local Amana beer and imported beer as well. There are sodas made with cane sugar, organic milks and vegan condiments like Nayonnaise.

There is a little bit of something for everyone. Not only does Henry's offer locally grown food, but they also have a varied supply of organic canned goods, dried fruits, spices and teas. All items are reasonably priced.

We enjoy going to Henry's Village Market because we prefer buying locally grown produce. It is also a big plus that all of their products are organic. We really appreciate the community aspect of this business.

Going to Henry's is always a treat we look forward to, because we never know what we may find. Henry's inventory is always growing and changing. They have plenty of building space to fill, and we are anticipating their expansion. One aspect of Henry's that stays constant though is the quality.

Henry's Village Market is named after the late Henry Bodenbender (Andrew Bodenbender's grandfather). Henry's counterpart, Katy's, is located in Moline, Illinois. Katy's has been in business for over 70 years, and offers German, Swedish, Polish and Danish imports. They are opened Thursday - Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm.

At Henry's, Tuesday is their day off, but you can find the Bodenbender's at their store on Monday, Thursday-Saturday from 10am -6pm. Sunday hours are 10am to 4pm. For more information on what their store offers they can be reached at (319) 622-3931.