READY-TO-EAT GOODNESS >>>

While new items are frequently added to the shelves at the Tacoma Food Co-op, ready-to-eat foods from Simply Organic Café in Yelm are the latest locally-made offerings sold at the Sixth Avenue storefront. Chef Bryce Hughes from Simply Organic Cafe is crafting a variety of dishes made with seasonal vegetables, herbs and some organic ingredients.

The colder weather means pasta, brown rice, and quinoa as the base for heartier salads. Vegetarian and meaty soups will include split pea curry, butternut bisque, roast chicken and Swiss chard. Freshly made dips of salsa, hummus (already a favorite with shoppers), artichoke dip and spicy bean dip are also being sold. For the sugar fiends, lemon bars and gluten-free desserts like chocolate mousse are offered.

The deli items allow people quick, inexpensive healthy food options. Pricing is $4.99 on average, with some items costing less. Tacoma Food Co-op general manager Henri Parren explains, "The selection may vary from week to week or if items sell out." In order to maintain as much freshness as possible, a limited quantity will be ordered, though TFC will increase ordering if customer demand indicates a need.

[Tacoma Food Co-op, 3002 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3344]