People's Food Co-op

Bulk prices are lower than health food stores in Salem and Eugene, and the sources of each item in the bulk department are completely unique, I really trust they are buying the best quality and most ethically produced food... I'm very grateful to the co-op for keeping the prices as low as possible in their bulk section, thank you! Local produce available, always able to get high-nutrition produce if needed. Can feel good about shopping at a proper community powered place with local food, the way it should be

This place is a gem of the community. Affordable produce, an approachable selection of dry goods, quality home cleaning and body care products, and a staff who are kind, conscious beings. I love supporting this co-op and feel supported by them. Their farmers markets are on Wednesdays, hosting top-notch vendors.

This has been the best place in town for organic produce and natural supplies for the house. I've been a co-op member for years and know that my membership has been well worth the investment.

I truly love this store, how it operates and all the beautiful local produce it carries. I have gone out of my way many times to make sure I can support this local/small business. However, almost every single time I have checked out, the employees are so off-putting and rude to me. I am always getting looked up and down, spoken to in a condescending way and then have to scramble to pay and pack all my groceries away while the cashier looks annoyed at me for existing in their presence. I totally understand working in customer-facing positions. It can get really exhausting and difficult to be bubbly. But I dont understand a complete lack of kindness, even on my worst days. It sucks to be treated that way, and I have become extremely hesitant to return and shop at this co-op.

Great place to get really high quality container-less food. It is amazing how much less garbage we create by just washing containers and using them again. Much of the food is local and readily good.

The people's food co-op Farmers market is the close-knit of local vendors who provide a vast array of organic products. Everyone always has a smile on their face year-round. I always walk away with a bounty. Go check them out it's worth your time. They're there every Wednesday from 2 to 7 p.m.

Honestly was fine till I got to checkout, we were the only ones at the register, but we were lectured that we were entering the line the wrong way… even though there was no one else in line. They even said it didn’t matter this time “but for future references” like this happens at my job all the time and I’m just nice about it and make my guests feel welcome. Cashier was pretentious/ made us uncomfortable. Will not be returning

Fantastic grocery for health food, a great selection of bulk herbs, foods and teas, as well as unusual culinary items. Wide selection of local kombucha. The store itself is homey, like some 70's earthship plopped down in Southeast Portland. I can appreciate their still requiring masks when most stores no longer care.

Summertime rolls...Jane's Addiction harmony in my head On a holiday in the sun like Weezer in the lovely Pacific NW in the Summertime decided to do a yatra aka pilgrimage to People's Co-op. I lived walking distance from People's Co-op circa 2004 where I lived right across from the now defunct all vegan coffeeshop aka Red and Black. In 2004-2005 I was a working member cleaning the bulk bins as my seva aka service. This is where I first started teaching yoga at the community room upstairs at People's Co-op. Dusty started the program that sadly is no longer currently active. They had some great classes there and have fond memories of a Iyenger influenced yoga teacher that taught classes I liked. This was when I was teaching classical hatha yoga and had not yet shifted my yoga teaching to the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition. Fast forward to the moment of Jun 20223. It's the return and went to People's Co-op. It still is an amazing place. They have a farmer's market here every Wed. Their bulk selection is amazing (see my photos) and so is there produce. Friendly and helpful staff. Afterwards go to Belmont for heaps of plant based, vegetable forward, tasty, amazing vegan restaurants and food trucks that are amazing. Vegan bars, vegan food trucks, innovative vegan restaurants like Fermenter, and more that will satisfy all folks who follow whatever diet from vegan to paleo to gluten-free to omnivore.

If they were legit and a co-op of the people, when their members voted to allow meat to be sold in the market, they would have followed through and provided at the very least frozen meat from local farmers. A much smaller co-op in Brooklyn is capable of this, but when asked why People's doesn't sell meat, all you will get is a litany of excuses. Democracy has no place here. Masks are still required in mornings years after the pandemic. I couldn't care less if someone working there wants to wear a mask, but unless the State is mandating masks I feel like this policy goes way too far for customers. During the pandemic this was appropriate but no longer. The produce is very good, bulk grains and other food stuffs great prices and good quality. Canned foods and other products are very high priced. There's eggs and milk, but at outrageous prices. With inflation, even people who eat meat should have a local market that can provide bulk meats from local purveyors at reasonable prices. People's fails to provide some of the most basic foods.

