#United States #Lakewood #Natural Grocers #Nutrition Education #Sustainability Award

Natural Grocers® Achieves 2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award

In a remarkable achievement, Natural Grocers®, the largest family-owned natural and organic grocery retailer in the U.S., has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award by The Shelby Report. This recognition highlights the essential role organizations play in promoting sustainability within the food supply chain, honoring those who strive to effect positive environmental and social changes.

Natural Grocers earned this accolade primarily in the Collaborative Impact and Industry Leadership category. The award acknowledges the company's groundbreaking Nutrition Education Program, which serves as a model in advancing accessible nutritional knowledge and fostering community welfare while embracing sustainable practices. By prioritizing nutrition education as a central offering rather than a supplementary feature, Natural Grocers empowers both customers and employees to make informed choices that contribute to individual health and the health of the planet.

Commitment to Nutrition Education

Natural Grocers’ longstanding commitment to nutrition education has been a foundational aspect of the company's mission since it was founded in 1955. This commitment is encapsulated in one of its Five Founding Principles, which have shaped its operations for over seventy years. The company stands out by being the only national grocery chain to employ a full-time Nutritional Health Coach (NHC) in nearly every store. These professionals deliver personalized, evidence-based nutrition education right alongside the products on the shelves.

Each NHC at Natural Grocers completes over 160 hours of ongoing education each year to remain updated on the latest in nutrition science and wellness trends. They offer services such as free one-on-one coaching, personalized shopping experiences, and community classes designed to inspire ongoing, sustainable lifestyle changes among customers.

Raquel Isely, the vice president of marketing at Natural Grocers, expressed the company's philosophy regarding sustainability: “At Natural Grocers, sustainability isn't restricted to our sourcing or operations; it encompasses our commitment to empowering individuals. My grandparents, who founded our business, knew that nutrition education is crucial to creating healthier communities and preserving our planet. We provide the necessary knowledge for customers to make choices that nourish their health and the environment.”

A Replicable Model for Industry Impact

The success of Natural Grocers’ Nutrition Education Program lies in its accessibility and adaptable framework, making it a potential blueprint for enhancing wellness and sustainability in retail environments. Through initiatives like the “Three Essential Hacks for a Healthier You” class series and various community outreach efforts, the program emphasizes a tangible, people-centered approach to sustainability—one based on mutual trust and sharing of knowledge.

Isely noted that in a fast-paced retail world that often prioritizes convenience, Natural Grocers champions the importance of human connections. “Our Nutrition Education Program exemplifies our belief that true sustainability arises from informed individuals making mindful choices, meal after meal,” she stated.

Conclusion

Presented every year, The Shelby Report's Sustainability in the Food Industry Awards celebrate those innovators dedicated to minimizing environmental impact while boosting community engagement and advancing sustainable practices from farm to fork. This recognition of Natural Grocers showcases its continuous efforts to intertwine health, education, and sustainability deeply into its operations.

To learn more about the award and the initiatives by Natural Grocers, visit Natural Grocers Awards and Nutritional Health Coaching Services. Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) not only offers strictly sourced groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements but also emphasizes the need for community and crew commitments. The company continues to perform excellently in its commitment to better health through rigorous education and affordable products for the community.

Headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, Natural Grocers operates 168 stores across 21 states and remains devoted to its founding principles.