In an era of big box stores and online grocery giants, one small storefront in Bexley continues its legacy by doing things the cooperative way.
Tucked into a cozy strip on North Cassady Avenue, Simply Living Business Member Bexley Natural Market has been serving the Central Ohio community since 1976. It’s more than just a grocery store – it’s a true example of what happens when neighbors come together to create access to healthy food, support local producers, and challenge the status quo of extractive, profit-driven food systems.
A Legacy of Cooperation
Founded during the 1970s wave of natural food co-ops, Bexley Natural Market emerged from the same cultural soil as Simply Living: the back-to-the-land, grassroots environmental movement that prioritized community resilience, organic food, and social justice.
Over the decades, Bexley Natural Market has adapted to changing times while staying rooted in its values. Today, it stands as the last remaining food cooperative in Central Ohio, offering everything from bulk grains and local honey to ethically sourced produce and household staples you can feel good about. As consolidation occurs and big-box chains expand, the survival of Bexley Natural Market is a microcosm of community resilience. The market has faced real challenges in recent years, but it’s slowly rebuilding – thanks to the support of neighbors who understand its value. Continued support is so vital. Places like Bexley Natural Market don’t just survive on principle—they survive because people choose to shop there.
What Makes a Co-Op Different?
Co-ops are owned by their members, who are shoppers that buy a share and have a say in how the store is run. In co-ops, profits are reinvested in the mission and/or shared with members, not outside investors.
That means every purchase at Bexley Natural Market supports:
- Small, local, and regional farms
- Sustainable, organic, and fair-trade practices
- A democratic business model that puts people and planet first
And you don’t need to be a member to shop there, but joining strengthens the co-op and builds long-term food security in the region.
A Neighborhood Anchor with a Big Impact
Walk into Bexley Natural Market and you’ll find more than just kombucha and kale. You’ll meet friendly people who care about your health, about the Earth, and about the community we all share. The shelves are stocked with intention, often featuring local brands and hard-to-find items that align with their mission.
Over the years, Bexley Natural Market has:
- Partnered with urban farms and local makers
- Hosted educational workshops on food and wellness
- Offered reusable bulk container programs to cut down on plastic waste
- Created space for meaningful conversations about food justice and sustainability
In short, Bexley Natural Market embodies the kind of community-centered, people-powered economy that Simply Living exists to support.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
As corporate consolidation reshapes our supply chains and the quality of our food system, places like Bexley Natural Market remind us that alternatives still exist—and that they can thrive with community support.
Supporting your co-op isn’t just about where you buy your groceries. It’s about aligning your values with your everyday choices. We can keep the wealth circulating right here within our local economy. This co-op is building a resilient food system that works for people and the planet, not just for profit.
Visit Bexley Natural Market
508 N Cassady Ave, Bexley, OH 43209
Open 7 days a week
www.bexleynaturalmarket.org
Bexley Natural Market wants to hear from you! About a week in advance, send them your grocery list – and they will order the products you want to buy. Send your grocery list to info@bexleynaturalmarket.org.
Final Thoughts
At Simply Living, we believe in the power of local solutions to global problems. Supporting Bexley Natural Market is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to invest in sustainability, justice, and a better future for Central Ohio. Next time you need groceries, skip the chain store—and head to the co-op!
