Sevananda Natural Foods Co-op
Yesterday I posted about the Cooking with Tea class that Life Chef (aka Asata) taught at the Sevananda Natural Foods Co-Op. I had little time once I got to the store for the class to start so I quickly paid for the course and headed downstairs for the class. After the class was over, I purposefully didn’t schedule anything to do so that I would have time to browse the market. I had just tried many tasty dishes so the creative cooking juices were flowing by the time I was ready to shop!
I grew up in the Atlanta area. I lived in a house in Morningside in my earliest years. Sevananda Natural Foods is a Cooperatively owned market that was established in 1974. Literally miles from where I grew up and this was my FIRST time in that store! (Where have I been?) I’ve been down Moreland Ave to meet up with friends, shop, go to the Variety playhouse, all the while skipping by this gem of a market! Well I say better late than never! I have Life Chef to thank for bringing me there! I knew the class would be worth traveling to as I had previously met her at the Piedmont Green Market in the summer.
One of the points that Life Chef talked about in the class that struck me was that Sevananda is really more than a natural food store. It is a community that supports wellness eating. When participants in the class shared about eating issues due to allergies, it became apparent that not only would food options be available, but support and sharing too! Frankly, that got me excited! I had sort of experienced it when I arrived asking questions about the class.
Shopping there was a joy. And that is the mission of this market as the name Sevananda means “Joy of service” from the ancient sanskrit language. This market is a Co-Op which in effect means that the community own the market. You can find out more about the Sevananda Co-Op here. I really enjoyed shopping at the market! It’s not a huge store and this was a Saturday so my usual linger shopping was really not possible. You better bet I’ll go back on a weekday and spend more time browsing. I also joined the Co-op! So I’m now a part of the community! The vibe in this store is true to the mission of the market. Courteous friendly staff and shoppers. This kind of community will heal what ails our country.
They have a long row of bulk herbs and teas. Tada! Perfect after my class! I was able to purchase small quantities of these for my own experimentation. When I look at herbs, I have two different questions in my head. One, how would I cook with that? and Two, can I soap with that? It all leads to much experimentation, questioning, and learning! I can’t wait to bring my lil one down there so she can experience that whole concept.
Even down to the magazine racks at the front cashier lines, wellness is the priority. I took a snap shot of the magazine rack as the usual rag sheets at the normal grocery stores were no where to be found! Another huge plus for Sevananda!
Happy Washing!
~Regina
