French Broad Food Co-Op

For many North Carolina residents, especially those of us here in Asheville, finding a grocery store that aligns with our values of health, sustainability, and community support is incredibly important. That’s where the French Broad Food Co-op truly shines. More than just a place to pick up your weekly groceries, this beloved establishment is a cornerstone of our local food scene, deeply rooted in the principles of natural, organic, and ethically sourced products. It’s a place where you can trust the quality of what you buy, feel good about supporting local producers, and become part of a vibrant, health-conscious community.

The French Broad Food Co-op is a testament to Asheville's unique spirit, offering an alternative to conventional supermarkets. It provides a curated selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients, along with specialized items you might not find elsewhere. For those seeking premium organic produce, bulk staples, or unique wellness products, this co-op is an invaluable resource right in the heart of our city.

The French Broad Food Co-op boasts a fantastic and central location at 90 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA. This prime spot places it right in the bustling downtown area of Asheville, making it highly accessible for residents living in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. Its Biltmore Avenue address means it's often within walking distance for many downtown dwellers, and easily reachable by bicycle.

For those driving, a significant improvement has been made to the parking situation, with a customer noting, "They’ve done a lot to improve the store and parking lot in the last few years." This enhanced parking accessibility is a welcome development, making visits more convenient. Being located downtown also means it's well-served by Asheville's public transportation system, for those who prefer to use buses. Its central position also allows for combining a grocery run with other downtown activities, such as visiting local shops, art galleries, or restaurants, making it a natural hub for community engagement.

As a community-focused grocery store, the French Broad Food Co-op offers a range of services designed to benefit its members and the wider community, emphasizing quality, value, and education:

• Membership Benefits: Becoming a member (owner) offers numerous perks, including discounts on purchases. One happy customer highlighted "special orders (20% off for members)" as a significant benefit, especially for "ordering in bulk for quality, organic ingredients." This provides a direct financial incentive for loyalty.

• Special Orders: Members can place special orders for specific items, often at a discount, allowing them to access products not regularly stocked or to purchase larger quantities of their favorites.

• Bulk Buying Options: The co-op provides extensive bulk bins for staples like grains, nuts, seeds, spices, and more, which helps reduce packaging waste and offers cost savings.

• Fresh Produce Sourcing: They prioritize sourcing fresh, often local and organic, produce. A customer specifically lauded "the best local eggs with brilliant yellow yolks! Organic fresh greens and herbs," indicating their commitment to high-quality, seasonal offerings.

• Hot and Cold Convenience Foods: For busy individuals, the store offers a selection of prepared hot and cold foods, perfect for a quick, healthy meal or snack on the go.

• Extensive Wellness Products: Beyond groceries, the co-op stocks a wide array of wellness products, including supplements, natural body care, and herbal remedies, catering to a holistic approach to health.

• Community Engagement: As a co-op, it fosters a strong sense of community. The consistent staff ("seeing familiar faces as there isn’t so much turnover") contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, making shopping a more personal experience.

• Educational Resources: Often, food co-ops provide information and resources on healthy eating, sustainable living, and local food systems, empowering customers to make informed choices.

• Support for Local Producers: By stocking local products, the co-op directly supports area farmers and artisans, helping to strengthen the local economy and reduce food miles.

The French Broad Food Co-op offers a distinctive shopping experience with several key features and highlights that set it apart from conventional grocery stores:

• Commitment to Quality and Organic Products: A primary highlight is their unwavering focus on fresh, high-quality, and often organic ingredients. Customers consistently rave about the freshness of the produce, with one mentioning, "The produce here is always fresh—there’s always a staff member tending to the section, ensuring quality." This dedication ensures you're getting wholesome food.

• Excellent Produce Section: The produce department receives particular praise, noted for its freshness, consistent tending by staff, and reliable availability of "basic staples, along with seasonal selections." The "brilliant yellow yolks" of their local eggs are also a standout.

• Unique and Hard-to-Find Items: While some prices may be "a bit higher" than large chain stores, customers agree it’s "absolutely worth it—especially for the unique finds." This includes niche organic products, gourmet ingredients, and specific wellness items that might not be available elsewhere in Asheville.