Not my normal spot for so many reasons but I love coupons and got one prompting me to drop in since I was in the area. I adore finding places like this though as I do have a lot of friends who live nearby. What a treasure this is. I am not vegan or vegetarian but I do eat alternatives and love seeing what is available. I also have friend's with severe reactions to things like gluten so finding options to cook for them is great as well. The Spring is springing so the front had a great many starts for your veggie gardens very well priced for some very healthy starts. I grabbed some incredible produce, a gorgeous bottle of Malbec and some other goodies. It will be a bit more money but I love how well curated this shop is. The staff are incredibly nice and want to help you also which is appreciated.

This coop is awesome! The bulk section is huge and offers a wide variety of dry goods as well as liquid type items, such as: oil, vinegar, honey, nut butter. Being able to bring your own jar and weight it really helps reduce food packaging waste. The non bulk section isn't huge, but the store has most of the major grocery items you'd need to cook a western type meal. I'm fine with shopping at the Asian market for my specialty items. Some reviews mention rude customer service for "normal" people. This hasn't been an issue for me and I'm a person who wears synthetic fibers, drives and SUV, and has a professional career. There are certainly a lot of "crunchy" people here, but I've never felt mistreated due to my outward appearance. To summarize, this place is an eco-conscious consumer's paradise. Become a member for quarterly 10% coupons in the mail!

My daughter who lives in Seattle then I drove all the way from St Helens Oregon to Portland in an area near Milwaukee to find this wonderful wonderful store that just has everything any health person could ever want and perfectly clean and you can choose how much you want by putting in bags or in little cartons that they have to put liquids in and we got the most beautiful good food and a coupon for discount on next purchase

I am updating my old review. Pros: People's has most everything I need and usually the prices are lower than New Seasons and other markets specializing in local and organic items. However, People's service leaves something to be desired. If you ask for help, you will always be treated respectfully with employees going the extra mile to answer your question. This is what I like. Cons: Service at checkout is substandard. The checkout islands are too small for large shopping trips and you have to unload your basket and bag. In 10 years of shopping at Peoples, I've seen someone lend a hand bagging 3 times. This means I have to unload a small a few groceries, go and bag them, return to unload more, and repeat this process. All the while people are waiting in line watching me and the checker is waiting and watching me bag. Its a slow process. Compare this shopping experience with Trader-Joes. At TJ's they unload, check and bag as they go. At People's the check and watch you bag. Not efficient. I know what you are thinking, why don't I volunteer to help bag at People's. Sadly I have. Great product and selection. They need to improve their checkout system.

Cool community coop! Worth every membership dollar ($39). Up-to-seasom fresh vegs, herbs, fruits. Loads of vegan ready-made foods. Lots of dried everythings. Paper bags. Outside and inside (coffee) food corners and seating. Community room. Great (free!) workshops. Free neighborhood parking. Gotta love it!

Disappointing that they can't update their times. They changed it to reflect the new close time in 2 weeks? Why not just change it then? Get off at 730 thinking they close at 9 to find them cleaning stuff up to say "oh yeah we close at 9 starting on the 15th"

Every time I approach the check out line: Me: "Hello." Cashier (who looks disgusted by my existence): "Hi. I guess. I wish you were dead." Me: [Proceeds to spend $80, making sure every bulk item is properly marked as to not bother the cashier. I don't try to make small talk or ask questions since the cashier looks disgusted by my existence.] Cashier (not making eye contact, looking off in the distance, throws receipt somewhere on the counter in my general direction): "There ya go." For a place claims to embrace love, acceptance and compassion, they sure look down upon the customers that keep them in business, and not doing a good job of promoting the messages they've posted all around the store.

