I’ve been going to the East End Food Co-op for several years now. There’s something appealing about supporting small, local, member-owned food stores that appeals to me. The Coop was updated several years ago to help it keep up with the competition- Whole Foods mostly. The renovation expanded the size of the Coop, and also made room for more product- all good things. The larger front doors and a more prominent showcase of the fresh veggies and fruits, make for a more noticeable, and inviting entrance. Since the renovation, and increased competition, the store seems to have been able to keep up with other organic and alternative food stores in the area. Along with an expanded fresh fruit and vegetable section, you will find large bins (self-serve style) filled with everything from brown rice pasta, to organic nuts, beans and legumes. It’s nice to be able to select small amounts of seeds and other items as you need them. Also available are homemade peanut butters (almond, cashew, and regular peanut) which are delicious and creamy- several varieties of local honey are also within reach. One of my favorite things about the East End Food Coop is the salad bar. During the summer I like to make myself a salad with sunflower seeds, peppers, red onions, and feta cheese, spinach; take it to the park, and have lunch. If you like juice, and protein shakes, you won’t be disappointed- the flavorful creations made in the bar area are among the best I have had anywhere.

The refrigerated section of the store is vast, and includes organic milk and cheese, soy ice cream (as well as regular) and several kinds of tofu. Their humus is creamy, with lots of tahini, garlic and lemon juice. You’ll also find tabouleh, homemade sandwiches, and colossal cookies. If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, there’s plenty of that too.

The only thing about the Coop that isn’t great, are the bathrooms. They are always dirty, and furthermore, smell awful. You can’t be clean in unclean bathrooms. I hope that the management at the Coop will address this issue, and soon.