“We try to give back to the community,” Murphy said. “We’re trying to eliminate childhood obesity.”
Earth Fare has 24 stores in seven states, and is rapidly expanding into Ohio. A store opened near Akron in May, and officials are eyeing sites near Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.
Earth Fare adheres to a “food philosophy” that prohibits antibiotics and synthetic-growth hormones, as well as artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives.
The store refuses to sell products with added trans-fats, sucralose or high-fructose corn syrup. In fact, Earth Fare shoppers can buy Mexican Coca-Cola — which is made with cane sugar — but not its domestic brother.
About 20 percent to 25 percent of the store’s inventory is organic, including 65 percent to 70 percent of the produce. All products are natural, including hair color and makeup.
There also is an olive bar, sushi station, pizza station, salad bar, prepared food station, and a Wellness Department.
Any product labeled “local,” comes from within 100 miles of that store.
“We’ve tried to take a very clear position,” Murphy said. “We’re not giving up on the small farmer, who really is the backbone of the country.”
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