The idea for a natural foods cooperative in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis’s Lakes district was first considered in 1975, by a small group of neighborhood residents interested in having access to organic, local and natural food. After a series of planning meetings and initial fundraising, a small space was secured and the new co-op opened on March 12, 1976. At the end of Linden Hills Co-op’s first fiscal year, $101.69 in profit was divided among the twenty-four founding members. In the thirty years since then, Linden Hills Co-op has moved and expanded its offerings three times while remaining the neighborhood’s primary grocer–”big enough to meet your needs; small enough to meet your neighbors.” With a full service deli, great selection of locally made and locally raised foods, many choices for different dietary needs, and an inviting outdoor courtyard, the co-op serves as a community gathering place–with groceries. Linden Hills Natural Home, which is owned by the consumer members of Linden Hills Co-op, offers organic bed and bath linens, juicers, organic gardening supplies, housewares, air and water purifiers, cloth diapers, natural baby clothes, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies, Fair Trade and locally made gifts–for sustainable homes and healthy families. Located in a turn-of-the-century house across the street from the co-op, the store is proud to support Fair Trade artisans, Minnesota makers, certified organic and sustainable fibers, creative use of recycled materials, and practical solutions for healthier homes like safe cleaners and paints.