From the day the store opened in June of 2000, Prairie Harvest has offered organically grown foods, fresh and bulk, that minimize packaging and processing whenever possible. Our relaxing setting has provided a place where folks can sit down for a cup of fairly traded coffee or tea and meet a friend by appointment or coincidence.
In September of 2005 Prairie Harvest moved from a small storefront into our corner location at 6th and Main Streets. On the eve of our move, over 50 folks, children and elderly alike, lined Main Street to pass products from hand to hand, kicking off the relocation weekend. This location features the original tin ceilings and wooden floors of the 1880's building. Prairie Harvest was blessed to have craftsmen from the community join in to recycle displays and package product. Others continue to bring their musical talent, recipe ideas, product suggestions, and out-of-town visitors to enliven the store. We added a deli where folks can enjoy soups and wraps in store or at home.An avid baker and cook for more than 20 years, Prairie Harvest co-owner and co-founder, Becky Nickel delights in sampling new store products and integrating them in her recipes. Having lived overseas for several years, she brings an Asian flair to her choice of food and body care products for the store. Becky and her family are involved in a small-scale farming operation of their own, which has helped them learn to appreciate the challenges that Kansas growers face in caring for their land and water resources.
Co-owner Carrie Van Sickle started with Prairie Harvest as the manager in July 2003. A native Kansan, she learned to cook from her mother, hanging over the stove while waiting for dinner. A degree in Recreation led to a lifestyle of healthy eating and physical activity for her whole family. Daily activity may include running, biking, swimming and rowing. Previously a professional baker, Carrie made Eat Your Vegetables Café famous for her signature desserts and scones. Access to the body of knowledge about nutrition and supplements has helped support Carrie's active lifestyle and transitional health needs.
