At Prairie Food Co-op, we believe food should be safe, ethical, and nourishing—for our families, our farmers, and our planet. That’s why we go beyond what you’ll find at most grocery stores.
Our product guidelines are more than a checklist—they’re a commitment to offering the highest quality food while supporting local, sustainable, and fair practices.
What We Prioritize
We choose products using the following order of priority:
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Local Certified Organic
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Local products made with organic ingredients
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Local regenerative, non-GMO conventional
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Certified Organic (outside our local region)
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Other regenerative, non-GMO products
Local = within 200 miles of our store, including all of Illinois
Regional = border states (WI, IA, MO, KY, IN, MI) up to 400 miles
What You Won’t Find Here
We do not carry products containing or produced with:
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Bleached or bromated flours
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Artificial colors or flavorings
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Artificial sweeteners
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High-fructose corn syrup
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Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
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Artificial preservatives
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Irradiated ingredients
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Meat from CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)
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Health and beauty products tested on animals
What We Emphasize
We seek out products that reflect our values, including:
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Cooperatively produced goods
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Fair Trade Certified items
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Wild-caught seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council
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Sustainable seafood with ‘green’ or ‘yellow’ Monterey Bay ratings
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Ethically farm-raised seafood
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Pasture-raised meat and eggs
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Meats raised without GMO feed
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Proven label integrity and transparency
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Environmentally sustainable practices
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Positive social impact
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Minimal packaging and waste
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Uncompromising freshness, flavor, and quality
These standards set Prairie Food Co-op apart. We’re proud to offer food you can trust—because you deserve to know what’s in your food and where it comes from.