I really enjoy shopping here! It's very small which makes it feel more intimate. The customer service level is just right, they don't bother you when you're there to shop and are available when you have questions. I've had enjoyable short conversations at the register on many occasions. As a non-meat eater I appreciate that they make more room on the shelves for vegetarian fare. The bulk section is great; including proteins, beans, legumes, prepared snacks, herbs, teas, flours, grains, and spices. Keep your eye open for sales, which seem to happen frequently!

The MUSHROOM selection is amazing! They had Chanterelles, Lion's Mane and LOBSTER mushrooms! The produce section is outstanding and is the main reason I shop at People's. They have a great bulk section (I recommend the bars, miso and nut butters!) and they have bulk frozen produce as well! This is the only place I go to buy bulk coffee, eggs and wild mushrooms. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I wish there were multiple locations!

Shopped here for the first time today, the selection of produce and bulk bins in superb! Things are a little pricey, but that's to be expected, no more so that New Seasons or Whole Foods. Buying local is very appealing to me even if it's a little more expensive. The main complaint I had, and after skimming reviews realize is a consistent complaint form others, is that the workers are not very friendly. It was my first time and no one spoke to me until I was at the register. I had no idea I was supposed to unload my own basket after placing it on the counter and that made for a very awkward pause. I also went in with the intention of becoming a member, but after telling the cashier I didn't have a number, no information on how to to get one was given to me. Maybe next time! I am starting some fermentation project and Iwill definitely be back for produce and to pillage those bulk bins again!

This has become my favorite place for vegetables and great stuff in bulk: Soaps! Tofu! Vinegars! Oils! Herbs! Spices! I love swinging by their Wednesday farmers market on my way home to get fresh mushrooms and local vegan cheeses.

Wonderful, creative, healthy grocery and ready-to-eat items are offset by very high prices. The vibe is bad capitalist, bad chain establishments, yet they reek more of high dollar than any grocery in town. I can understand inflated prices for unique items, but you can get comparable at Wholefoods or even-less expensive TJ's (but then you're supporting The Man.) Oh well, they have a loyal following and community ownership. Enjoy West Lynn elitism cloaked in Southeast garb..

I love having People's Food Co-op walking distance from my home, but I found them several years ago when a visit meant I had to drive over to the store. This store epitomizes so much of what I love about Portland -- local, organic, sustainable, cooperatively owned. * They have an amazing selection of bulk foods including bulk earth balance and soy based cream cheese. * Although anyone is welcome to shop there, they make membership totally affordable at $30 per year until you've paid the total buy in cost of $180. * They have several weekly free yoga classes and a Tai Chi classes for members. * They have a year-round farmers market on Wednesdays. * They offer selections from Blossoming Lotus, Black Sheep Bakery, and many other amazing local favorites. Everyone I have come in contact with at the store has been very friendly and down-to-earth. Although I can not always afford it, I always feel good about picking up some groceries there when I can.

I came here for the 4th Annual Seed Exchange. I brought some seeds in and left with a handful of seeds I don't have. I cant wait to grow all my seeds next season. The Seed Exchange was held upstairs in the store. You simply walk in. Lay your seeds down and politely take what you want. I saw a wide variety of seeds. Everything from Flowers to Corn. All free. Remember to bring your own take out containers for all your seeds The People's Food Co-Op is awesome. Not only all of the great food stuffs inside the store but also the year round Farmers Market out in front of the store. Check out their website for more details and check out their Upcoming Events.

I like their farmer's market that they have, and I've bought tortilla's from the three sister's stand. They are amazing tortilla's with only four ingredients. The blue corn tortilla's are amazing! So, the reason why I love the People's Co-op is for their bulk section and because they have everything I need to make diy lotions or potions. They have scoby if you want to make kombucha, glycerin if you want to make a rose water spritzer. They also have containers that I can buy for my home made goodies. They also sell epsom salt by the pound, local honey from Eugene, alfalfa sprout seeds to make alfalfa sprouts, bees wax pastilles for skincare products, lotions and soaps by the pound and they carry a brand that I use to buy from back when I lived in Eugene called Uncle Harry's. Anyway, I usually don't buy groceries unless something looks tremendously amazing, but I buy everything that I listed above here, and it is my favorite stop for mostly my diy self care products.

