Today we’d like to introduce you to Graze Food Co-Op.
Graze, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Graze Food Coop began with a simple but powerful idea: our community deserves access to high-quality, locally produced food in a welcoming space that reflects shared values. In 2012, a group of passionate individuals came together for the first Market Cooperative corporate meeting, determined to build something fresh—literally and figuratively.
We officially opened our doors in downtown New Ulm in 2012 as a 100% member-owned grocery store, grounded in the belief that food should nourish both people and the planet. From the beginning, our focus has been on supporting local farmers and producers while offering organic products, pantry staples, meats, dairy, health and beauty items, and unique gifts.
Over the years, we’ve grown into more than just a grocery store. We’ve become a community marketplace, open to everyone, where cooperative ideals like ownership, sustainability, and informed choices come to life. Whether you’re shopping for dinner, learning about your food system, or connecting with others who care about local impact, Graze is here to meet those needs.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead as we continue working toward a stronger, healthier, and more connected food future for New Ulm and beyond.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any grassroots effort rooted in community, our journey at Graze Food Coop has had its fair share of twists and turns. While the mission has always been clear, creating a sustainable, local-focused grocery option, the path to get here hasn’t always been smooth.
In the early days, finding the right location and securing the resources to open a member-owned store in a small town presented challenges. Over time, we’ve navigated several location changes, each bringing new hurdles, rom funding renovations to making sure our space could support both retail and community connection. Every move has been a learning experience and a step closer to finding a space that truly fits our needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought another layer of complexity. Like many small businesses, we faced supply chain disruptions, shifting safety protocols, and a need to quickly adapt how we served our shoppers. Despite the uncertainty, our community’s support never wavered, and we worked hard to keep our doors open, our shelves stocked, and our shoppers safe.
One ongoing challenge is the need for consistent volunteer support. As a cooperative, we rely heavily on the time and energy of our members and community volunteers to keep things running smoothly. From stocking shelves to hosting events, every helping hand makes a difference, but sustaining that volunteer base is a continual effort.
Still, every obstacle has strengthened our commitment. We’ve grown more resilient, more connected, and more certain that this model, community-owned, local-first, and mission-driven, is worth fighting for.
As you know, we’re big fans of Graze Food Co-op. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Graze Food Coop is New Ulm’s member-owned grocery store, rooted in community and committed to sustainability. While anyone is welcome to shop with us, no membership required, what makes us different is that we’re 100% owned by the people who believe in our mission.
We specialize in offering high-quality, locally sourced, and organic products, from fresh produce, meats, eggs, and dairy to pantry staples, health and beauty items, and unique gift finds. But we’re more than just a place to pick up groceries. Graze is a hub for education, connection, and values-driven living.
What truly sets us apart is our deep commitment to putting local farmers and producers first. We believe in building a better food system, one that strengthens our local economy, reduces environmental impact, and gives people access to food they can trust. When you shop at Graze, you’re directly supporting small farms, ethical producers, and fair-trade practices.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of our identity as a cooperative that reflects the values of our community. We’re transparent, people-powered, and mission-driven. Every dollar spent here helps sustain something much bigger than a grocery store, it helps nurture a more resilient and connected local food economy.
We want your readers to know: Graze isn’t just about what’s on the shelves. It’s about ownership, empowerment, and being part of a movement that values people and the planet. Whether you’re picking up your weekly groceries or just stopping in to explore, Graze welcomes you.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Our biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out, especially in community-based work, is to be patient, stay flexible, and lean into the power of relationships. Building something meaningful takes time, and the road is rarely linear. You’ll face unexpected challenges, but if your mission is clear and your community is behind you, you’ll find a way forward.
When we started Graze, we knew there was a need for a locally focused grocery store, but we didn’t realize just how much persistence it would take. From finding the right location to organizing volunteers and navigating financial hurdles, every step required collaboration, creativity, and trust.
Looking back, we wish we had known how important it would be to build in space for growth, not just physically, but structurally. Having the flexibility to evolve with your community’s needs is essential. We’ve learned to listen more, adapt often, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
Most importantly: don’t be afraid to ask for help. People want to support something they believe in, they just need to be invited. Whether it’s volunteers, board members, donors, or customers, your community can be your greatest strength if you let them in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.graze.coop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graze_food_coop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrazeFoodCoop
