In May, we like to muse… about springtime feels, our latest healthy menu ideas, and mostly, about moms. Natural Grocers^® was co-founded by a mom, after all: the fearless, trail-blazing force of nature, Margaret Isely. And we’re honored to have moms in leadership positions throughout our company. So, we want to take this moment to recognize the values Margaret instilled in us, including the Five Founding Principles that have guided Natural Grocers for 68 years. And we want to express our deep gratitude to all the mothers who help us live these principles daily.

Everything we do is rooted in Nutrition Education, which Margaret taught us is the most important gift we can give. It empowers us to take charge of our health, and the life-changing impact this can bring is something we want every mom to experience!

If there isn’t a standard for Quality, healthy empowerment has no foundation. Margaret showed us this too. And we’ve evolved our product standards through the years because she also taught us to always look for the proof. This is why we’re committed to staying current on the latest research about how the products we sell and the processes that create them impact human health, animal welfare, and the planet.

Our story began with our parents struggling to support their young family and provide us with the healthiest lifestyle possible. And that’s why Always AffordableSM Pricing is core to our business model, because we believe a healthy lifestyle should be accessible to everyone. Especially to every mom! Margaret wouldn’t have it any other way.

Finally, it all ties together in Community and Crew. We’re committed to the health and wellbeing of the Crew that makes Natural Grocers great and the Community that makes it possible. And it’s hard to find anyone who embodied genuine care for Community and Crew more than Margaret. She opened her arms to so many who crossed her path and made them a part of her family. Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful people who fill this role! We know so much beauty, strength, complexity, knowledge, and power defines you outside of motherhood. But we also know that we are truly grateful for the magic and the love of the indescribable force we know simply as Mom.

The Isely Family