Top Spots For Organic Produce In Philadelphia

Organic is what produce used to naturally be before farming changed rather dramatically a few decades ago. There is much debate on whether it is also changing the inside of your body. However, if you suffer from any kind of auto-immune condition or allergy you know that you need to find organic options. There are some farm stands, farmers markets and small local produce stores scattered throughout the Philadelphia area. Here are the top five places to buy organic produce.

Iovine Brothers Produce
Reading Terminal Market
51 N. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-4366
iovine.com

Iovine Brothers carries all kinds of produce both organic and conventional. They have some of the better prices for organic in the city. Produce prices generally change as things are in and out of season. But if you're a student you can get a 10 percent discount on Sundays and Wednesdays. People also regularly rave about how clean everything is at Iovine Brothers. Customer service is also important here and Iovine Brothers employs Produce guides to help you to the right product. They purchase local whenever possible, so you will find numerous local products here as well. For juicers, they make up pressed fruit and veggie drinks.

Headhouse Farmers Market
South & Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
thefoodtrust.org

Outdoor farmers markets are sometimes a preferred method to get your produce because you can talk to the farmers, and it's more of a good time out in the air. Over in society hill on Sundays from 10-2 you can shop at the Headhouse outdoor farmers market and find plenty of organic options and produce. This market has been going strong since 2007 and has over 40 vendors each week. You will find a variety of produce that will change as the seasons change. Prices are moderate.

Mariposa Food Co-Op
4824 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-2121
www.mariposa.coop

Mariposa Food Co-Op is a very popular place to go grocery shopping among Philadelphians for their organic needs.  They offer plenty of different food choices, produce, local foods and even have the option of BYOC (bring your own container) for their bulk buys.  You can find other organic and fair trade products here as well, though some would like to see more meat options.

Related: Top Restaurants With Organic Food In Philadelphia

Everything Fresh
1222 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 282-1381
www.everythingfresh.com

Described as a miniature Whole Foods, Everything Fresh has, well, fresh everything for the most part. They do carry some isle food. But you can find plenty of organic produce here in this Market East store. This is a small market, convenient for many of the apartments in this area. The prices are average; some things are going to be a bit higher than other national chains, while some produce is lower. They do offer free coffee or tea with a purchase, which is a nice perk.

Harvest Local Foods
305 Windermere Ave.
Lansdowne, PA 19050
(484)461-7884
www.harvestlocalfoods.com

If getting to a store is a challenge then you may want to consider having it delivered to your home. Harvest Local Foods is a food delivery service that partners with over 60 different markets and artisans in the area to get you what you need delivered fresh to your door. They are even a 2012 Best of Philly winner by Philadelphia Magazine. You can shop online for over 200 different products. Delivery costs are $5-$10, and the first order is free. If you need a cooler, there is a $20 deposit you pay one time (you don't need to be home to receive the delivery, they pack with icepacks to keep your food cool all day) They deliver to different parts of the city on different days.

Related: Top Garden Centers In Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.