Sparking a Savory Summer with Sustainable Grilled Meats

May 21, 2025

Each year, Memorial Day feels like a summer prequel. The sun is back for longer periods of time, temperatures are zooming ever higher, and it beckons each of us to dust off our grills, stock up on charcoal or tanks of propane, and get back into grilling. Check out a few ideas from Community Foods producers (small-scale, local, sustainable, inclusive, cooperative) to kick off your best grilling season yet.

Seward-made Mediterranean Lamb Burgers

Small-scale, local, sustainable, cooperative

Let Seward Co-op staff do the prep while you fire up that grill. Featuring grass-fed ground lamb from Hutchinson, Minn.’s Lamb Shoppe, salty pieces of feta, mint, garlic, and other herbs, our house-made Mediterranean Lamb Burgers are a mouthwatering flavor for spring. You can also rest easy knowing your meat was respected while it was raised. Lamb Shoppe’s holistic approach to farming and their grazing techniques not only yield high quality lamb, but also foster an environment for both land and animals to flourish.

Tree-Range® Chicken Pieces

Small-scale, local, sustainable, inclusive

Tree-Range® birds are raised in Minnesota by family farmers in ways that are better for animals, people, and the planet. They raise slower-growing breeds of chickens in small flocks that are free-ranged under a protective and productive canopy of trees. Select these organic and sustainable chicken pieces to soak in delicious marinades, rubs, and sauces to easily satisfy any weeknight grilling craving.

Steaks from Blooming Prairie and Peterson Craftsman Meats

Small-scale, local, sustainable

Looking for a cut above the rest? Journey no further than Seward Co-op’s Meat and Seafood department for locally raised steaks. Peterson Craftsman Meats is a local, small-scale, and sustainable multi-generational family farm that focuses on quality, animal care, and environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, Blooming Prairie’s single-origin calves are raised on their mother’s milk until they are old enough to be weaned, then graze on their own in the pasture, where they are well taken care of. Try a ribeye, skirt, or flank steak this early grilling season.

Showcase the flavors of sustainably raised meats and seafoods with homemade marinades and sauces this grilling season. Here are two to get you started.

Zesty Citrusy Marinade

This marinade is especially good on chicken pieces. The acid from the citrus plumps up and lightly tenderizes the protein fibers in the meat, leading to more succulent grilled chicken—and a bright and zippy flavor.

Zesty Citrusy Marinade
Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a flavorful, herby sauce that’s incredible on grilled meats, veggies, and seafoods, and can even be used as a marinade in a pinch!

Chimichurri