Vector Foods European Market

1812 w Court Avenue, Chariton, IA 50049
641 217 4034

There’s a sizable Ukrainian community in south central Iowa, in and around Chariton, and there’s a great import store on their main square. Vector Foods European Market has a wide range of high quality products from most of the countries of the former Soviet Union and many Eastern European countries. I usually pick up dark bread, kvass, a selection from the wide assortment of Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish chocolates, various cookies and baked goods, dried and pickled mushrooms, deli items, and buckwheat groats, among other things. Last time I was there I found black currant compote from Poland, which is a favorite. There’s also a decent selection of smoked fish and caviar. Don’t miss the freezer in the back for ice cream and large rye bread loaves, or the fridge in front with whole cakes. The prices are reasonable, and the proprietor friendly and helpful. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth the drive!

The Ukrainian community has been in the news of late because of Russia’s war against Ukraine. I can only imagine that the providers of many of the goods will be hard pressed to continue to produce their products during this terrible war. It’s sobering to read on the packages of some items the names of cities in Ukraine that are now familiar, because they are being bombed and people are dying. Or the name of Russian towns across the border which are serving as bases for the invaders.

#нетвойне #славаукраїні