Natural Grocers Fills Denver Food Desert with Relocated Store

Natural Grocers has revealed plans to relocate its store in downtown Denver to the city’s River North (RiNo) neighborhood, an area residents often call a “food desert.” The relocated store will open July 27.

"Most of Northeast Denver, including RiNo, is a food desert; there simply aren't enough quality food options within walking distance to the community," said Denver City Council President Albus Brooks. "What makes this even more valuable is that Natural Grocers is a Colorado company that educates the community about health and sustainability."

New to the store – and a company first – will be the Cottage Wine and Craft Beer nook, where customers can purchase specialty alcoholic beverages such as craft beer, organic and biodynamic wine, and hard cider. The area marks the first time in the grocer’s 62-year history that it has sold alcoholic beverages.

Natural Grocers provides 100 percent USDA certified-organic produce, 100 percent free-range eggs, 100 percent pasture-based dairy, naturally raised meats and other high-quality food items at "Always Affordable" prices. The store will also provide free science-based nutrition education classes, a nutritional health coach who will offer free health-coaching sessions at the store, and a mix of national brands and a selection of locally produced products in a small neighborhood-market environment.

Based in Lakewood, Colo., Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage operates 140 stores in 19 states and employs more than 3,000 associates.