The original Rochester food co-op was founded in 1975 by a core group of organizers who met in the Rochester Public Library. The first location was on Third Avenue and was mainly a bulk foods store that was built with member investments and the proceeds of numerous bake sales and rummage sales. The organization faced a major test when a flood wiped out the store and its entire inventory on July 4, 1978. But, with tenacity that would serve them well in the years to come, they rebuilt the store with labor and commitment of their members.
Today's People's Food Co-op in Rochester was created by a merger between the La Crosse, WI and Rochester co-ops that was official on January 2, 2012. Since that time work has been underway to create today's home for the co-op in downtown Rochester. As part of a multi-use development project aimed at strengthening Rochester's "urban village" PFC provides a much needed full service grocery store in the heart of this fast growing city. Located at street level within Metropolitan Marketplace, PFC resides only three blocks south of the world renowned Mayo Clinic. Our focus on great food, health and consumer engagement is an excellent complement to the driving force of "Med City."
Shoppers will find a broad range of products and services from prepared foods, coffee bar and large eat-in dining room to the best selection of produce focusing on a mix of local, organic and great quality at a reasonable value. Our own in-house butchers provide high quality local, grass fed beef as well as local pork and chicken and time saving ready-to-cook items that can go right from the store to the grill or the oven. Shoppers with every kind of budget will find the staples their family needs. PFC accepts WIC and SNAP.