The Purple Carrot Market

10/11/2026

Make a commitment to invest today and shop tomorrow, as exemplified by Karen and Denis Dolan. Here are the reasons behind their generous donation during the Final Stretch:

"As member #77, we gave again during this Final Stretch because we believe strongly in a community owned food cooperative. I am so happy it is located in a downtown facility providing locally grown food and products making shopping easy for all. Also, to have the opportunity to buy staples in bulk like we did back in the 70's at the Little Falls Cooperative, loved going there, sorry when they closed. The prospect of a quick nutritional deli with area to meet & have coffee is lucrative to us also. "

To give a donation, click here- https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop/donation

Owners for information on Preferred Shares- click here https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop/campaign or email us at [email protected]

10/10/2026

We extend our gratitude to Nikki Schaffer, Jeff Udy, Phil Prosapio, and Patricia Pinckney, our valued Purple Carrot Market volunteers, for their efforts in installing our track lighting yesterday.

10/09/2026

There is often confusion between Sprout MN and Purple Carrot Market. What sets them apart? Sprout MN operates as a food hub, one of only two in Minnesota, serving as a distributor for local farmers through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and online store. Additionally, it offers a commercial kitchen for entrepreneurs and cooking classes. In contrast, Purple Carrot Market is a retail grocery store, potentially partnering with Sprout MN as a distributor for local produce, leveraging their existing relationships with farmers. Despite their differences, both entities share a common goal: connecting the community to fresh, locally sourced foods.

10/08/2026

It’s National Co-op Month! 🎉
This October, we’re celebrating the people who are coming together to build a grocery store that belongs to the community.
The 2026 theme is “Built for This Moment.”
Grocery co-ops are built to give communities a voice in something that affects all of us: food.
We may not have opened our doors yet, but we are already building something different—and the people who make it possible are what make our co-op possible.
Thinking about joining the co-op? Why not celebration National Co-op Month and join by October 31. https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop

10/07/2026

Paige & Andrew and Alyssa & Zach have recently joined the Purple Carrot Market community through a generous gift ownership from their parents, owners #923, Melanie and Gary Erickson. Consider gifting ownership to welcome others and build equity in our cooperative. Learn more about purchasing a gift ownership for someone you know: https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop

10/06/2026

Purple Carrot Market continues to seek a General Manager

About Us: Purple Carrot Market, a brand-new cooperative grocery store located in Little Falls, MN is ready to hire our General Manager. We are dedicated to providing local, sustainable, organic and clean conventional products to our members and community. We are committed to cooperative principles, equity, and fostering a thriving local food system.

Purple Carrot Market is a member of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) with an anticipated opening in late 2026. Join our team now to participate in planning, product placement, building supplier relationships and hiring.

Position Summary: The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and operational management of the Purple Carrot Market ensuring the market remains financially sustainable, operationally efficient, and mission-aligned, while delivering high-quality service to owners, shoppers, and the broader community. For a full job description, please click here: https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop/

The GM leads the market’Directors, and champions a vibrant, inclusive, and community-driven cooperative model.

Key areas of responsibility include:

· Leadership & Strategic Management

· Financial Oversight

· Operations Management

· Human Resources & Staff Development

· Marketing, Outreach & Engagement

· Board Relationship & Governance

Little Falls: With an affordable cost of living, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor recreation, Little Fallsand personal well-being. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking and biking trails, fishing, paddling, local arts and cultural events, and a charming historic downtown. Located 90 minutes from the Twin Cities and conveniently located between St. Cloud and the Brainerd Lakes Area, the community offers the amenities of larger regional centers while maintaining the welcoming spirit and close relationships that define small-town living.

Salary range: $55,000-$65,000

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Purple Carrot Market is an equal opportunity employer.

https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop

10/05/2026

Stay informed about Purple Carrot Market's latest updates with our bi-monthly newsletter. Review our October 1st edition and subscribe via the link in the comment box, where you can opt-in.

What an incredible busy week this has been! We kicked off with an exclusive preview of the stunningly renovated Purple Carrot Market for the Little Falls Chamber, followed by a second preview that brought together owners and the community. And to cap it all off, we launched our first fall class with...

10/03/2026

What's Completed?
Our store has been renovated and the final touches are going on the building.
Most of our refrigeration equipment is installed.
Our co-op has learned what it takes to run a successful grocery store.

What's in Progress?
Hiring our General Manager
Establishig our supplier relationships
Locating necessary fixtures at the best possilbe price
Developing policies and procedures

What's Remaining?
Raising the final funding we need to open and operate sustainably

10/02/2026

Are you required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) before year-end? Consider partnering with Purple Carrot Market, which collaborates with North Central Economic Development Assocation(NCEDA), our non-profit fiscal sponsor based in Central Minnesota. Discover why Lynn McCarthy chose to make an RMD distribution to Purple Carrot Market during our FINAL STRETCH:

"To say I am extremely excited in anticipation of the Purple Carrot Co-op being open is an understatement. After prayerful consideration I made the decision to do an additional end of the year RMD donation during this Final Stretch.
Reason being for me personally, I am excited to be able to walk to the market and shop for what I need and plan to use on a daily basis. I find too much food gets wasted when I run to the grocery store and think ‘oh I will use this or that’ and it does not get used and my children come home and check expiration dates!"

If you would like to make an end-of -year RMD distribution to Purple Carrot Market, email us at [email protected] and someone will help you.

10/01/2026

We are pleased to announce the addition of two new owners, Teresina and John, as owners #924 and 925 of Purple Carrot Market, who joined us during the Final Stretch event following a presentation. Please join us in welcoming them!