Buffalo, New York boasts a thriving local food scene, with co-ops playing a crucial role in connecting residents to fresh, organic produce and supporting local farmers. These community-owned grocery stores offer an alternative to traditional supermarkets, prioritizing sustainability and community involvement.
The Lexington Co-op stands out as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s local food movement, with locations in Elmwood and North Buffalo. Open daily from 7am to 11pm, this trusted neighborhood store strengthens the local food system through partnerships, education, and community impact. Members and non-members alike can shop for a wide variety of natural and organic products.
Beyond the Lexington Co-op, Buffalo offers several other options for those seeking locally-sourced food. The East Aurora Co-op and African Heritage Food Coop provide additional choices for conscious consumers. These co-ops, along with farmers markets and urban farms like Common Roots, contribute to a robust network of local food resources in the Buffalo area.
History of Food Co-ops in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo has a rich history of cooperative businesses, particularly in the food sector. The city’s food co-op movement dates back to the early 20th century, with roots in community self-reliance and economic empowerment.
In 1928, the Citizens Cooperative Society of Buffalo was established to address economic challenges faced by Black Americans. This organization, later known as the Buffalo Cooperative Economic Society, operated until 1961.
The society ran a consumer-owned grocery store, providing affordable, quality food to its members. It also established a credit union, fostering financial stability within the community.
Throughout the mid-20th century, various cooperative initiatives emerged in Buffalo and the surrounding Niagara region. These efforts aimed to create sustainable, community-controlled food systems.
The 1970s saw a resurgence of interest in food co-ops, aligning with national trends towards healthier, more environmentally conscious eating habits. Several new cooperatives opened their doors during this period.
Today, Buffalo’s food co-op landscape continues to evolve. Modern co-ops focus on providing local, organic, and ethically sourced products. They serve as hubs for community engagement and sustainable food practices.
Recent years have seen renewed investment in cooperative food businesses. In 2024, the African Heritage Food Co-op received $3 million in state funding to develop its flagship location on Carlton Street.
Lexington Co-op: A Guided Tour
Lexington Co-op stands as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s local food scene. This community-owned market offers a unique shopping experience with a focus on organic and locally-sourced products.
The Story of Lexington Co-op Market
Lexington Co-op began as a small cooperative market in Buffalo, NY. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving community institution with over 10,000 member-owners.
The co-op operates two stores in Buffalo – one on Elmwood Avenue and another on Hertel Avenue. These locations serve as hubs for local, organic, and sustainably-produced foods.
Lexington Co-op’s mission centers on strengthening the local food system. They achieve this through partnerships with area farmers and producers, educational initiatives, and community engagement.
Exploring the Products and Services at Lexington Co-op
Lexington Co-op specializes in offering a wide range of local and organic products. Their produce section features fruits and vegetables from nearby farms, ensuring freshness and supporting regional agriculture.
The market also stocks:
- Locally-sourced meats and dairy products
- Organic pantry staples
- Natural health and wellness items
- Environmentally-friendly household goods
Shoppers can find prepared foods at the co-op’s deli counter. This section offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and hot meals made with ingredients from the store.
Membership and Benefits
While anyone can shop at Lexington Co-op, becoming a member-owner offers additional perks. Membership is open to all community members for a one-time investment.
Benefits of membership include:
- Voting rights in co-op decisions
- Special discounts and sales
- Patronage dividends in profitable years
- Opportunities to participate in co-op events and education programs
Members play a crucial role in shaping the co-op’s future. Their involvement ensures the market continues to meet community needs and support the local food economy.
Shopping Guide for Local and Organic Foods
Buffalo offers numerous options for purchasing locally sourced and organic foods. Consumers can find fresh, sustainable products that support regional farmers and promote healthier eating habits.
How to Identify Local Products
Local products often bear distinctive labels or stickers indicating their origin. Look for “Grown in New York” or “Made in Buffalo” tags. Farmers markets like the Five Points Bakery showcase fresh, locally grown produce and baked goods. Many grocery stores have dedicated sections for regional items.