• Extensive Bulk Section: For those looking to reduce waste and save money on pantry staples, the bulk section is a major draw. It allows shoppers to buy exactly what they need, from grains and nuts to spices and oils, often at a better price point.

• Strong Community Vibe: The co-op model fosters a strong sense of community. Customers love "seeing familiar faces as there isn’t so much turnover" among employees, which creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It feels like a neighborhood hub rather than just a retail space.

• Wellness and Specialty Product Focus: Beyond everyday groceries, the co-op offers an "extensive array of wellness products," including supplements, natural body care, and health-focused foods, catering to a holistic lifestyle.

• Improved Facilities: Recent efforts to enhance the store and parking lot demonstrate their commitment to improving the customer experience and responding to feedback, ensuring a more comfortable and convenient visit for everyone.

• Support for Local Economy: By prioritizing local and regional sourcing, the co-op directly supports small farmers and businesses in North Carolina, strengthening our local food economy and providing fresher products.

As a member-owned cooperative, French Broad Food Co-op's "promotions" often come in the form of direct benefits to its members and a commitment to fair pricing for quality goods, rather than traditional sales flyers found at chain supermarkets. Key ways to benefit include:

• Member Discounts on Special Orders: As highlighted by a reviewer, members receive a significant 20% discount on special orders and bulk purchases. This is a substantial saving for stocking up on organic ingredients or unique items.

• Patronage Dividends: In successful years, co-ops may issue patronage dividends to members based on their purchases, effectively returning a portion of the co-op's profits to its owners.

• Bulk Savings: Shopping in the extensive bulk section inherently offers savings compared to pre-packaged goods, reducing both cost per unit and packaging waste.

• Weekly Deals/Co+op Deals: Like many co-ops, French Broad Food Co-op participates in national Co+op Deals programs, offering discounts on various natural and organic brands that rotate weekly or bi-weekly. These are typically advertised in-store and online.

• Local Producer Spotlight: While not always a discount, the co-op frequently highlights local producers, sometimes with introductory pricing on new products, encouraging customers to try regional offerings.

• Owner Appreciation Days: Occasionally, co-ops may have special "Owner Appreciation Days" with additional discounts for members on select items or across the store.

• Wellness Section Promotions: Look for periodic promotions on wellness products, supplements, or body care items, often coinciding with seasonal health initiatives.

To stay informed about the latest member benefits and special offers, it's best to become a member, check their in-store signage, and visit the French Broad Food Co-op's official website or subscribe to their newsletter.

For any inquiries or to plan your visit to the French Broad Food Co-op in Asheville, here is the direct contact information:

• Address: 90 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

• Phone: (828) 255-7650

For North Carolina locals, particularly those in and around Asheville, the French Broad Food Co-op is an ideal grocery destination for numerous compelling reasons. Firstly, its unwavering commitment to providing fresh, organic, and high-quality produce, along with an "extensive array of wellness products," means that health-conscious individuals can consistently find wholesome ingredients and natural alternatives that align with their lifestyle choices. The consistent presence of staff "tending to the section, ensuring quality" underscores their dedication to freshness, something that sets them apart from larger chains.

Secondly, the co-op model fosters a unique sense of community. As one reviewer affectionately stated, "I’m so happy to belong to a Food Coop again. I love the employees and seeing familiar faces as there isn’t so much turnover." This creates a welcoming, personalized shopping experience where you're not just a customer, but an owner and a part of a larger movement. The direct benefits of membership, such as 20% off special orders and bulk ingredients, offer tangible financial advantages for those committed to quality organic foods.

Lastly, its convenient downtown Asheville location, coupled with recent improvements to the parking lot, makes it easily accessible for many. While some prices might be "a bit higher," the value derived from "unique finds," supporting local producers, and investing in a community-owned enterprise far outweighs the slight premium. For North Carolinians who prioritize health, local sourcing, sustainability, and a genuine connection to where their food comes from, the French Broad Food Co-op is not just suitable—it's an essential and cherished part of our local fabric.