Cooperative receives Munson Community Health Partner recognition
Munson Healthcare today recognized Oryana Natural Foods Market with its Community Health Hero Award.
The award was presented by the Munson Healthcare Community Health Committee to honor the 42-year-old cooperative’s continued dedication to promoting high quality, sustainably grown food as a foundation for the community.
“Oryana’s efforts to educate people about nutrition and its outreach to teach individuals, families, and students in area schools about the value of growing, cooking, and enjoying local vegetables makes it a resource for a healthy community,” said Dan Johnson, chair of the Munson Healthcare Community Health Committee. “It’s also important to note that since 2009 they have awarded $38,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations with missions related to the overall health of the community.”
Every day, Oryana staff perform cooking demonstrations in the store. The cooperative offers group and individual tours of the store aimed at teaching people how to shop economically and in a way that will help them lower blood sugar, weight, and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol, and digestive health. Canning classes also are available through a partnership with Michigan State University’s Extension Service.
Each month, Oryana has an ongoing healthy food drive that benefits food pantries in the five-county area. Its store stocks produce from 128 local farms and it invests $1.7 million in locally purchased products for its store.
“We appreciate and applaud the many efforts Oryana has shown over the years to promote healthy eating and a thriving local farm culture,” said Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare. “They are very worthy of this recognition.”
More information on the Community Health Hero Award, as well as past winners, is available at munsonhealthcare.org/communityhealth-heroes.