July 27, 2022

The nation’s largest family-operated organic and natural grocery store is now open in Sioux Falls as the first in South Dakota.

Nearly a decade in the making for the store, local health food shoppers and employees were ready.

Natural Grocers announced its plans to enter the Sioux Falls market in April and started construction inside the former Northern Tool + Equipment, which has moved to a larger location along West 12th Street near Interstate 29.

“When this location became available, we knew this is where we wanted to be, ” said Katie Macarelli, Natural Grocers public relations manager.

The store sells 100 percent USDA-certified organic produce, high-quality organic and natural groceries, 100 percent free-range eggs, 100 percent pasture-based dairy, 100 percent non-GMO prepackaged bulk goods, dietary supplements, body care products and household essentials.

The grocer “prioritizes humanely raised and sustainably sourced meats produced without antibiotics,” it says.

The store also incorporates products from local farmers and vendors.

“It’s different every week with every shipment because we are in tune with the seasons and our local suppliers,” Macarelli said.

The store prides itself in being more than the average grocery store as it integrates itself into its communities.

That’s a founding principle dating back to the 1950s, she said.

“Community today means anything from partnering with the local food bank or attending a local 5K to hand out snacks and fruit,” Macarelli explained.

“In doing our research, we learn about the schools, the tourism, even the city council to learn more about how we can be a part of the community. We want to fit in seamlessly.”

Anytime a customer brings in a reusable bag to shop, Natural Grocers will donate 5 cents to Feeding South Dakota, which will add up because the store doesn’t offer plastic bags at checkout. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own or buy a resuable one in the store.

In the store, trained health coaches will offer no-strings-attached nutrition guidance, space for cooking demos, education and more.

“We want to help all people live as healthy as possible,” Macarelli said.

This is Natural Grocers’ 163rd location in 21 states. Find the store at 2601 S. Louise Ave. between Sonic and Home Depot.

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 8:35 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7:35 p.m. Sunday.