This is the store that turned me into a political conservative. The Co-op I belonged to in the 1970's had cheap bulk and a hands-on feel. This place is wildly expensive and extremely EX-clusive. Blows Whole Foods prices away! Fashion-wise, you have to be 'alternative' in that one and only one alternative way. The standard deal: tats, unwashed, attitude, tie-dye - the angry rebel hippie thing. That's the fashion code. Try going in there looking like someone who works a job that can actually earn them enough money to pay 50% more than the store down the street and you'll be shunned. This is strictly hidden money only - this is the epicenter of Portland Trustafarian Culture. I bring friends from out of town. One called it the "People's Republic of High Prices". The other, an Asian woman from the suburbs mistakenly and innocently called it, "The People's Food Court". I love that one! Amazing to think of it now, but I actually bought my house nearby partially because of this place. The idea is great! I became a member right away. I didn't last long. I was swiftly dis-invited by dreadlock girls who saw me as a Patriarchal Figure: The Man. They are rude, fashionably spaced out, ill-tempered, elitist and self righteous. It's like a movie set for a parody of a hippie co-op. The produce is okay. Same as New Seasons just more expensive and maybe dirtier.

While I love the products and mission of this co-op, I am repeatedly disappointed in the customer service experience nearly every visit. I don't know if they have a dominating management, or whoever hires their staff is looking for people of a grumpy demeanor, but it had to be one of the least welcoming retail experiences of my life. Staff doesn't acknowledge people as they come in, only one person of 5 (that I could count) showed a smile, no eye contact or engagement at the register, yet the staff shows a distinct openness and kindness to their fellow coworkers. Feels like a clicky middle school interaction. I don't need these people to give me the attention I didn't get as a child, or to love me because I don't know how to love myself. I just know that for myself and for my friends who shop here, it would be such an improved experience at our community co-op to be met with even a smidgen more kindness and professionalism.

People's has an impressive selection of fresh produce and bulk foods given the size of the store. I'm kind of a creature of habit when it comes to produce but the novel varieties and impressive mushroom selection they offer has encouraged me to experiment. They carry raw goat milk, which is on the pricey side but worth it for me as it is difficult to find without a subscription. There are also a few cozy-looking nooks inside and outside for seating. I imagine myself spending some time with a book there one of these days. Also, I had to break quarantine yesterday to go grocery shopping. I was pleased to see that they are following CDC recommendations for coronavirus in order to protect their workers and customers. I was unable to make the wait but I was happy to support their procedures. Those are the ethics you support when you shop at a worker-run business.

Fun place to be... get a master shot at the sip right out front! Great produce. Possibly the most fresh grocery I have seen here in pdx! Keep it up and love the helpful friendly staff! (They loaned me a bike pump) ! These people are wonderful!

Hubby and I decided to have a picnic on our condo terrace on a sunny! lovely afternoon during my birthday week. Relaxing by the river and eating yummy foods is what we wanted. To get all the fresh fruit, crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and Vtopia cheese we headed to our favorite neighborhood and to People's. When we arrived we were greeted by a bunch of people outside having a farmers market. There we immediately scored a huge fresh organic gluten free baguette. It was sooo yummy I didn't even know it was GF until I read the ingredients later that night on the tag! Our fav vegan cheese is Vtopia and we gladly bought the last two bars out of the cold case. We grabbed some fresh fruits and other items and we were good to go! I really wish Vegas had a Co-op. And I really wish it was just like this place. The service is always fabulous and the workers always point us in the right direction. Don't forget your own bag and shop away!!!!!!

We stopped here to stock up on a trip through Portland. We found it a great little spot. Quality fruit and veg, great selection of bulk items and easy to understand systems and fair pricing. It had a nice atmosphere and pleasant employees. Also a nice little outdoor space with wifi and a foodtruck cafe that was good.

