NEW Local Vendor: The Elderberry Co.!

NEW Local Vendor - The Elderberry Co.!

Jenny Watson’s journey into entrepreneurship began in 2017, rooted in her passion for health and her desire to support her family’s well-being. Becoming a mom herself nearly 10 years ago, Jenny was dedicated to prioritizing natural remedies. She discovered the benefits of elderberry syrup through personal use, finding it to be an effective solution for boosting her family’s immune systems and keeping them healthy throughout the year.

What started as a simple Facebook post asking her friends and family if they wanted to try her homemade Elderberry Syrup quickly transformed into something much larger. Encouraged by the enthusiastic responses from her community, Jenny decided to share her creation with a broader audience. She set up The Elderberry Co. with a vision of making natural health accessible to families everywhere. With a commitment to quality, Jenny crafted her elderberry syrup in small batches, ensuring that each jar was filled with the best ingredients. Word of mouth spread rapidly, and demand grew as people experienced the benefits for themselves. Jenny’s genuine passion for wellness resonated with customers, leading to a thriving business that captured the attention of health-conscious individuals across the nation.

The Elderberry Co. Elderberry Immunity Gummies

As The Elderberry Co. expanded, Jenny assembled a small, dedicated team of people who shared her commitment to holistic health. Together, they began to develop a full line of natural products that complemented the elderberry syrup. This included Elderberry Gummies, Collagen + Biotin Gummies, loose leaf tea, raw honey, magnesium balm, tallow, and more. Each product was designed with care, using high-quality ingredients that families could trust. Through her innovative marketing strategies and strong community engagement, Jenny successfully grew The Elderberry Co. into a nationwide brand, proudly shipping her products to all 50 states. Her approach emphasized not just the health benefits of her products, but also the importance of empowering families to take charge of their wellness in a natural way.

The Elderberry Co.. Magnesium Balm

Today, The Elderberry Co. stands as a testament to Jenny’s hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. She remains deeply connected to her roots, continually engaging with her customers and sharing her knowledge of natural health remedies. As she looks to the future, Jenny is excited to keep expanding her product line and educating families about the power of nature in achieving wellness. The Elderberry Co. is not just a business for Jenny; it’s a mission to inspire and empower others to lead healthier lives, one elderberry at a time.

The Elderberry Co. products are only available at our Near West Store!

Learn more about The Elderberry Co.!

A Thank You From Farm to Family Fund

Thank you, Bloomingfoods shoppers, for your donations in February through the Positive Change Program! With your rounding up last month, we reached our goal of raising $35,000 since May 2024. This amount will be matched with $70,000 through a 2-for-1 challenge grant. The total of $105,000 will help us continue supporting local farmers, agencies and families in our community while reducing food waste.

With the uncertainty of these times, we are all the more appreciative of your support. Many thanks to Bloomingfoods for this program!

With gratitude,
Farm to Family Fund
Board of Directors

Local, Women-Owned Brands We Proudly Support!

Women-Owned LOCAL Brands We Proudly Support!

Know & support all of the WOMEN-OWNED LOCAL BRANDS we carry at our stores!

NEW Local Vendor: Winter Blooms!

NEW Local Vendor - Winter Blooms!

Winter Blooms, nestled in a picturesque valley just east of Bloomington, spans 107 acres and features a geode-filled creek winding through its landscape. While the surrounding area rests in muted grays and browns during the cooler months, the farm's greenhouse bursts with vibrant color. Dedicated to fostering connection and expression, Winter Blooms helps the community convey compassion, joy, desire, and whimsy through the heartfelt act of giving flowers.

Emily Winter, the driving force behind Winter Blooms, is a passionate dreamer, a devoted mother of two, and a flower farmer. Her lifelong love for nurturing plants and working the soil—rooted in her childhood near her grandparents’ 14th-century working farm in England—has culminated in this fulfilling pursuit. It beautifully combines her love of art, planting, the outdoors, photography, science, and spreading joy.

