About Natural Foods Market

Our History

Our story began on Main Street, Johnson City, TN in 1981 under the leadership of Natural Foods Market founder, Patsy Meridith. A woman with a mission and vision to provide an opportunity for people to learn a sense of personal responsibility for their health. As she developed relationships, educated customers, and developed trust, a sense of community developed and a bigger facility was necessary; so, in 1998, Natural Foods Market, Inc. expanded to Peoples Street in March 1998. After 40 years working with and developing relationships with staff and customers, Patsy made the difficult decision to retire and entrusted Natural Foods Market to the care of the Bickford Family in 2020. 

For almost the entirety of our existence, we have supported organizations that promote and encourage business success by being a member of:

• The National Federation of Independent Businesses 
• The Natural Products Association (our industry's national trade association)
• The Southeast Natural Products Association (our industry's regional trade association)
• Independent Natural Foods Retailer's Association (national independent retailer's group) 

We adhere to an industry-wide code of ethics that states: "We will sell only those products and provide only those services that are truthfully and legally labeled and be responsible and ethical in our relationships with customers, associates, peers, suppliers & competitors".

Our Mission

Our mission is to make a heartfelt difference in the lives of our customers and our community by providing products and resources that promote healthy lifestyles.

Our Vision

 To create an environment where all staff and customers feel encouraged, educated, and empowered to take control of their health and wellness journey. 

Natural Foods Market carries:

• Gluten free foods
• Organic foods
• Supplements
• Body care products
• Vitamins
• Other health products

Meet Our Team

	Jill - Owner Welcome to our store! I was born and raised in Bolivar, PA and moved to Johnson City in 1997.  During my time here, I have earned a bachelors degree from Milligan and a certificate of accounting from Linfield College, married Steve, raised four children, and become an avid runner.  Clean eating and nutritional supplements have been a staple in my life for nearly two decades and big part of why I am healthy and able to enjoy an active life.  I love hearing customer stories, connecting them to resources, and learning more about my hometown.  It is my pleasure to play a small part in the overall health and wellness of my community.
	Steve - Spouse of Owner I am originally from Napa, CA, the Marine Corps moved me here in 2004, and I chose to retire here in 2008.  I have a BA from the Citadel and MEd. Jill and I met at Milligan in 2011 and we married in 2013.  We have four children between us; Patrick, Nicholas, Gabrielle, and Zachary.  I seek to help improve our community through mutually supporting local businesses and providing resources to our customers to help them achieve their best health.  Since January 2020, my role here has been to support my wife, Jill, and our fantastic staff.
	Amy I'm from Greenville, TN, and my interests include cooking, music, reading about health, and self-improvement. My husband John and I married in 2005. As a Health Advisor/Supplements Buyer since 1997, I think the key to success is keeping a good sense of humor.
	Tony I love the topics of spirituality and philosophy. I enjoy learning about advanced technologies and keep various kinds of arachnids. It is truly a pleasure to be a Health Advisor and Buyer on the Supplements Team at Natural Foods Market since I began in June of 1999.
	April I was raised in White Pine, TN. I love taking care of my daughter, reading, and live music. Having been a member of the NFM family since Feb, 2002, I'm presently the Head Grocery Buyer.
	Delores Born in Elizabethton, I have lived most of my life in East Tennessee, other than 3 years spent in Detroit. At a very early age, I met Bill Black & Scotty Moore, 2 of Elvis Presley's friends. While in the Canal Zone, Panama, I watched the first navy ship on its way to Vietnam. I love walks in the evenings, live entertainment and spending time with my family.
	Sadie I was born in Sevierville and raised in Johnson City.  I have been a vegetarian my whole life.  In my free time I enjoy roller skating, making jewelry, painting, cooking, or watching nature documentaries with my boyfriend.  I joined the Natural Foods Market team in August 2020 as a cashier.  I am the Produce Buyer and a Health Advisor.
	Timothy Healthcare is a priority for me and I love the variety and quality that we provide here. I have a passion for small business marketing, graphic design and web development. I joined Natural Foods Market as Stock Clerk in April 2022.
	Wendy I joined Natural Foods Market as Store Assistant in April 2022.
	Meghan I was born in Boston, MA and moved to East Tennessee 7 years ago. I have worked as a cashier for Natural Foods Market since July 2022. I'm very interested in natural remedies as well as ways to improve overall health through food!
	Kim I am originally from Florida.  I moved to Virginia about 4 years ago but now I live in Tennessee.  I love eating healthy and enjoying being with health conscious people.  I currently work from home full time for a health insurance company.  I am please to serve and be involved in the community by joining Natural Foods Market as a Cashier as of July 2022.  I currently help our team as Store Assistant and Keyholder.
	Emma I joined Natural Foods Market as Cashier in September 2022 and currently help as a Store Assistant.
	Hannah I joined Natural Foods Market as Cashier in August 2023.
	Jana I joined Natural Foods Market as Cashier in September 2024.
	Josie I joined Natural Foods Market as Store Assistant in January 2025.

Meet our Family

Each of our children has helped us with our mission in the store, you may have seen their faces behind the register or stocking the shelves.  They continue to serve in their community by helping others.

	Patrick I grew up in Johnson City, TN and graduated with a degree in Creative Technology and Design from the University of Colorado Boulder.  I have a full time job as a Software Engineer in Santa Monica, CA.
	Nick I grew up in Jacksonville, NC and moved here full time in 2020.  Music and art are my passions.  I have a full time position as a Service Technician.
	Gabrielle Raised here in Johnson City, TN.  I have a Masters of Education from Milligan and I have full time employment as teacher.  Married to my best friend and fellow teacher, Noah.
	Zack Raised in Jacksonville, NC and moved here in 2019. I graduated from Milligan with a Bachelors of Psychology and a Masters of Education in Special Education.  Full time teacher and soccer Coach for the school and local soccer club.