With fall just around the corner, that means it’s time to start thinking about harvest season. OffBeat helps get your musings going with our annual food issue each September (check it out online now here), and one of the city’s freshest places to get organic foods, plus unique suggestions for alternative recipes and healthy eating tips, is also gearing up for cooking season with extended hours, special events and new deals.

The colorful exterior of the New Orleans Food Co-Op on St. Claude Ave.

The New Orleans Food Co-Op, housed neatly in the rear of the New Orleans Healing Center on St.Claude Avenue in the Marigny, is the city’s only cooperatively owned grocers. Specializing in organic and local produce, meats and dry goods, the Co-Op invites locals to “make groceries and make community at the same time” by selecting Louisiana-grown produce and Louisiana-raised meat and seafood at their quaint and colorful supermarket.

This fall they are engaging in efforts to make it easier for more people to make groceries at  the Co-Op by extending their hours; starting September 1, the Food Co-Op will be open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. This should make a difference for many New Orleanians who might work until 9 p.m. and still need groceries after work.

Fresh, organic produce at the Co-Op salad bar.

Additionally, the alternative foods hub continues its educational events into the fall. On Saturday, September 7, there will be an Engaged Owner Orientation from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. where patrons can learn more about becoming a Co-Op co-owner as well as details about the “Food For All” and “Hands-On Owner’ programs at the Co-Op. These programs are designed to inform more New Orleanians on how to make local and organic foods more affordable, given the significant price differences between these such foods and mass-produced or heavily processed foods.

Then in October, the New Orleans Food Co-Op celebrates its second anniversary during national food co-op month with the annual “Co-Op Owner Meeting and BBQ” on Saturday, October 12 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you miss the festivities on the 12th, there will be a chance to meet local farmers that supply the Co-Op and even taste an array of samples on Thursday, October 17 from open until close for their annual “Owner Appreciation Day.” All Co-Op owners receive 10% off all groceries on the 17th too.

And in case you haven’t been to the New Orleans Food Co-Op yet, OffBeat is giving away a $20 gift card to one lucky winner who will then have the opportunity to make groceries at organic heaven on St.Claude Ave, courtesy of the Co-Op.

OFFBEAT GIFT CARD GIVE-AWAY

OffBeat Magazine is giving away [1] $20 gift card to the New Orleans Food Co-Op in honor of our annual food issue,

October’s national co-op month and the 2nd anniversary of the New Orleans Food Co-Op’s opening.

Simply complete the online form below and submit by Friday, September 20.

The winner(s) will be notified via Email by Tuesday, September 24.

Good Luck!