THE TOP ‘HEALTH’ FOOD STORES WITH THE BEST VALUES

ASHLEY DAY
A&E EDITOR

Lately, the buzzwords in the culinary world are “local,” “farm fresh” and “organic.” People want to eat foods made from the highest quality ingredients. Thus, the “health” store craze has ensued. Here’s the scoop on the most popular health markets in San Diego County:

Henry’s Farmers Market:

Originally named “Boney’s,” after the owner Henry Boney, Henry’s Farmers Market began as a San Diego based family-owned produce stand during the 1940s. Later, the family changed the name to “Henry’s” and now a chain of full scale Henry’s Markets exist. According to their website, www.henrysmarkets.com, Henry’s offers mostly California grown fresh produce, natural cuts of meat that contain no antibiotics, steroids or added hormones, daily fresh baked breads and pastries and tons of other food and household products. Henry’s mission statement is to provide customers with a family friendly atmosphere and lower prices. Prices are among the lowest in the health store competition. The grocery store offers an online view of their weekly grocery ad at henrysmarkets.com. The company website reveals many locations close to campus.

Trader Joe’s:

Traderjoes.com says this health market started in the 1950s as a little convenience store chain. Trader Joe’s prides itself in not using “gimmicks” to wrangle in customers. Trader Joe’s website says the store tries to buy directly from suppliers, so they do not need to drive up prices for the customer. Trader Joe’s offers foods that are vegan, vegetarian, kosher and fat free. They also supply gluten-free, all natural foods that do not contain artificial flavors, preservatives or added Trans fats. Trader Joe’s lower prices compete with Henry’s. The closest locations to campus are in Escondido, Oceanside and Encinitas.

Whole Foods:

This chain of “health” food stores happens to be the trendy store of the moment. Pop culture magazines show photos of celebrities who tote around Whole Foods paper shopping bags. According to Wholefood.com, the chain commits to ‘selling the highest quality natural and organic products.’ There are more than 300 locations in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom combined. Whole Foods originated out of Austin, TX in 1980. The website reveals the store sells all natural meats that farmers or ranchers treated humanely. Whole Foods offers a loan program to local producers of food as well, because they believe that local businesses need a chance to grow and develop. Whole Foods is pricier than all the other health food stores listed. The only Whole Foods close to campus is located in La Jolla.

Sprouts Farmers Market:

Sprouts developed in Arizona, but expanded its locations to California, Colorado and Texas. Like other competitive ‘health’ food stores, sprouts.com says the grocery store commits itself to selling the freshest meat, bread and produce. “Helping America eat healthier, live longer and spend less,” is Sprouts’s mission statement. Their weekly ads run from Wednesday – Tuesday of the following week and consumers may view them online at sprouts.com. Sprouts offers competitive low prices, compared to other healthy stores. Conveniently for CSUSM students, Sprouts is located in San Marcos off of Las Posas.

Jimbo’s…Naturally!:

Jim “Jimbo” Someck opened the first Jimbo’s in 1984. Jimbos.com reveals the small chain is exclusively a San Diego based health food store. Only four locations exist in San Diego County. The mantra of Jimbo’s is organic (whenever possible) natural food. Jimbo’s commits itself to community outreach and takes an active role on health education. The closest location to campus is in Escondido.