Organic Natural Food Store

Hawthorne Valley Association

The store supports a vibrant local economy by sourcing products from over 200 local and regional businesses.

The original “Farm Store” was a cigar box into which one could deposit money on the honor system for milk ladled out of the bulk tank and cheese cut from a wheel and weighed. Occasionally there might be loaves of dense rye bread to go with the dairy products.

FROM A SELF SERVE CIGAR BOX TO 4,000 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL SPACE

Hawthorne Valley’s retail journey began in 1981 with a small store on the farm, located in what is now the Place Based Learning Center. A bakery operated in the basement. In 2004, the Farm Store and bakery moved to their current location, with an expansion added in 2015.

Today, our organic natural foods and grocery store is far from its humble beginnings. We offer everything you need under one roof. Visit us for hot meals, cold sandwiches, soups, and salads from our Organic Deli. Enjoy a cup of fair-trade coffee and a fresh pastry from our Organic Bakery while shopping for all your grocery and household essentials.

A VIBRANT, LOCAL LIVING ECONOMY

We strive to offer as many locally grown or produced fruits, vegetables, grocery products, and household items as possible and are committed to supporting our local farmers and artisans.

More than an outlet for Hawthorne Valley Farm products, the store functions as a mini food hub of sorts, buying in produce and value-added products from over 200 local and regional business and entrepreneurs in support of a vibrant local, living economy.

GREEN BUILDING

When we built our current store, we committed to environmental sustainability, incorporating energy-saving measures and recycled products within budget constraints. We used Durisol blocks made from recycled waste wood and rockwool (mineral fiber) insulation, providing excellent insulation, lower energy use, and improved indoor air quality. The triple-pane windows, mold-proof construction, and pest resistance further enhance building integrity. We purchase wind energy to support renewable energy investment in New York State, and we capture heat from cooler equipment to heat our water. Designed for future solar installation, we welcome contributions and investments in this endeavor. Our store exemplifies that “green building” is a feasible option for smaller-scale projects.