Winter Blooms grows and sells flowers through the cooler months of the year. Flowers are available from December through the end of May and sold locally at the Bloomington Winter Farmer's Market, Bloomingfoods Near West & East Stores.

Learn more about Winter Blooms!

What's Your Fruit Sign?

What’s Your Fruit Sign?

Capricorn: You’re the Cherry

Although cherries are undeniably delectable and sweet, there’s also something dark and mysterious about them that a Capricorn can relate to. You could be eating a bowl of cherries on your front porch during a summer day or you could be sipping on a bitter Manhattan before biting into a maraschino. However, eating a cherry involves some grit, as you always have to deal with the pit. You’re up for the challenge, Capricorn.

Aquarius: You’re the Avocado

Like the avocado, people either love you or hate you. Aquarius is known for having a controversial personality that can attract fierce admirers or passionate haters. Avocados deal with the same thing, as the people who love them can’t get enough of their creamy goodness and the rest can’t stand the texture. Either way, you’re social and community-oriented at heart, which is why you love the way avocado becomes guacamole dip to be shared with all.

Pisces: You’re the Watermelon

You’re the wateriest water sign who ever lived, Pisces. You’re literally made from mutable water, giving you an infinite number of emotions and imaginations. The watermelon is the most rehydrating fruit of all, which is exactly why you align with its frequency. You’re also the zodiac sign of immortality and you’ll love the way watermelon contains the most lycopene of any fruit, which has anti-cancer properties. You’re also an incredibly giving zodiac sign and a watermelon is more than enough to feed the group.

Aries: You’re the Pineapple

Like the pineapple, you have a tendency to steal the show. It towers above all other. You’re ruled by warrior Mars, which can often come across as prickly and unapproachable at first. However, once they get beyond your guarded surface, people are often shocked to discover how sweet you really are.

Taurus: You’re the Grape

You and grapes have a lot in common. You’re both incredibly sensual, luxurious, and romantic, which is why you know you’ve fantasized about a lover feeding you grapes at some point or another. Grapes are also used to make wine, which is exactly your vibe. Everyone knows Taurus loves to wind down and relax with a glass of any of the varieties. You are ruled by pleasure-oriented Venus, after all.

Gemini: You’re the Orange

You’re a connoisseur of sweet and sour flavors, as it reflects your dual-sided nature. You know you can’t resist the joy of peeling an orange and getting your hands all sticky before taking your first juicy bite. Not only do citrusy flavors capture your cheery disposition, but their bold and awakening flavors get your creative juices flowing. An orange always leaves you feeling energized and what Gemini doesn’t want that?

Cancer: You’re the Peach

Your nurturing and caring personality could only be described as peaches ‘n cream. This fruit is soft as velvet on the outside, reflecting your soothing nature. Like the peach, you taste sweet with a hint of sour, but that core you don’t expect to bite into perfectly captures your protective nature. People have a tendency to mistake your kindness for weakness, just like the peach.

Leo: You’re the Mango

You’re ruled by the sun and you reign during summer. The only fruit that could really do a Leo justice is the plumpest mango in the produce section. And if juice isn’t dribbling down your chin when you bite into it, are you even really enjoying it? The mango reminds us all to kick back, relax, and have a good time—just like you do, Leo.

Virgo: You’re the Apple

You’re clean eating royalty, Virgo. You’re literally the zodiac sign of health and wellness, which is why you probably know all about how an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This pristine fruit is perfect for picking, giving you something to do when the summer ends and fall begins. It’s also the fruit that’s symbolically tied to purity and fertility, which is exactly what a Virgo represents.

Libra: You’re the Strawberry

Did you know that feeding your love chocolate-covered strawberries is a love spell? Of course you do, Libra. You’re the zodiac sign of romance and relationships, after all. And if you haven’t thought about your crush while eating these heart-shaped fruits that inspired the most popular candy flavor of all time, are you even a Libra? Whether it’s big or small, biting into a strawberry makes you want to fall.

