Grocery stores have stepped up their game recently to accommodate people with specific food allergies and preferences or those adopting a healthier lifestyle. More often than not, the options are limited, leaving people feeling confined in their choices. And most often, when they find the product they’re looking for, it carries a hefty price tag, leaving customers torn between eating healthy and sticking to a budget.

While there continues to be an improvement to organic food availability throughout the city, The Organic Food Depot, located at 1912 Granby Street, offers an expansive assortment of better foods at affordable prices and has been for over 20 years.

So what exactly differentiates the Organic Food Depot from other grocery stores in town? While other stores offer small selections of organic, natural, and vegan foods, the primary focus of Organic Food Depot is to provide products made without pesticides, genetic manipulation, artificial flavoring, and coloring, which are better for both people and the environment. While products range from gluten-free, to vegan, to non-GMO, the goal is for families to find foods and products that will help them live a healthier lifestyle, however that looks to each unique individual.

The Organic Food Depot started as a farm in Virginia Beach with three goals:

• Purchasing quality organic and natural foods at affordable prices
• Making those products available to as many people as possible
• Supporting their community by offering mindful and ethically-sourced alternatives

Because of success in their early years, they expanded to two storefronts in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

The Norfolk storefront has a solid selection of food and products available for customers to pop in and grab, but their online ordering is the best deal available to get the most bang for your buck. New customers can sign up online to become members, which is entirely free. From there, order online as often or as little as you’d like (pro tip: online orders get 15% off compared to in-store). Once your order is ready, you can stop by the store to grab it.

From cooking sauces and dressings to fresh produce in a separate walk-in fridge section of the store, find everything you’ll need for a delicious meal or elevated snacking. In the freezer aisle, explore tasty, dairy-free ice creams, gluten-free pizzas, and a bountiful selection of vegan meats and ‘junk food’ to satisfy those late-night cravings, all with wholesome ingredients that’ll leave you feeling good and guilt-free. Get anything from fresh fruits and vegetables, plant-based milk, cheeses, and proteins, to a seemingly endless selection of unique chips and dips. On the left wall of the store, you’ll find a curated aisle of essential oils and skincare products alongside bath and dental products. The back right of the store features a bulk section where you can pick up organic nuts and seeds. 

Keep the Depot in mind as we come into the week of Thanksgiving, especially if you’re looking to add a few vegan items (or a 100% vegan meal) to your holiday spread. Their selection of plant-based roasts and affordable, organic spices puts the other grocers in the city to shame. 

Suppose you’ve been on the hunt for quality, natural products at affordable prices or are just interested in seeing what healthier options exist in the area; check out Organic Food Depot any day of the week between 10 am – 6 pm.

Tiffany Frazier

Ghent, NFK

Tiffany grew up in Chesapeake but has called Norfolk home for the past seven years. She fell in love with the city while working with Festevents during college summer breaks. She graduated from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) with a degree in corporate communication. Tiffany now works as a digital marketing specialist and enjoys strolling and rollerblading her way around Norfolk. She lives in Ghent with her husband Trevor, and their two cats, Tux and Joe.