Bit too relaxed if you ask me. Slowest cashiers you've ever seen. They aren't allowed to lift things out of baskets or bag your groceries for fear of injury. I didn't know this and foolishly shopped there with a broken hand. Honestly this place is just silly. Like a bad Portlandia sketch. Poorly laid out and little variety outside the produce.

While it may not have all of the items you can find at a conventional grocery store, the bulk and package-free options at People's are some of the best in town. I try to do as much of my shopping in bulk as I can and the non-food bulk options here are spectacular. They also have such an extensive selection of bulk liquids and, of course, dry goods. I appreciate that they support bringing your own containers and have a great variety of local products. Prices can be higher here in general, but it's nice when your shopping feeds back into the local economy. I still shop at other stores regularly but definitely appreciate having the bulk variety at my fingertips.

Wow, rudest place ever. Literally was scolded by the bitchy cashier for setting my hand basket at the wrong angle at the check out counter. Then another member came over and gave me a lecture on how I should be considerate of there cashiers because some of them have bad backs. Sorry if you can't lift a carrot, maybe you should find another job. And for god sakes put some underwear on and pull up your pants.

They have some absolutely delicious vegan cookies here. There is just something about the yummy texture of a vegan cookie that a regular cookie cannot match. I was surprised to find their milk selection very very slim. Only half-gallon sizes were available today, and I could choose only between 2% and goat's milk.

Whenever I go to People's, I'm happy to go to a place that is vegetarian, a co-op (I'm a member), and has all the bulk things I want. I really and truly want this to be my only grocery store (however, I need a much higher paying job to make that happen). The price, though, is not my issue with People's. My issue with People's is the staff. NOT the staff wandering around the store doing--??? (They are helpful and nice when you can get their attention.) The staff that bothers me to no end are the cashiers. Is there an unwritten rule at People's that you must have a crappy attitude to be a cashier there? The other reviews mention the slowness--that annoys me as well, but I figured that there is also a rule that you must be a stoner to work there, so I don't really care about that. The rudeness is the key. The "sigh-i-guess-i-will-ring-you-up-but-just-so-you-know-i'm-cooler-than-you-and-you-are-really-bothering-me-by-being-in-my-line" attitude just makes me feel icky every time I'm checking out. I can deal with the slowness and the expense--but, please, for the love of god, give your cashiers some customer service training!!

Super quaint and they have all the basics! Really sweet feel with sweet staff. Would definitely go back and do more shopping here.

Years ago when People's opened I remember them. It was a tough go for an alternative food buying program in the 70s. I moved away and forgot about them. Now in 2018 I meet a new friend, 81 years old and a HUGE fan of People's. She asked me to take her on a Wednesday for the weekly year round farmer's market which I did. It was delightful to see the 'old place' again. Still small, bustling, and living their mission. And parking hasn't improved either. Well done, People's Co Op, for braving all these years of economic, nutritional and social justice storms and thriving. Lots of people are living better lives because they are standing on your shoulders. Be proud!

I'm posting this because people still don't know that this Co-op has a Farmers Market ALL YEAR ROUND on Wednesdays. If your serious about eating seasonally, local and organic GO HERE!

People's remodel is amazing. Come here in the summer and you will be amazed that they don't use air conditioning. I love the eco-roof and that this building could be LEED certified (if they wanted to pay the appraisal fee). There is also a community room upstairs. Wednesdays, all year: Farmer's Market in the front. It is small, but usually a good selection. Great place to get plants for your garden/yard. The grocery selection is pretty good and everything is vegetarian. So if you are just switching to a meat free diet, this is the place to come. Very friendly staff. Bonus: You don't have to be a member to shop here - but you get discounts if you do.

Ok I love this place... but it just the physical building.....not the workers , they are so arrogant.. I do not feel welcome... so went out and got a juice outside after shopping.. ....I can drive to McMinnville to harvest fresh get the same juice and green shot for less $ and attitude.. I will continue to shop here as a coop. It's not corporate....But i now have to play the attitude game... to even get help.. sorry but good food is about caring and sharing not I am better than you..

