Akron Life March 2022

LOCAL MARKETS

COME TOGETHER

Kent Natural Foods Co-op opened in 1971, during a time when residents were working together to brighten the community and bring people together following the shootings at Kent State University on May 4, 1970. That effort to cultivate positivity became the Kent Community Project, through which residents met to brainstorm and eventu ally launch multiple local businesses. “They met in people’s houses and just said, Let’s do something that’s more community-minded ... and do something out of kind ness, ” says Jeff Ingram, the facilities coordinator at Kent Natural Foods. “A bunch of folks just wanted to create something posi tive after such a harsh tragedy.” One of those businesses was Kent Natural Foods, a general store that focuses on healthy living by selling products that are primar ily organic and locally sourced. Patrons can find items like fresh produce, meat, herbs, vitamins and supplements and household goods — many of which were found by Kent Natural Foods staff at the year-round Haymaker Farmers’ Market. Go-to options for many regulars include meat and eggs from Tierra Verde Farms in Deerfield and soaps and essential oils from Emily’s Soaps in Ravenna. “Tierra Verde Farms, the way they treat their animals — they just have a beautiful philosophy,” Ingram says. “[Emily’s Soaps] has all these wonderful scents, all natural.” Another popular pick is the organic produce that’s delivered to the store each week. “People can come in here and get food that’s going to be good for them and good for the planet,” Ingram says. “A lot of our shop pers are concerned about the health of the planet as well as the health of themselves.” The Kent Natural Foods staff works to facilitate conversations and increase education about healthy eating and sustainable choices. “People come here asking questions all the time, and we’re willing to research it if we don’t know or haven’t had an experience ourselves,” he says. In addition to emphasizing education and eco-friendly practices, Kent Natural Foods still has that original mission of commu nity at its center. “The bottom line is about sharing the knowledge of everybody in the community and sharing locally made products.” Ingram says. “It’s really a community vibe when you walk through the door.” AS

151 E. Main St., Kent, kentnaturalfoods.org

photos by Alan Chavez

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