About Natural Foods Market

Our History

Natural Foods Market opened in June of 1981 as an independent health food store in 350 sq ft in Downtown Johnson City. It was a place created to provide an opportunity for people to learn a sense of personal responsibility for their health. In March of 1998, Natural Foods Market relocated and expanded into 4500 sq ft at its current location in the Johnson City Crossing. Patsy Meridith was the original owner and founder, Jill and her husband, Steve, took over the mission and vision in January 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

Natural Foods Market caters to those in search of a diverse selection of wholesome, nutritious foods and safe, effective dietary supplements and all-natural personal care products. Characterized by exemplary customer service, comprehensive education, and high standards of product purity, Natural Foods Market is the preferred source for quality alternative products and dedicated trustworthy service in our region. As such:

We strive to make a healthy and heartfelt difference in our customers' lives.
We take pleasure in providing a friendly, fun, accessible learning environment.
We take the time to listen to our customers and develop long-term relationships.
We take pride in carefully selecting products based on the quality of ingredients.
We support local producers and their participation in environmental sustainability.
We use extensive up-to-date resources to assist in providing for customer's needs.
And we always gladly guarantee our customer's satisfaction with their purchases.

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.
	Zack Originally from Jacksonville, NC. I am a student-athlete at Milligan. I joined the Natural Foods Market team in January 2020 as stock clerk and cashier.
	Gabrielle Originally from Johnson City, TN. I am a graduate student at Milligan. I joined the Natural Foods Market team in March 2020 as stock clerk and cashier.
	Patrick I'm originally from Johnson City, TN but recently graduated with a degree in Creative Technology and Design from the University of Colorado Boulder. Remote classes brought me home to join the team as Cashier and IT Specialist in August 2020.
	Nick Originally from Jacksonville, NC. Music and art are my passions. I joined the team here in August 2020.
	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 began my role as Store Assistant in September 2021.
	Hailey I study herbs and make homemade teas. I groom and train dogs and I train and ride horses. I spend most of my time drawing different creatures, like dragons and wolves. I joined the Natural Foods Market team in August 2021 as a cashier.
	Mercy I am from the Knoxville area. I am currently in nursing school and I have a passion for health and well-being. I joined the Natural Foods Market Team as a Cashier in January 2022.
	Parker I joined the Natural Foods Market Team as a Cashier in February 2022.
	Ashley I am from Johnson City, I am a high school Senior and will be a collegiate student-athelete in the fall of 2022. I joined the Natural Foods Market Team as a Cashier in February 2022.
	Geno I am from Elizabethton, TN. Over the years, I developed a keen interest in herbs, vitamins, and whole foods as a means to overall wellness. I studied towards a BFA in Cinematic Arts at Columbus College of Art & Design. I joined the Natural Foods Market Team as a Store Assistqant/Cashier in February 2022.
	Timothy I joined Natural Foods Market as Stock Clerk in April 2022.
	Wendy I joined Natural Foods Market as Store Assistant in April 2022.