Business & Tech

Mendota Heights Resident Answers Parents' Dreams With New Business

Mendota Heights native launches organic, home-delivered baby food distribution.

If you’ve ever dreamt of a world where fresh, handmade baby food was delivered straight to your door—you’ll want to read on, because Petit Organics is doing just that.

That’s right. All you have to do is place your order online by selecting from two stages and 20 different flavors. Twenty-four hours later, your Petit Pack will arrive at your door with allergen and gluten-free baby food.

Click here to view Petit Organics delivery area.

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Mendota Heights-area native Christine Johnson recently teamed up with NYC-based Petit Organics to bring fresh, organic, wholesome baby food to the many busy families in the metro area. Growing up Johnson said food was always the center of any major family event or celebration. It wasn’t until years later when she followed in her father’s footsteps and found her own love of cooking.

While working full-time and starting a family of her own, Johnson realized how challenging it was to find the time to make fresh meals for her babies—especially ones that taste good. This led her to experiment with various recipes and ultimately to the Petit Organics family.

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Johnson cooks the food in a local, certified kitchen and all within 24 hours of delivery. Each delivery or "Petit Pack" includes nine 4 oz containers, which is the perfect amount for a three-day supply of fresh baby food. Petit Organics baby food is handmade in small batches without preservatives, pesticides, artificial flavors, syrups, sugars or salt. The containers are all 100 percent recyclable, BPA- and Phthalate-free.

When she’s not cooking or working with Petit Organics founder Michelle Marinis on branding, Johnson can be found chasing after her two small children—Evan and Collins—and spending time with her husband, Cameron. 

Petit Organics opened on April 2.

Q&A with Christine Johnson

Patch: I'd imagine you are saving parents a lot of time with this concept. How have people received Petit Organics so far?

Christine: Our first delivery went out last week, which is very exciting. Petit Organics is brand new to the Twin Cities so word is still spreading. Orders will increase week by week as we already have a 100% re-order rate. 

Patch: As a mother of two young kids, what is your favorite part about offering this service to other families in the Twin Cities area?

Christine: I could not be happier facilitating such a fantastic service to other busy moms and families in the metro area because I have been in your shoes! When you have two small children, sometimes you have to choose between finishing the laundry, running errands, doctors appointments and making fresh baby food. Diet is usually the first priority to drop off the list. Let me help take the stress out of mealtime - it takes just a few clicks for fresh and lovingly made baby food at your doorstep.

Patch: What most interested you in bringing this business to the Twin Cities?

Christine: Twin Cities residents are an educated bunch with very sophisticated palates. The Farmers' Market has grown by leaps and bounds and new restaurants open weekly to appease our demand. What about our foodies-in-training? As a mother myself, I have experienced first-hand how important it is to expose children to unprocessed, flavorful foods from day one. As your baby transitions from Petit Organics baby food to finger and table foods, he/she will not only enjoy eating, but the more options you have as a mother, the easier mealtime prep becomes! I am thrilled to help busy parents in our area by offering their babies fresh, wholesome foods without the hassle.

Patch: Could you briefly describe how you prepare food for babies at different stages of eating solid foods? What are some of the most popular selections?

Christine: Petit Organics offers your little one two stages of flavors. Our Stage One line includes one-ingredient fruits and vegetables pureed for babies aged 4 - 7 months - perfectly smooth and simply delicious options for those very important first bites. The Stage Two line for babies 8 months and older is more adventurous with added texture, ancient grains and even spices! I love these fun flavor combinations - pairing fruits and vegetables alongside grains like quinoa, buckwheat and oats. Each stage offers eight flavors, two of which are seasonally rotated throughout the year based on availability. Our most popular Stage One flavors are Simply Zucchini and Simply Sweet Potatoes. Pear, Oat and Cinnamon as well as Apple, Sweet Potato and Nutmeg are can't miss Stage Two flavors. Bon appetit to you and your bebes.


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