Member owned and operated food cooperative. Good selections of local and organic produce, vitamins, body care products, bulk goods, snacks, frozen and refrigerated foods, and more. Open Mon-Sat 9:00am-8:00pm, Sun 9:00am-6:00pm.
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91 Valley St, Willimantic, Connecticut, USA, 06226
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- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 18 Apr 2017 by Vegandra
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11 Reviews
First Review by kristin.mcshane
BettySlutsky
Points +1000
Great co-op! - Edit
They’ve got it all! A robust bulk section, a beautiful abundance of produce, a pleasing array of beverages, snacks, and personal care products. The people of Willimantic are fortunate to have this place.
Read morePros: Selection , Vibe, Staff
Guest
MarcieMosier
Points +222
Vegan options abound! - Edit
I love the co-op! They have loads of vegan and vegetarian options. I also love that they support the community!
Read moreGuest
mark m braunstein
Points +481
the best selection of organic produce in eastern CT - Edit
Willimantic Coop is a blessing. As a member since 1994, I can attest it offers the best variety and quality of organic and local produce in eastern CT, and every day, not just right after delivery days. Fiddleheads Food Coop’s OG produce is excellent, while Willi’s is even better. I've been a member also of Fiddleheads since 2008 when it began as a Saturday farmers market in New London, from which I live 5 miles away. I live 25 miles from Willi, yet I shop at both. Need I say more? Okay, I’ll say more.
Read moreWhether you shop at one or at both, it’s prudent to shop at either, as both offer viable alternatives to shopping at Amazonian half-Whole Foods. WF stocks huge quantities of produce, but not wide varieties, and WF’s chemically grown produce outnumbers its OG produce. In contrast, the two coops carry only OG produce. Further, WF defines locally grown as within 400 miles, while the two coops set their limits to 100 miles.
The staff at both coops are welcoming and helpful, but Fiddleheads experiences a rapid turnover, so you can build more enduring relationships at Willi. Higher staff retention rate at Willi may be due to its offering better pay and benefits. (Yet, Willi’s prices either match or beat Fiddle’s. And Willi offers 5% discount to seniors, while Fiddle offers none.) Other factors for staff retention might hinge on the socio-economic differences between the two host cities, but never mind.
As a vegan, I have traditionally favored Willi over Fiddle because until 2010 Willi offered a safe haven for vegans and vegetarians, as its foods for humans had been all vegetarian. (Its foods for companion animals all along contained farm animals.) Willi’s fall from innocence did initially alienate me, but I got over that. Willi’s cadavers are confined to fewer freezer units than at Fiddle. Fiddle also displays meat in a long open-top refrigerator aisle, like open caskets. Rotting meat odors seep thru even the cellophane wrap.
During the early pandemic pandemonium of 2020, both coops closed their doors to shoppers, Willi for much longer. Both coops saw an upsurge of new shoppers beckoning at their doorsteps. Both staffs stepped up to meet the challenge of providing members and non-members alike with pre-order curbside pickup. Wiili’s parking lot transformed into a veritable racetrack with customers’ car engines all revving at the starting line. Yet Willi’s staff embraced their new job descriptions as parking lot jockeys, and everyone remained well fed.
Pros: the high quality OG and local produce, its friendly staff and welcoming ambiance, the entrancing flower garden outside its entrance
Guest
long_egg
Points +368
Cool - Edit
Liked all the options here, especially their large bulk section. Pre-made options were good. Produce looked fresh and tasty. Staff was friendly, too. Will be back when I'm in the area again.
Read morePros: Huge bulk section, Nice staff
Guest
mgnms
Points +34
My favorite store - Edit
The best produce around. Excellent vegan foods and products. The staff are amazing.
Read moreGuest
NellyLugo
Points +24
Great selection - Edit
Great selection
Read moreGuest
CaitlinLovesLife
Points +1643
Great vegan and organic grocery spot - Edit
I’ve been coming here since I was a child in the 90’s before they moved to Valley Street. They have an amazing selection of flavored cashews (my favorite is curry), nuts, fruit, granola, candy, etc. by the pound, as well as vegan faux meats, ice creams, sweets, and even pre-made meals from other vendors. I love that you can sit and relax and one of the painted tables after you do your shopping. I hope this place stays the same!! There’s enough Whole Foods in the world, but there’s only one Willi Food Coop...
Read morePros: Amazing variety , Very organized, Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Cons: Some items are quite pricey
Guest
emilyy_wells
Points +213
fav co-op - Edit
my family has been shopping here for quite some time, and our experience is always great. the staff is friendly, and they have an abundance of vegan goodies, including some pre-packaged meals to go from local restaurants. they also have a great bulk foods aisle and kombucha on tap, which is perfect for reducing your waste!!
Read morePros: bulk foods selection, great atmosphere
Guest
KittyC
Points +28
Love this place - Edit
I drive well out of my way to shop here. They have the best produce compared to any other market in the area. Tons of organic options, lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free choices and they always have something fun to try in their prepared foods case. The staff are incredibly friendly, fun, and helpful. This place is a gem.
Read moreGuest
Sarah P
Points +8853
my favorite co-op ever - Edit
I've been a member of Willi Co-op since I was a teen growing up in the area, and this co-op remains my favorite ever for vegan selection, locally-sourced products and produce, and genuine friendly upbeat vibe. There are vegan take-away choices in the cooler, as well as almost any bulk item or supplement a vegan could need.
Read morePros: vegan vitamins and supplements, friendly and upbeat, great vegan bulk and shelf choices
Guest
kristin.mcshane
Points +73
Awesome place to shop - Edit
Although a little out of my way, I love making trips to the Willimantic Co-op. They have an awesome selection of vegan items and the staff is really nice and helpful. They also stock a lot of locally produced items.
Read morePros: Great Selection, Friendly Staff
Cons: On the pricey side, limited hours
Guest
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