Check product packaging for nearby addresses or zip codes. Ask store staff about local options – they can often point out area-specific brands. Some shops, like Thorpe’s Organic Family Farm, specialize in regional foods.
Seasonal availability is a good indicator of local sourcing. Apples in fall and berries in summer likely come from nearby orchards and fields. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs connect consumers directly with local farms for regular produce deliveries.
Benefits of Choosing Organic Foods
Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Organic farming practices also support soil health and biodiversity.
Many people find organic produce tastes better due to careful growing methods. Organic dairy and meat come from animals raised without growth hormones or routine antibiotics.
These foods often contain higher levels of certain nutrients. Organic fruits and vegetables may have more antioxidants. Grass-fed organic beef tends to have a healthier fat profile.
Choosing organic supports sustainable farming practices. It helps protect water quality and wildlife habitats. While often pricier, many view organic foods as an investment in personal and environmental health.
Prepared Foods and Bakery at Lexington Co-op
Lexington Co-op offers a diverse selection of prepared foods and fresh-baked goods. Their bakehouse and grab-and-go options cater to busy shoppers seeking quality, locally-sourced meals and treats.
The Lexington Co-op Bakehouse
The Bakehouse produces a variety of breads, pastries, and desserts daily. Artisan loaves include whole grain, sourdough, and specialty varieties using local flours. Sweet treats range from cookies and muffins to seasonal pies, with the cherry pie being a customer favorite.
All baked goods are made from scratch using high-quality ingredients. The Co-op prioritizes organic and locally-sourced components when possible. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available to accommodate diverse dietary needs.
Grab-and-Go Meals Selection
Lexington Co-op’s prepared foods section features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal dishes. Salads showcase local produce and come in single-serve portions or family-sized containers. Hot and cold soups change daily, with vegan and meat-based options.
The sandwich selection includes classic combinations and innovative creations on house-made breads. Hot entrees and sides are also available, emphasizing wholesome ingredients and global flavors. Many dishes cater to special diets like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
Nutritional information and ingredient lists are clearly displayed for all prepared items. The Co-op focuses on using minimally processed ingredients and avoids artificial additives in their recipes.
Seasonal Offerings and Specialties
Buffalo’s food co-ops embrace the changing seasons through partnerships with local vendors and unique specialty items. Members can experience the best of Western New York’s agricultural bounty throughout the year.
Celebrating Seasons with Local Vendors
Food co-ops in Buffalo collaborate with area farms to offer fresh, seasonal produce. In spring, asparagus and rhubarb take center stage. Summer brings an abundance of tomatoes, zucchini, and berries. Fall harvests feature apples, pumpkins, and squash. Winter highlights include root vegetables and greenhouse-grown greens.
Many co-ops host seasonal events showcasing local vendors. Farmers often visit to discuss their growing practices and offer samples. This direct connection allows members to learn about the origins of their food.
Co-ops also adjust their prepared food offerings to align with the seasons. Hearty soups made with local ingredients warm customers in colder months. Fresh salads and fruit-based desserts are popular in warmer weather.
Specialty Items Unique to Lexington Co-op
Lexington Co-op, a prominent Buffalo food cooperative, offers several specialty items that set it apart. Their in-house bakery produces artisanal breads using locally-milled flours. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or strawberry rhubarb are incorporated into various baked goods.
The co-op’s cheese counter features a rotating selection of regional cheeses, including some made exclusively for Lexington. They also stock hard-to-find pantry items from small Western New York producers, such as:
- Maple syrup from family-owned sugar bushes
- Small-batch jams and preserves
- Locally-roasted coffee beans
- Handcrafted chocolates
Lexington’s commitment to local sourcing extends to their wellness department, offering regionally-made natural beauty products and herbal remedies.
Sustainable Shopping and Zero-Waste Initiatives
Buffalo’s food co-ops and local markets are embracing eco-friendly practices. Shoppers can find innovative ways to reduce waste and support sustainability efforts when purchasing groceries and household items.
