New Kid in Town

I recently found out that Natural Grocers is coming to town. After a few minutes of research online, I found out that Natural Grocers is a subsidiary of Vitamin Cottage with headquarters in Denver.  They sell pre-made meals, and specialize in organic, healthy foods.  A store in Helena is also in the works. 

I’m sure some people are very excited about a new grocery store coming to town but I’m feeling some trepidation about it.  It remains to be seen how many local food choices they will offer but to me, the bottom line is that the company is not local.  I’ll continue to shop at my true local grocers, the Good Food Store, for the bulk of my food items.  That way I know my food dollars are not only supporting local farmers and food producers but also local employees and employers.  My money will remain in the Missoula economy, not go back to some unknown executives in Denver. 

I’m sure you will find me in the aisles of Natural Grocers within days of opening just like many other Missoulians.  I can’t help but check things out.  If I find products there that I like, I may return occasionally.  And if they do, hopefully, place local products on their shelves, that “occasionally” may turn into “somewhat frequently” but they can never replace the almost total local experience I can get at the Good Foods Store.