Choosing a Health Food Store

Posted June 17, 2013 / 3:00 p.m.



While I've been posting a lot of information about herbals, supplements, and gluten-free products, I haven't yet blogged about the importance of finding a reputable health food store near you.

A health food store typically offers a wide array of vitamins/supplements and specialized foods not found in your typical drug store/grocery store.  Specialized foods would include food products and supplements that cater to the dietary needs of diabetics, people with gluten intolerances and other allergies, athletes, vegetarians, etc.  Maybe you need extra calcium because you're at risk for osteoporosis.  Maybe you want a fluoride-free toothpaste or sulfate-free shampoo.  Maybe you want the purest fish oil on the market.  Whatever your particular needs, a health food store can be an invaluable source in helping you achieve your wellness goals.

My family goes to Harvest Moon Natural Foods, a family-owned business that's been serving southern Johnson County for the past 19 years.  I like this particular health food store for several reasons: 

1.  Location (conveniently located just a few blocks from our house in south Olathe). 

2.  Products (they usually have what I need, and if not, they will special-order just about anything as a courtesy to customers).

3.  Knowledgeable staff (ask for Joy -- she knows her stuff).

4.  Healthy Buyers' Club (for a $15 annual membership, you get a 20% discount the first Tuesday each month on all regular-priced merchandise -- excluding BOGOs -- and a 5% discount all other days throughout the year).

5.  Competitively priced (and lower than the competition when using the 20% monthly discount).

While I still purchase some of my vitamins and supplements on-line, it's comforting to know I have a reputable health food store close by, and the 20% discount is a huge incentive to buy local.   I don't know about you, but I feel good supporting the local economy; saving money in the process is an added plus for sure!  :)