Photo and story by Whitney Zumberger
Bluffton Icon intern

Ever wonder what really is in your food or where it comes from? Curious if what you're using to clean your house is healthy for your kids? The Food Store, 103 S. Main St., is the place to go for your answers: A small community store with great knowledge and local products to help your family stay healthy.

On June 15, 1981, Jon and Sally Weaver Sommer opened The Food Store in front of their home on Main Street next to the Bluffton Fire Station.

They began this store because of concern for what was in the products to which they were exposing their young child, after reading the book titled "Diet for a New Planet."

In October 1985 they moved the business to its current location. The Food Store is now owned by the Weaver Sommers and Linda and Hans Houshower. As the business has continued to grow over the years, Linda says "Even now I never dreamed I'd be in a mainstream business."

With a large background of their food, supplements, and other various product,s the staff is ready to assist all customers. Knowing their products has allowed them to specifically help each person with individual health concerns.

The staff encourages customers to take their time making food and supplement choices. Positioned by a window at the front of the store is a table and chairs for customers who wish to learn more by reading through the books on a nearby shelf.

Being one of the few organic stores in northwest Ohio has allowed them to not be a part of a larger business. Not being affiliated with a larger business has allowed them to work with members through the community as producers.

Local producers such as Luginbill Family Farm, Pandora, and Swiss Heritage Farms. Bluffton, provide the store with meats, eggs and cheeses. In addition to selling year-round locally-raised products, the Food Store also sells seasonal items such as turkey, apples, other various fruits and honey.

Although some products are now available in chain stores such as Meijer's or Kroger's, many customers are still willing to drive to Bluffton to purchase bulk food, products not readily available, and a large group of specialty products such as gluten-free products.

"I have about a 45-minute drive to get there, but I know when I get there I will be greeted with a smile and I know they have the products that I would normally not be able to find," said a customer from Botkins.

The Food Store is open on Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Whitney Zumberger is a student in a Bluffton University featuring writing class instructed by Mary and Fred Steiner.