ASHEVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Earth Fare, the authentic specialty organic and natural foods grocery store, opened its fifth Florida location on Wednesday, April 19 at 2405 SW 27th Ave in Ocala, Florida. The grand opening celebration began with a ribbon cutting and a $6,500 charitable donation to Feed the Need, a local nonprofit designed to positively impact underprivileged and homeless youth.
Though Earth Fare operates 40 stores in 9 states across the Southeast and Midwest, the company strives to offer a unique experience in each market it serves. Earlier this year, Earth Fare hosted a Local Vendor Fair in search of the area’s best local products for the new store. The company interviewed dozens of local artisans and growers before selecting more than 40 products, including Monica’s Cococastile Soap and Wagyu beef from Triple J Cattle Co.
Continuing its commitment to supporting the Ocala area, Earth Fare connected with a wide range of community members through its Community Advisory Board. The Board is comprised of local health and wellness experts, as well as residents and community leaders. These individuals have been integral in tailoring the retailer’s approach to the in-store experience to ensure the store’s offerings meet the needs of local shoppers.
“We are committed to helping people live longer by providing the cleanest assortments of healthy food available in North America,” said Frank Scorpiniti, president and CEO of Earth Fare. “Our Local Vendor Fair and Community Advisory Board establish an open dialogue with the Ocala community, so that we can exceed expectations and keep the conversation going.”
Earth Fare made headlines earlier this year when they challenged Americans to take back control of their health through their food choices and Live Longer With Earth Fare®. Since 1975, Earth Fare has distinguished itself as a leader in the health foods industry by developing a unique Food Philosophy that informs every product offered in the store. This Food Philosophy ensures that all products sold are free of high fructose corn syrup, artificial fats and trans-fats, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, bleached or bromated flour, and are never administered antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones. The full list of banned ingredients can be found on Earth Fare’s Boot List.
In addition, Earth Fare recently announced that its more than 750 private brand food products are now sourced using only non-GMO ingredients, and new products are added to the shelves each day.
Beyond groceries, the new store will also feature Earth Fare’s Heirloom Organic Juice Bar, which serves 100 percent Certified Organic smoothies and juices, and offers custom blends as well as convenient, freshly prepared bottles to go. Shoppers will also find a wide variety of organic choices at Earth Fare’s Ocala Kitchen, featuring a salad bar, hot foods bar, pizza station, sandwich counter, and conveniently packaged meals-on-the-go. Shoppers can enjoy a homemade meal without the work, whether dining in the café with free Wi-Fi or taking it home.
Learn more about Earth Fare’s fresh approach to improving lives through a healthier lifestyle at www.earthfare.com.
ABOUT EARTH FARE
Founded in 1975, in Asheville, North
Carolina, Earth Fare is one of the largest natural and organic retailers
in the country with 40 locations across 9 states in the Southeast,
mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Their full-service philosophy incorporates the
highest food Quality Standards in the industry with compelling value,
friendly and knowledgeable service, and a superior shopping experience.
It’s a philosophy that makes it easy to live a healthier lifestyle,
every day.
Live Longer with Earth Fare®