Bringing Reusable Containers
Many Buffalo stores now encourage customers to bring their own containers for bulk items. This practice significantly reduces plastic waste. Shoppers can fill jars, bags, or other reusable vessels with grains, nuts, spices, and household cleaners.
Some co-ops offer tare stations where customers can weigh their empty containers before filling. Staff members are often happy to assist with the process. By choosing this method, shoppers can purchase exactly the amount they need, further reducing food waste.
Eco-Friendly Products and Practices
Buffalo’s food co-ops stock a wide range of environmentally conscious products. These include:
- Biodegradable packaging
- Locally sourced produce
- Organic and fair-trade items
- Reusable shopping bags and produce nets
Several stores have implemented recycling programs for hard-to-recycle items. Customers can drop off items like bottle caps, corks, and certain plastics. Some co-ops even offer composting services for food scraps.
Wegmans Food Markets has made strides in sustainable packaging. They use less plastic, incorporate renewable and recycled content, and focus on increasing recyclability in their products.
Community Impact and Involvement
Food co-ops in Buffalo, NY play a vital role in fostering community connections and promoting sustainable food practices. These cooperative businesses contribute to the local economy while addressing food security issues and educating residents about healthy eating.
Co-op’s Role in the North Buffalo Community
The North Buffalo Food Co-op, located on Hertel Avenue, serves as a hub for community engagement. It provides fresh, locally sourced produce and organic products to residents in the area. The co-op partners with nearby farms to offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, supporting regional agriculture.
Members receive discounts on purchases and can participate in decision-making processes. This democratic approach ensures the co-op remains responsive to community needs and preferences.
The co-op also hosts monthly potluck dinners, encouraging neighbors to connect over shared meals. These events strengthen social bonds and promote a sense of belonging among North Buffalo residents.
Engaging with the Community Through Workshops
Buffalo food co-ops offer various educational workshops to empower community members. These sessions cover topics such as nutrition, cooking techniques, and sustainable food practices.
The North Buffalo Food Co-op regularly hosts cooking classes featuring local chefs. Participants learn to prepare healthy meals using seasonal ingredients available at the co-op.
Gardening workshops teach residents how to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces. This knowledge promotes self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on processed foods.
Food preservation classes demonstrate canning and freezing techniques, helping community members extend the life of fresh produce and reduce food waste.
Supporting the Local Economy
Buffalo’s food co-ops prioritize sourcing products from local farmers and artisans. This practice keeps money circulating within the community and supports job creation in the region.
The North Buffalo Food Co-op works with over 50 local suppliers, including farms, bakeries, and small-batch producers. This partnership helps these businesses thrive and expand their operations.
Co-ops often provide low-interest loans to local food entrepreneurs, fostering innovation in the food sector. These initiatives have led to the development of new products unique to Buffalo’s culinary scene.
By prioritizing fair wages and benefits for employees, food co-ops set a positive example for other businesses in the area. This commitment to worker well-being contributes to a more equitable local economy.
Navigating Lexington Co-op Locations
Lexington Co-op Markets offers two convenient locations in Buffalo, NY for customers seeking fresh, local, and organic foods. These stores provide a wide selection of products while supporting the local food economy.
Lexington Co-op on Hertel Ave
The Lexington Co-op on Hertel Ave opened in 2017, serving the North Buffalo neighborhood. Located at 1678 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216, this store is open daily from 7am to 11pm. The Hertel location blends a lively atmosphere with a relaxed vibe, making it an ideal spot for grocery shopping.
Customers can find quality organic ingredients in many prepared foods. The co-op prioritizes sourcing from local producers whenever possible. With its commitment to strengthening the local food system, shoppers can discover products from over 120 local farmers and producers.
Exploring Other Co-op Markets in the Region
While Lexington Co-op Markets is the largest food co-op in Buffalo, it’s not the only option for conscious consumers. The Elmwood location at 807 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 offers another convenient spot for co-op shopping. Open daily from 7am to 11pm, this store serves the Elmwood Village area.
Both Lexington Co-op locations operate on behalf of their owners and community members. They focus on providing natural foods that fuel the local economy. Shoppers can look for red tags to easily identify products from local sources.
