Dulse wild ginger with shiso leaves, yogurt and green onion organic potato chips and Rofutti's wild berry ice cream sandwiches are all items not usually found on the typical grocery list - or at the typical grocery store. But then again, the Lexington Co-operative Market is anything but typical.
Created in 1971 by a group of Buffalo residents interested in fresh produce and specialty health and organic products, before larger supermarkets began carrying them, the store is community owned, with over 3,000 members.
Located at 807 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, its formal title is "The Lexington Real Foods Community Co-op."
"The co-op was founded by 60 customers who wanted access to natural food, so they started a place that offered that," said Tim Bartlett, the general manager.
Today the co-op is still owned entirely by its members, who pay a one-time fee of $80, but has slowly evolved into a full-fledged grocery store with a paid staff. Customers do not need to become members to shop there.
The store has all of the amenities of an average grocery store, including a bulk section, fresh bread that is delivered daily and hot take-out food for on the go. Their produce is either locally grown or organic.
Upon entering the store, a rush of comfort and familiarity fills the air as the staff personally greets each customer. Because people and not a corporation own the store, shoppers and workers tend to treat each other with respect.
"We are a neighborhood and destination store," Bartlett said. "People from all over the region come in here to get organic produce. We have the same customers come in two to three times a day regularly."
"We are like any grocery store except our food is naturally organic with no artificial flavoring. Our produce and meats are all received from local farmers," he said.
A monthly circular provides shoppers with sale prices, but it is also possible to get a discount by becoming a member and volunteering. Those who volunteer for four hours a month receive 10 percent off every purchase, and those who volunteer for eight hours a month receive a 19 percent discount.
Before Thanksgiving there were stands set up throughout the store where member volunteers offered free samples, including an entire Thanksgiving spread organic style consisting of smoked Gouda and organic garbanzo beans.
Kim Gillogly, a co-op member for 19 years and resident of Buffalo, stood beside his stand displaying tiny glasses containing tastes of sparkling, non-alcoholic organic wine, while enthusiastically holding conversations with each passing customer.
"I like it here because it's nice and small. It has everything I need and I am not barraged with a bunch of lawn furniture and stuff that doesn't need to be in a grocery store," Gillogly said.
Some shop there because it is close to their homes, others because of the specialty products.
"I'm interested in buying foods that are locally produced and also like supporting the local farmers. That is what this store offers," said Lizzie Finnegan, a regular customer and member for the past two years. "I used to buy the meats offered at Wegmans but the deli is much higher quality here and costs the same."
Liz Shepard, an employee of Lexington Co-op, has walked up and down the aisles assisting customers for over a year and loves her job.
"It's a really supportive atmosphere. Everyone here works together. I just love the staff and customers," Shepard said.
There's not a face without a smile as each of the staff employees do their best to make sure the patrons are having a good shopping experience.
"I enjoy shopping here because all of the food is earth-friendly by being bio-degradable. Even the cleaning products," said Ruth Goldman, a co-op member for 20 years. "It's a relatively small membership fee. I feel an invested interest and community support here. It's overall a much more pleasant shopping experience."
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
