ASHEVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Earth Fare, the authentic specialty organic and natural foods grocery store, today opened its newest location at 11054 Lee Highway, offering Fairfax residents the convenience of healthier, happier shopping. The store is Earth Fare’s second in the Commonwealth.

The grand opening celebration began with a ribbon cutting and a $3,000 charitable donation made to Inova Health Systems to fund their Healthy Plate Club. Throughout the day, hundreds of shoppers enjoyed product demonstrations, giveaways, and entertainment.

With 45 locations across the Southeast and Midwest and many more locations to come, Earth Fare is a national brand with local roots, and demonstrates a commitment to each community it serves. Earlier this year, Earth Fare hosted a Local Vendor Fair in search of the area’s best local products for the new store. The company interviewed dozens of local artisans and growers before selecting a variety of vendors, including Moorenko’s Ice Cream, Oat My Goodness Granola, Nigella Therapy Skincare and DC Brau Brewing Company.

To hear what the Fairfax shoppers would want out of the new store, Earth Fare connected with a wide range of community members through its Community Advisory Board. The Board is comprised of local health and wellness experts, as well as residents and community leaders. These individuals have been integral in tailoring the retailer’s approach to the in-store experience and within the community to ensure the store’s offerings meet the needs of local shoppers.

“We could not be more thrilled to now offer Fairfax residents a place to shop for all their families’ grocery needs, knowing their carts are full of only the healthiest, tastiest foods,” said Frank Scorpiniti, president and CEO of Earth Fare. “We are thankful to our local vendors and Community Advisory Board for helping Earth Fare build the best healthy offering, specific to the Fairfax area.”

Earth Fare made headlines one year ago when they challenged Americans to take control of their health through their food choices and Live Longer With Earth Fare®. To further that commitment, Earth Fare launched the first edition of their healthy lifestyle magazine, The Clean Plate – a guide to eating Clean and living a healthier, longer life. Page by page, The Clean Plate walks the reader through why the Earth Fare difference matters by examining every category of the store, outlining Earth Fare’s approach to meat and seafood, pantry staples, prepared foods, bakery, specialty, wellness and beauty. The magazine also highlights many new Earth Fare Private Label products, giving shoppers the opportunity to make healthy choices at an incredible value.

Since 1975, Earth Fare has distinguished itself as a leader in the healthy foods industry by developing a unique Food Philosophy, ensuring that all products sold are free of a variety of unacceptable ingredients, found on Earth Fare’s Boot List. In addition, Earth Fare offers more than 1,000 private brand food products sourced using only non-GMO ingredients, with more added to shelves each day.

Beyond groceries, the new store will also feature Earth Fare’s Heirloom Organic Juice Bar, which serves 100 percent Certified Organic smoothies and juices, and offers custom blends as well as convenient, freshly prepared bottles to go. Shoppers will also find a wide variety of organic choices at Earth Fare’s Fairfax Kitchen, featuring a salad bar, hot foods bar, pizza station, sandwich counter, and conveniently packaged meals-on-the-go. Shoppers can enjoy a homemade meal without the work, whether dining in the 44-seat cafe with free Wi-Fi or taking it home.

Learn more about Earth Fare’s fresh approach to improving lives through a healthier lifestyle at www.earthfare.com.

ABOUT EARTH FARE

Founded in 1975, in Asheville, North Carolina, Earth Fare is one of the largest natural and organic retailers in the country with 45 locations across 10 states in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Their full-service philosophy incorporates the highest food Quality Standards in the industry with compelling value, friendly and knowledgeable service, and a superior shopping experience. It’s a philosophy that makes it easy to live a healthier lifestyle, every day.