A cooperative Grocery shoppers searching for the freshest, locally grown food in the area need to look no further than the Main Market in Downtown Spokane.

The new co-op at the corner of W. Main and N. Brown takes pride in offering fresh, organic products from local farmers and producers. Main Market will offer a tempting selection of produce, meat and seafood, along with a healthy array of prepared foods in its deli case.  Look here for Green Bluff strawberries, Upper Columbia peaches and cheeses, grass-fed meats from Eastern WA and Taylor Farms shellfish, to name just a few.

“It's not only a place to get your food,” says Fr. Mike Woods, S.J., a member of Main Market's board of directors, “It's about something much bigger in terms of community, participation and a sense of democracy.”

Everyone is welcome to shop at the Main Market, but members will receive exclusive discounts and benefits. Special membership options are available for seniors, students and low-income residents. Profits are invested back into the co-op for additional benefits to the members and to help fund future expansion plans such as a rooftop garden that will supply fresh vegetables to be sold in the store.

In addition to good things to eat, Main Market features a large selection of beer and wine from regional micro-breweries and wineries, nutritional supplements, cleaning supplies, organic pet foods and a wide selection of specialty coffees from local roasters. A unique benefit for Main Market members is personal-size freezer lockers that can be rented to store your seasonal bounty.

In keeping with the spirit of “lending a hand,” a future goal is to utilize volunteer members to deliver groceries to those who are unable to get to the market.

Not only is Main Market concerned with the quality of their products, but also their own impact on the environment. The Main Market building, formerly a Goodyear tire center, utilizes solar power, energy efficient lighting, heating and refrigeration systems and rain-catch barrels for water conservation.

“Main Market is not merely a grocery store,” says Woods, “It's an investment in economically and socially strengthening the Inland Northwest community.”
Main Market is located at 44 W Main Ave in Spokane. Visit their website (www.www.mainmarket.coop) for more information. Happy shopping!