Happy Monday, readers!
Today I want to share one of my favorite discoveries in Northwest Arkansas with you. Many of you know of my love and devotion to Central Market in Fort Worth. In fact, before we even decided that we would make the move to Arkansas, I began researching places to shop for food in Northwest Arkansas. I was ecstatic to find the Ozark Natural Foods website. Ozark is a locally owned natural foods co-op that focuses on healthy living and sustainability. The store is located in Fayetteville (about half and hour from us) but feels like a mere hop, skip, and jump away.
Ozark offers many of the exact brands Jason and I purchased in Fort Worth in addition to a plethora of new (to us) organic and local items. In fact, it is now easy for me to create entire meals based upon local and organic items. For example, the chicken we purchased to make tonight’s green chile chicken pasta was from a local monastery in which all of the proceeds benefit a children’s charity here in Northwest Arkansas. The pasta, cheese, milk, and lemons are organic, too.
Despite the movement for local, sustainable foods it is often difficult to find most of what you need in one store. I have not found that problem here. Granted, I do not expect to purchase all of my office supplies or cat food at Ozark. I still have a need for my local Target. Which, by the way, has immaculate new carts that are aplenty here in Rogers. Hooray!
I am delighted to have found a company that provides the quality service and merchandise that Jason and I believe in. As a matter of fact, I am delighted enough to have joined the co-op so that Jason and I are invested owners. Pretty fancy, eh?
So, if you make a trip to Northwest Arkansas, I encourage you to check out Ozark Natural Foods. And, if you make the trip to stay with Jason and I, I can almost promise that the meal I prepare for you will be solely concocted from ingredients purchased from the co-op.
So neat, Jen. Good for you! I’m sure some delicious meals will come of the amazing local and organic food! :)
Em – I had butternut squash soup with goat cheese and nutmeg for lunch. All organic. All delicious. You would love it. :)
I was so excited for you to post these – nice work! It’s a great store!!
Thanks, b! Glad you enjoyed the green chile pasta so much last night. Another one to add to the files! Ooooo, my Moleskine recipe book. ;)
Thank you for saying such nice things about our co-op. We have been making NW Arkansas healthier since 1971, and are honored to be viewed with such esteem, especially from those who have re-located from a much larger metropolitan area. On behalf of all of us in Arkansas, “Welcome to Hillbilly-land!”
Jerry Huddleston, HR Manager Ozark Natural Foods
Jerry -Thank you for the warm welcome! I am delighted that you stopped by to comment on the post. My husband and I are frequent shoppers at ONF. I dare say that I am starting to learn where everything can be found within the store. I love the store’s mission and I am proud to say that I am invested in its future.
We so love ONF! We are further north than you, even, but have no problem driving to “the ‘Ville”. It’s actually easier than my commute was in several big cities! Thanks for helping dispel the myth that all Arkansans are toothless, shoeless Hillbillies!
Cynthia – I make no judgement against toothless hillbillies. :) I have been very pleased with the vast selection of good restaurants and the commitment to the environment in Northwest Arkansas. I look forward to the opportunity to meet people in the area, as it appears there are many like-minded individuals.
Also, yes, the commute here is a breeze! I love it.
You guys make me so stinkin’ homesick. :( I don’t think I even recognized that I missed NWA until I started stalking your experiences. I will be up in June, thank goodness. I am officiating a wedding at the Fay Botanic Gardens for two of my best friends. Can’t wait!
Oh and Jen, make sure to get in on the Saturday Farmer’s Markets on the Fayetteville Sqaure when they start up for the year.
Coy – From what I’ve heard, Farmers Markets are quite prevalent in these parts. Bentonville and Rogers have them as well. I am all over that.
We like it here – just don’t say too much about Fort Worth. :)