Great find this store. Was looking everywhere for blue corn masa and they had that and blue corn meal. Very good price and all organic. I'll be shipping here often!

The spirit of condescending cliquish exclusion is alive and well in this establishment. They stock a good variety of bulk items and most products have minimal packaging, which drew me in for a few visits. Each time I have been increasingly shocked by my treatment as a clear "outsider" in the eyes of the staff. On my most recent visit, the person at checkout was absolutely delightful to several customers they seemed to know by name, going so far as to greet and entertain a small child while I was being rung up. However, when it came to me this same individual was barely courteous and scolded me on the way I labeled a bulk item (first time, so sorry!). I've had friendlier treatment at large chain stores like Fred Meyer. If you don't look the part and come in regularly, plan to be immediately judged and treated rudely. Clearly their mission isn't to encourage more people to explore bulk/minimal packaging grocery options after all. I won't be back.

This is a great place to get groceries as long as you are a vegetarian. I love a coop. That alone makes this place a go-to for me. The produce section is really excellent and the variety for the size of the store is great. It's really a vegetarian's paradise. Shopping here makes it easy to stay on a vegan or vegetarian diet while eating a rich and diverse diet. The service couldn't be better considering the fact that most of the workers are volunteers. Highly recommended.

Wow, I really wish this place was closer to where I live, as I always prefer to patronize little, older businesses like this, since this style of business is a dying breed: the wooden floored health food store with that particular grain and spice smell, the collection of funky things you can't find everywhere, and everything leading toward the farm fresh and vegetarian, and hopefully treating and paying their workers fairly. I want to do whatever I can to keep them alive. Having grown up around many of these mom and pop style stores, when it seemed they were legion, and now seeing that very few remain (at least where I grew up in New England) I am delighted that this place is at least by all appearances, going strong. Location and demographics count for a lot, of course. On purely aesthetic terms, I love the design on the outside and the cozy little nooks both inside of the store and outside. It's very inviting and oh, the doors! Such cool metal work. And the plants! It's like an oasis in the city. Even if this part of town is a bit of an oasis itself, anyway. It definitely delivers on health food store ambiance. As for the produce, they have a top-notch selection. It's apparent that they really care about their sourcing and the freshness could not be beat. I wanted to buy it all, but I am only one gal and I am on a bit of a budget, relatively speaking, so I couldn't buy the whole store. They have a great bulk section, and I noticed that, if you happen to have forgotten to bring your own, they have clean glass jars that you can use for bulk liquids. Great concept! I wish more places would do this, though I can imagine why it's not more common. There were lots of interesting specialty items, a fabulous selection of local breads, plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices. Also, they stock camel milk, which I'm sure is good, and good for you, but I admit it made me snicker because it seemed very Portlandia. Lots of great options. Minus one star because some of the prices of the toiletry items seemed a fair bit higher than most other local health market options. Perhaps you get a price break on your bill if you are a member, but I probably won't be joining, since it's not really worth my while unless I move to that side of town. Still, it's not Whole Paycheck. Thank goodness.

This place is like having my own personal year round farmers market. I Really feel like I own the place and actually I do since I am a coop member. I will shop here until the day I die. I truly believe in their mission, vision, and purpose. Not to mention there lovely selection of produce and other great products.

