When I participated in the Green City Market's Localvore Challenge last year, I came to the horrifying realization that my food came from all over the planet. My nuts came from Vietnam, my crackers from England... I desperately searched for food that was produced within a 100 mile radius. And it was rough. I spent hours at Whole Foods going through the aisles checking labels as my frustration mounted. It had to be easier than this?
Luckily once I was connected with Green Grocer my shopping became easier, quicker and way more enjoyable. Owner Cassie Green takes care of the time consuming research so I could peruse aisle after aisle of organic and locally produced foods and products. Way better than shopping in a huge store that carries only 10% of the groceries that I buy.
I feel more comfortable now that our dollars are going directly to a local business owner rather than a big corporation. Cassie and her staff greet their customers-turned-friends when they walk in the door. How refreshing! I never realized how much I missed this type of personal one-on-one service until we started shopping there. This type of genuine care only comes from a smaller business where each relationship is valued and every transaction is appreciated. It makes me wonder in such a bad economy whether we can afford to look past our neighbors when the going gets rough.
Nowadays my kids look forward to grocery shopping. The boys can't wait to see their friend Cassie, pick out their favorite things and scan their own items before bagging. What used to be a really hectic activity has turned into a fun little trip to our neighborhood store.
It's genius. You can pop in for a couple items, do your week's worth or meet up with neighbors and friends. You heard me right! On Tuesday nights, Green Grocer hosts a series of events like wine and cheese pairings and beer tastings that does more than showcase their fair trade, eco-friendly products. It creates a greater sense of community by connecting neighbors who might not meet otherwise.
Would you agree that as the world becomes more technologically advanced and detached, it is sometimes more satisfying to turn back the hands of time to the simpler, more connected way of living? Green Grocer is definitely one of those old school enjoyments; however, it meets our every growing needs by taking the guesswork out of the local, organic food movement.
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Visit Green Grocer Chicago at 1402 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (corner of Grand and Noble)
Phone: (312) 624-9508 Fax: (312) 624-9509 info@greengrocerchicago.com
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 10am-5pm
-An original Green Parent Chicago article. Jen Khatchatrian shares her journey raising an eco-friendly family as The Eco Chic Organizer and connects her community with her organization, Chicago Green Families.
-photo credit-Green Grocer Chicago
I love Green Grocer! It was one of the first trips out of the house I took with my 4 week old baby (who is now 13 months!). So glad they have a beer and wine selection now.
Posted by: Toya | May 08, 2009 at 03:43 PM