3 Easy Ways to Go Organic in Worcester

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Meghan Ottolini, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Freshly picked organic strawberries. Photo: Flickr, suzettesuzette

Consuming organic products is beneficial to your health, the environment, and the local economy - but finding organic stores and restaurants can be a chore. Here are three easy ways you can up your organic intake and support local farms in Central Massachusetts:

Buy Organic Groceries

The Artichoke Food Co-op carries a huge variety of herbs, spices, dry goods, and frozen foods. Artichoke’s self-proclaimed goal is to strengthen the local economy and support local farmers. Produce suppliers include Worcester’s YouthGROW farms, managed by YouthGROW, a program of the Regional Environmental Council. 800 Main Street, Worcester, MA
(508) 752-3533

Living Earth is another Worcester one-stop shop for organic products. Founders Al and Maggy Maykel stock much of their store with 100% organic produce from their own farm in Rutland. They provide a huge selection of gluten-free products, as well as organic shampoos and conditioners. Check out the website for healthy recipes and store coupons. 232 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA
(508) 753-1896

Seared Yellow Fin Tuna at EVO. Photo: Flickr, Svadilfari

Community Supported Agriculture

Westborough’s Heirloom Harvest Community Farm and CSA is comprised of 17 acres, eight of which are in production year-round. Join and become a “shareholder” of the farm, and you’ll be able to pick up 8-12 items of fresh-picked produce 22 weeks out of the year. Heirloom also donates a portion of their harvest to charity - in 2005 they donated over 6,800 pounds of produce to charity.
Pick up for shareholders available Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday: 2pm-dusk.
Pick up location: Adjacent to St. Luke's Cemetery, 30 Hopkinton Road, Westborough

Dining Out

Going organic doesn’t mean you can’t go out. And for those who associate “organic” with “rabbit food,” EVO’s menu is stocked with steaks and burgers. EVO promises to please “the finickiest of eaters.” Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and be sure to try out their array of organic wines and spirits.
Tuesday-Thursday: 11am-10pm, Friday: 11am-11pm, Saturday: 8am-11pm, Sunday: 8am-10pm, Monday: Closed
232 Chandler Street #1, Worcester, MA
(508) 459-4240

If you’re craving something a little different, drop by One Love Cafe for rich and filling home-style Jamaican food. Not all dishes are organic, but 100% organic choices are specified right on the menu. Be sure to browse the selection of vegan fare.
Tuesday: Noon-8pm, Wednesday-Saturday: Noon-10pm, Sunday: 12-9pm, Monday: Closed
800 Main Street, Worcester, MA
(508) 753-8663