I get it—it's not every day, or every week even, that I'm willing to venture out past the three-mile radius surrounding my close-to-campus house in Tallahassee. However on those rare occasions when I am willing, I always make sure to pick up some goodies from New Leaf Market Co-Op (NLMC). For those of you who have never made it for groceries past the Publix on Ocala, New Leaf is a market dedicated to providing Tallahassee with organic and local products that optimize people's wellness. While it's definitely a little out of the way for most students, their selection of foods, wines, and craft beers is worth the hike, and the company's initiatives to improve the Tallahassee community is something worth supporting. To show all the skeptics out there exactly why I'll use the extra gas to get to New Leaf, I've compiled a list of all the things that make it, in my opinion, the most underrated grocery store in Tallahassee.
1. New Leaf is sustainable
One of the things I love most about New Leaf is that every time I go, I discover new products that are grown or produced so close to Tallahassee. In fact, at least 50% of all the products you'll find at New Leaf is locally sourced. Sourcing products locally not only acts to support the local economy, but it's better for the planet. Shopping local is an easy way to act more sustainably in your day-to-day life, and New Leaf makes it super easy to do.
2. NLMC offers great discounts—especially for students
Who doesn't love saving money? The people who run New Leaf understand that everyone loves saving money, and so they've created a discount and specials schedule that everyone can benefit from. On Wednesdays, students get 5% off their entire order with a valid student ID, and on Mondays, all supplements and body care products are 5% off.
3. Free alcohol tastings every Friday and Saturday
Yep, you read that right! Every weekend, NLMC offers wine and beer tastings that will be sure to *elevate* your shopping experience. Head over on Fridays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for free wine tastings, and on Saturdays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. for free beer tastings. Then when you're done, you can drunk munch on all the new foodie goodies you discover.
4. You don't have to be a member, but joining has benefits
New Leaf operates as a co-op, which means you can become a part-owner starting at a membership fee of $100 a year (which you can pay in $25 increments). When you become a member of the co-op, you're eligible for extra members-only discounts and special Owner Deals.
5. Their prepared-foods bar is delicious and affordable
...and they have a breakfast bar, for all those mornings when your favorite breakfast restaurant has a 45-minute wait and you can't even anymore...just sayin'. Their prepared foods bar varies in offerings every day, but you can typically find a selection of soups, rice and beans, healthy veggies and proteins, and something to satisfy your sweet tooth all for $8.49/lb. There's also a smoothie and juice bar, where you can get smoothies for around $5 and fresh fruit and veggie juices for $5.50-$6.00—a complete (and wholesome) bargain if you ask me.
6. NLMC gives back to the community
In alignment with New Leaf's values of ethical and social responsibility, the market takes part in several initiatives and donation programs to further improve the community of Tallahassee. For example, their Bag It Forward program gives shoppers the option to save or donate 10 cents for every reusable bag used at checkout. The recipients rotate every quarter, so different organizations have the opportunity to receive the funds every three months.
7. The employees know what they're talking about—and want to help you be informed
New Leaf is an organization that's fully committed to following its cooperative principals, one of which is to make it easy for consumers to make informed choices. According to their website, "New Leaf Market Co-op has a responsibility to educate the local community about co-ops and cooperative principles. The co-op informs the general public about the benefits of natural products." The employees actively enforce these principles and are always able to answer any questions you may have about any food or wellness product New Leaf has to offer.
While this list definitely includes some important reasons to check out New Leaf, you'll discover so many more reasons for yourself if you give shopping there a try! And when you shop there, you're actively supporting the local economy and the betterment of Tallahassee's community at large. It's a win-win.