Health store has new home
Trish Kinsey looks for the perfect dressing at the new Mission Mountain Natural Foods grocery store in Polson. The store has been open for more than 35 years, but has recently moved into the old Ponderae Bar and Restaurant.
POLSON — Mission Mountain Natural Foods of Polson has moved into a new building on Main Street, with triple the retail space.
The natural grocery store has a variety of earth and health friendly products to choose from, and has been operating under the same ownership for more than 35 years.
Owner Colleen Pinkney said the natural grocer wasn’t always as popular as it’s become.
“It wasn’t in the news and on everybody’s mind everyday,” she said of healthy eating habits, adding that there’s more awareness now.
Pinkney believes fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to a daily diet. Not only are those items offered at the grocer, but other healthy foods are as well.
“The magic pill doesn’t exist,” Pinkney said. “It’s all related to diet, exercise and lifestyle. It’s a full package of taking care of yourself.”
There is a long aisle of teas available at the new location: anything from respiratory health to nursing health. Seeds, herbs, non-dairy and alternate eating options fill the aisles of the bigger store.
Barbara Tack has been shopping at the store since 2005.
She said that as she’s preparing for a trip to the Himalayas she has had to remove sugars and eat less pasta, and comes to the store often to get such items.
“The quantity is more,” she said of the new location, adding that her new diet started with detoxification.
Shopper Trish Kinsey said there’s more gluten-free products to choose from in the new location.
“I’m a gluten-free girl,” she said, adding that the increased organization has helped her shopping experience.
Pinkney said the old location is also getting a few touch-ups and will be used for gifts, books and housewares in the near future.
“Cooking your own food is almost as healing as eating it,” Pinkney said.