I never thought I'd be able to spend more on a bag of produce than I would at New Seasons... ... and still be happy about it. People's is the kind of place that does that to me. They're about as local, sustainable, seasonal, reusable, and down-to-earth as you get. This could be your one-stop shopping if you were vegetarian and either didn't eat much or had a ton of cash. And you want it to be your one-stop shopping if you live with the enviro-guilt of an industrialized society. You can walk in and buy pretty much anything off of the shelf and know that it complies with whatever standard you have be it organic, be it local, be it sustainable, or be it healthy. This had always been the place I stopped when I needed to find something eclectic, niche, or unique. I used to have PCC near me in Seattle when I was on the hunt for some crazy all-natural shit. When i moved here, I only went occasionally to find that odd and end. More recently, I've discovered their awesome produce section, which, while paling in size and selection to New Seasons, offers more local, seasonal stuff. Their bulk goods are also incredibly robust. And if you want that random health-product, they've probably got it (if it's a natural health product - I'm not talking diet pills or "As Seen On TV" powders or ointments). Of course you pay for your guilt-free local sustainable vegetarian shopping here. I stopped in for some veggies last night and left 1 full bag heavier and $42 lighter in the wallet. That's probably only about $5 more than New Seasons down the block, so it's not that bad. I do have to say, the veg I got were pretty amazing. Add in that they sell starts for gardening, offer a community meeting space, and the Sip cart is parked out front making awesome organic veggie and fruit juices, and you have a winner. I love that a co-op this small can sustain only about 5 blocks down from New Seasons - and it's because of the location here in Portland.

I visited this shop when looking for an organic grocery store after a yoga class in southeast during my holiday break. The local and organic selection here is incredible. I was able to find the largest selection of kimchi in Portland, which is definitely saying something! I also found locally made salsa and grape leaves. The only reason for 4 stars as opposed to 5 is that the cashier was not the friendliest. Great spot!

I give up. I don't believe that I can come here anymore. Not that I was a regular customer, but I never really felt as though I was welcome. After 8 years of creepy feelings whenever I shop here, I'm done. It is "absolutely painful" to think that I would ever need to shop here. How big a smile do I need to show?? How polite?? After today, I will never go back.

Quick and dirty: 1. Hella Sexy Produce 2. Local Dairy Products in glass bottles 3. Farmers Market Wednesdays 4. Helpful staff 5. Did I mention the sexy produce? Some of the best fresh and mostly locally grown veggies.

I have very mixed feelings about this place. I have been a member of this Co-op for over 10 years and I am still conflicted about shopping here as well as being a member. On the good side, they have a fantastic selection of bulk items and other items that I am interested in. Also, a lot of their prices are usually lower than those you will find at New Season Market. I do about 1/4 of my shopping at People's and the other 3/4 at New Seasons, which is only several blocks away, so every week I have a contrasting experience between the two stores. On the downside, they do not sell meat, and are rigidly and politically opposed to doing so; omnivores beware! Hypocritically, they do sell pet food containing meat, or "products of slaughter" as their quarterly publication has stated it. Their quarterly publication frequently speaks of community and inclusiveness, but really, their idea of community is limited to the vegetarian and vegan. This they are not very upfront about, and that strikes me as disingenuous. Unlike New Seasons, the staff here rarely display a smile. Most all of them appear to be rather unhappy, which can make the shopper feel unwelcome. I have become accustomed to West Coast counter-culture types being unfriendly and sometimes rude, but this place only makes it worse for me. I became a co-op member here because I really love the idea of a co-op community and supporting it, but I don't feel included in the People's community since they choose not to represent all my dietary needs and generally come across as dour. I consider becoming a member here as a failed experiment, and am yet again seriously considering cashing in my membership. Sept. 2018: I have notified the co-op I no longer wish to be a member.

Love this co-op, helpful, friendly, genuine and very environmentally conscious with their products to their employees and even their building practices! The bathroom tiles are unique and the beat thing about this co-op being locally owned and NOT a corporation owned by some elitists. Love the products offered, all the bulk and spices, teas etc. Enjoy the community vibe also, the bike rack, the music selection, the food cart out front, and the families that come to support the co-op! Wish they had a rewards program though, like if you buy $100 worth you get $5 off or the like :) .