Scorpio: You’re the Pomegranate

You’re passionate, intense, and a little possessive, Scorpio. That’s why you could only be represented by the gorgeous and detoxifying pomegranate. This bejeweled fruit is associated with contracts—just like Scorpio—as it was after eating six pomegranate seeds that Hades was able to trap his beloved Persephone in the Underworld for six months out of the year. If that’s not symbolism for Scorpio, I don’t know what is.

Sagittarius: You’re the Banana

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter—planet of joy, luck, and abundance—while bananas are literally proven to make you happier. You probably know all about the way eating a banana can lift your mood, especially when you’re hangry and you don’t know when your next meal is going to be. You’re also a philosopher at heart, which is why you always love peeling back the surface and seeing what’s inside.

Source: https://stylecaster.com/lifestyle/zodiac/1618218/zodiac-signs-fruit/

New Fair Trade Products at our East Store: dZi Handmade!

New Fair Trade Products at our East Store: dZi Handmade!

Last month we introduced new fair trade products from a new vendor, dZi Handmade! dZi is a founding member of the Fair Trade Federation. They were founded in 1984 in Kathmandu, Nepal, just as Tibet was opening to independent travelers for the first time since Chinese occupation! dZi began their work in Nepal creating job opportunities and marketing products for Tibetan refugee families. In 1990, they also began working with Tibetan refugees in India. They have since expanded their capacity to support 13 artisan groups in Nepal, and 7 groups in India. 

The felted wool birdhouses have already generated some excitement at the East Store. Felted wool is naturally waterproof, ideal for being out in the weather. These birdhouses will last a few years before starting to fray, and then the birds will pick at the fraying pieces to use for making nests, naturally repurposing the materials. 

Our East Store also has felted wool coin purses, small paper prayer flags, new Tibetan incense (which come with the world's tiniest prayer flags), and ceramic lotus incense burners. Be on the lookout for more Fair Trade products in the future!

Individual at the East Store holding new items

To learn more about dZi Handmade, their work, and artisan groups they partner with, visit:

https://www.dzi.com/about-us

https://www.dzi.com/fair-trade-home

Forget to Place a Pre-order? We Got You!

Forget to Place a Pre-Order? We Got You!

We will have the following turkey, ham, and duck available at both of our stores on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last!

  • Fresh turkey options include (available in-store beginning Thursday, November 21st):

    • Bowman & Landes (Fresh, Free-Range, Vegetarian-Raised, No Antibiotics, Uncooked)

  • Frozen turkey options include:

    • Becker Farms (Local, Pasture-Raised, No Antibiotics/Hormones & Uncooked) - limited supply and only at our East Store

    • Organic Prairie (Organic, Uncooked)

    • Ferndale Farm (Uncooked)

  • Ham & duck options include:

    • Fischer Farms Whole Smoked Ham (Local, No Hormones, Hickory Smoked) - Only at our Near West Store

    • Beeler’s Boneless Half-Ham (Vegetarian-Raised, No Antibiotics, Uncooked)

    • Beeler’s Spiral Bone-in Ham (Vegetarian-Raised, No Antibiotics, Uncooked)

    • Maple Leaf Farm Duck (Local, Frozen, Uncooked)

We will also have Tofurkey options available at both of our stores.

We will have the following house-made sides and pies available in our Grab-N-Go coolers starting Monday, November 25th on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last:

  • Turkey Gravy

  • Mushroom Gravy

  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  • Green Bean Casserole

  • Mac and Cheese

  • Roasted Root Vegetables

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Cornbread Stuffing

  • Sweet Potato & Apples

  • Cranberry Relish on the Salad Bar

  • Vegan Wellington

  • Holiday Cheeseballs: Bacon Cheddar, Cranberry Blue Cheese, and Goat Cheese & Apricot

  • Pies: Apple, Pumpkin and Pecan

Cooking instructions for our house-made sides are listed on our 2024 Thanksgiving Pre-order page.

Learn more about our in-store offerings in our 2024 Pre-order Catalog!

