Utah co-ops offer array of locally produced groceries

For those who aren't interested in joining the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, grocery co-ops provide the same farm fresh, local and organic products, with even more options that can be found at regular grocery stores — but for a fraction of the cost.

Utah's array of dairy, cattle and produce farms allow local businesses to offer nearly every food product to meet your family's needs.

While some co-ops require a membership and advance orders to get the benefits of reasonably priced local food, other co-ops are open to occasional visitors or casual shoppers.

Rico Local food cooperative in Salt Lake City has seen success with this business plan since opening its doors to the public in June 2009.

The Mexican food product company expanded to host other local Utah vendors such as Agi's Raw Foods, Beehive Cheese Co., Beverly Hills Cakes, Drake Family Farms and Taylor Made Pork in the front portion of the store, and a Mexican restaurant that serves burrito and taco lunches in the back.

Selling jams, honey, granola, soaps, grass-fed beef, goat cheese and milk for lower prices than other grocery stores, Rico Local aims to minimize energy expenditures and educate customers about food origins.

The store plans to host lectures from farmers about the benefits of grass-fed meat, offer taste tests and spotlight certain products each week, drawing attention to international award-winning companies like Utah's Amano Artisan Chocolate.

"People in Utah need to get excited (about their food)," said store manager Jane Bauer. "Utah has phenomenal products, and to be able to go to one location and get them all right there is amazing."

Bauer said she is a "foodie" who is proud to be able to talk about the food on her dinner table and tell the story of its origins.

"I think it's very important to know who the producer is and have a personal relationship with that person," Bauer said.

The Community Food Co-op of Utah is another Salt Lake City organization that provides discounted, locally grown foods such as Nutty Guys and Colosimo sausage, as well as products from the some of the same farms that offer CSA memberships, like East Farms in West Pointe.

Built on volunteerism, the co-op offers food for up to 50 percent off retail prices, but it can offer even greater discounts with the more members that join.