I visited People's yesterday for the first time, even though I lived just down the street it for about 2 years. I'm doing a personal low-to-no-corn-products experiment, and they have a Farmers' Market there on Wednesdays, so I popped down there after work to check it out. My general impression is that People's, like a lot of co-ops and community organizations (aka Ashland, Oregon), has a lot of features that make it cute and charming, aspirational and theoretical, but subsequently not very practical. I mean, I like the idea of a community store, supporting local businesses, using less over-processed everything. Of course I support the eye-dEE-yah. I'm just not sure it really, y'know... works... like... in the real world. The store is small and probably won't have everything you need, and certainly not in a price range that'll agree with all budgets. Neighbors chatting in the aisles and granola moms with their baby backpacks might be endearing if they weren't obliviously blocking you in between the millet and alterna-toothpaste, while giving you the feeling that if you're wearing poly-blends or driving a car, this is not the community for you. I might head back for greens because those looked great, they really did. Then again, I also might visit a few of the million other Farmer's Markets around town and do some mental comparison shopping and get back to you on that.

I came here a few days ago after eating dinner in the area because I wanted to buy some kombucha to help me feel more awake and alive (insanely HOT day + food coma) and I left with an addiction to Kale Chips. They were packaged nicely, still in the shipping box and I grabbed a bag as I waited in line. Since then, I've procured 3 more bags of those wonderfully delicious things and today I got a food dehydrator because if I continue buying bags of those "cheeze-y", salty tangy chips at 4.99 a pop, I'm going to be broke as a joke so I'm on a mission to make my own. Luckily this store is chock full of a few varieties of kale so I'm all set! For a small sized store, they have a good selection on lot of things such as bulk items (dry or liquid), tons of organic veggies and fruits, cheeses, breads, wine and lots of vegan and raw foods. The prices are comparable to that at New Seasons , New Leaf (in CA), Whole Foods and other high-quality natural food stores. It's a keeper!

After researching the three local co-ops, I decided to join People's. It seemed like the right fit, plus there are four free yoga classes a week for 'owners.' When I volunteered for my college's food co-op back in the day I was just about disenchanted by the whole idea. Thankfully, this is not the Kresge Co-op. The co-op as a whole seems very professional. People are always around to help you find things. More than once I have traded recipes with a staff member after locating what I needed. Despite its small size, the selection is fantastic. The bulk section has everything from raw tahini to laundry detergent. I would say the majority of my pantry is filled with food from the bulk section. They also have a bakers rake filled with different raw foodstuff; crackers, snack bars, nut butters, you name it. I think the only place that's lacking is frozen food. The freezer is just too small to carry everything I would like. The best part, in my opinion, is the Wednesday farmer's market they host. Just big enough without being overwhelming. I especially loved the craft fair they sponsored a couple weeks ago. It took up the street infront of the store and really had a celebratory feeling. This is more than a grocery store. This is a community. I really appreciate that.

I was going to write and then let it go, but this seems warranted now. On February 18, I was there buying bulk tea, and the woman in front of me opened and stuck her nose in about 10 jars. Leaving her face in each jar long enough to get a good, long smell. I kept thinking, if the corona virus were here, I might say something . . . . Now I wish I had. Who does that anyway?

We were visiting from NYC and the best coffee we had in Portland was purchased here! It was a dark roast, and the store band I think. Or equal exchange brand? Something like that, but it is identified as a best seller in the store. Great local pastries and perfect place to stock up on some snack items for a long stay in Portland! Very friendly staff.

This is the type of store I would absolutely LOVE to leave a great review for. Unfortunately, most of the staff are really rude and like most coops the prices are much higher than other places. I am usually happy to pay them knowing that they go to pay workers a higher wage, invest in our community, etc. but the attitude of people working there makes me not want to contribute in any way. They are a vegetarian store which may work for some people but makes it inconvenient for those of us who eat meat- we have to go to different stores, and if you've ever asked anyone working there if they have meat, they will give you a very mean and nasty answer as if you're an animal abuser. It's so strange. There are a lot of materials about diversity and product selection and "safe and affordable food" but they still carry heavy GMO products like Tofurkey. They also carry a lot of vegan sweets which are heavy with canola oil and other super processed ingredients. I wish I could get into this place- it's the closest store to my house, but I just can't seem to get over their bad attitudes, bad lighting, and bad prices. I'm actually not sure how they stay in business...