We will be modifying our hours of operation during the upcoming holidays:

Thanksgiving Day: 8am-12pm – hot bar, salad bar & deli will be closed
Black Friday: 11am-7pm – hot bar, salad bar & deli will be open 11am-6pm
Curbside will not be available from Sunday, November 24 through Saturday, November 30.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Save on Field Day Items and Support Native Foodways!

Save on Field Day Items and Support Native Foodways!

In recognition that the story of the first Thanksgiving perpetuates an inaccurate and harmful version of history, our co-op is joining food co-ops across the country to make a collective donation to North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS) this November. Food co-ops will donate $0.05 for every Field Day product sold during this promotion (October 30-December 3).

NĀTIFS (pronounced nay-tihfs. Sounds like "Natives") is a nonprofit organization founded by Lakota Chef Sean Sherman (known as the Sioux Chef), dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous food systems and promoting cultural preservation within Native American communities. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Food Lab, NĀTIFS offers training programs, educational workshops, and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs to empower individuals and foster economic development.

By addressing economic disparities, food insecurity, and the loss of Indigenous food knowledge, NĀTIFS aims to restore health, wealth, and cultural identity to Indigenous populations. The organization's commitment to promoting Indigenous foodways education, facilitating food access, and revitalizing ancestral knowledge underscores its mission to create positive social impact and support underserved communities.

To learn more about NĀTIFS, visit natifs.org. If you want to get involved, follow NĀTIFS on social media, sign up for the NĀTIFS newsletter, or make your own donation. You can also lend a hand by sharing their mission and vision on social media with your friends and family.

Taking advantage of low prices on Field Day items not only saves you money, but also supports the vital work that NĀTIFS is undertaking. If you are interested in doing more, consider learning about and supporting the initiatives of Indigenous people in your local community. Start by visiting native-land.ca/ to learn whose ancestral land you live on.

New Fair Trade Products: Minga Imports!

New Fair Trade Products: Minga Imports!

Annie holding Minga Imports products

You may have noticed some of the new items from our latest fair trade vendor, Minga Imports.

Their alpaca fur stuffed animals have been a huge hit and are flying off the shelves! Alpacas are an essential part of local economies all over Peru, used both for their sheared wool and as a vital source of sustenance. These alpaca animals come from Cieneguilla, a small rural district nestled in the Andes mountains of Peru.

Minga Imports primarily works with artisans in Ecuador, Peru, and Bangladesh. Rather than working with artisan cooperatives, as many fair trade importers do, Minga Imports focuses on small family businesses and building direct relationships with those families.

Minga Imports Alpaca

Some notable items we carry are the little llama magnets and keychains from Peru, tagua seed keychains from Ecuador, animal play masks (just in time for Halloween) from Bangladesh, sustainably sourced Palo Santo incense sticks from Peru, and of course, those alpaca animals from Peru.

Jeff displaying Minga Imports products

Tagua fun facts: Tagua is a seed from a fruit that grows in various parts of the South American rainforests, including in Ecuador. The fruit is not used for sustenance as it doesn't have much flavor. However, harvesting tagua for its pit-like seeds doesn't harm the rainforest and was part of a flourishing industry that has all but vanished since the invention of plastic in the 1940s. Prior to plastics, it was very common for our clothing to be made with tagua buttons! Commonly known as "vegetable ivory", tagua is an alternative that discourages poaching elephants and rhinos for ivory. Tagua products encourage the growth and maintenance of the Tagua Palm and the protection of the rainforests where they grow. Tagua also provides much-needed jobs for artisans and farmers who work with it. Today, it is used primarily for making jewelry and miniature sculptures. You can expect to see more tagua products in our store in the future.

To learn more about Minga Imports, their work, and artisan groups they partner with, visit:

https://www.mingaimports.com/why-fair-trade/

https://www.mingaimports.com/artisans/

Learn more about other fair trade products we carry!

Follow us on social media! We have a new Facebook page!