Earth Fare, Lake Nona’s first all-natural and organic supermarket, opens soon at 13024 Narcoossee Rd., and we are elated to share the news! From healthy produce, meats and seafood to beauty and everything in-between, guests are guaranteed to shop with confidence in every aisle. The 24,000-square-foot store is quickly approaching its grand opening date.
It all began in 1975, before eating healthy was popular. Earth Fare opened its first 1,200-square-foot store as Dinner for the Earth in Asheville, N.C. Founded by Roger Derrough, he chose this name originally because food grown ecologically is good for the Earth. As the city’s first health food store, the message was simple: offer real food to enable people to take back control of their health. In 1993, Dinner for the Earth became Earth Fare. That first full-service store is still open, and the company has grown to more than 45 stores, primarily across the Southeast. Lake Nona will be Florida’s ninth location.
In the beginning, organic dried bulk foods and wellness products were the focus. As Earth Fare’s product selection has grown, its commitment to clean, healthy food has only become stronger. In 1993, hydrogenated oils were banned from the store’s inventory. Next, in 2001, artificial sweeteners and sucralose were banned. Then, in 2004, high fructose corn syrup was also banned from their shelves.
Today, Earth Fare offers a “Boot List” which names more than 150 ingredients that are banned from their stores. When they say you can shop safely, this is truly what they mean. Earth Fare pledges that all foods are free of added hormones, antibiotics, artificial fats and trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial preservatives, bleached or bromated flour and artificial colors or flavors.
Shoppers could actually shop blindfolded and leave with a cart full of healthy food! That is Earth Fare’s commitment to clean – free from harmful ingredients and chemicals that have been shown to be detrimental to our health.
Laurie Aker, the spokesperson for Earth Fare, took the time to share what makes Earth Fare different and how the store makes healthy eating accessible to everyone. “According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2015, life expectancy for Americans actually declined for the first time in more than two decades. Studies are showing that we are moving in the wrong direction. ‘Live Longer with Earth Fare’ was a direct response to this crisis. We empower Americans to take back their own health through their food choices. ‘Live Longer with Earth Fare’ is a rallying cry for Americans to choose the cleanest, healthiest foods – the kinds of foods found at Earth Fare,” says Aker. Hence the Earth Fare saying: “We read the labels so you don’t have to.”
A program that sets Earth Fare apart is their “Love Local” program. Prior to moving into a new market, they put a call out to local farmers and vendors. It is an opportunity for Earth Fare to not only sample local products but also learn the backstory. “We want to know why Farmer Joe is doing what he does,” says Aker. “We like to get as many local products into the store as possible. The screening process is rigorous, and food must meet our food philosophy and strict quality standards,” she adds.
And When Earth Fare says local, they truly mean it. Hyper-local within a 150-mile radius is the target. The search for local includes everything – not just produce. “Traditionally, local for a grocery store is considered regional, so we took it a step further and kept it within 150 miles,” explains Aker. How can you spot the local products? Look for the “Love Local” signs throughout the store.
How does Earth Fare know what the Lake Nona area community wants? There is a Community Advisory Board in place that acts as a voice for the community. “It is very unique for any company to plant roots in a community and then turn to the community for feedback on what their needs are,” says Aker. In other cities, 20-25 individuals are accepted onto the Community Advisory Board. The Lake Nona location accepted 30 members, mostly due to the outpouring of support and involvement within the community. Aker shares, “The Community Advisory Board in Lake Nona has contributed to our success.”
Jennifer Morgera, R.T., Certified Personal Trainer-NASM, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Earth Fare Community Advisory Board member, shared with us her sentiment on representing the Lake Nona community. Morgera says, “The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital. I’m happy to say we can start that with Earth Fare.”
Having Earth Fare open will make it easy and affordable to support quality health at home. Through Earth Fare’s Clean Food Security program, you will find daily “Meal Deals,” perfect for families on the go with the average cost of $2.50 per person. You’ll find choices such as $5 rotisserie chickens, free of antibiotics and hormones, and $6 16-inch pizzas made with olive oil, not butter, and vine-ripened tomatoes, all offering a phenomenal flavor profile. Add in a full-service cafe, fresh sushi, organic smoothies, 10 for $10 meat and seafood, 10-minute appetizers … no excuse to hit the drive-thru once this store opens!
In closing, Aker adds, “Earth Fare is a full-scale grocery store that has the highest quality standards in the industry, making shopping easy and accessible in a one-stop shop. In terms of overall health and well-being, we found that Lake Nona is a perfect match for Earth Fare.”
There is so much more to share about this unique store. Follow Nonahood News for grand opening details and visit EarthFare.com to learn more about Earth Fare’s food philosophy.
