What makes local health food stores like Dean’s Natural Food Market important to local communities? The very fact that they are embedded within the same communities that they work in. Small businesses recognize their frequent shoppers by face, not by statistics. At Dean’s we can special order products just for you because unlike big box stores, we don’t have to make purchases based on a uniform selection of products, so we are better able to work with our local partners to find products that work for you.
Our stores have a hyper-local focus because we know that the communities we work and live in are unique and we want to cater to what makes our communities so special. We purchase local products whenever possible to support other businesses in our community and to cater to local tastes. Our produce department is 100% organic and we support the non-GMO initiative. Dean’s take great pride in offering local, natural, pesticide-free, gluten-free, plant-based options to fit the needs of many different lifestyles. If an ingredient list doesn’t meet Dean’s rigorous quality standards, the product never reaches our shelves. The products you use and the foods you consume have monumental impacts on your overall health, and for the past 25 years, we’ve done all we can to make that impact a good one.
In the past year, our community has relied on us for quality products, especially immune-boosting supplements and produce. Our nutrition team and the rest of our Dean’s Team were there to answer questions and guide customers toward products that fit their specific needs. We have a loyal customer base and we are grateful to our customers who have continued to shop with us, whether in-store, online through Instacart, or curbside pickup.
Dean’s Natural Food Market has been rooted in community engagement since its inception. We give three percent of our Dean’s List revenue to local organizations in the community. Dean’s has donated over $250,000 since first opening in 1996. We have worked with many local non-profit organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties, Kick Cancer Overboard, the Monmouth County SPCA, Mary’s Place by the Sea, Hometown Heroes, and many more.
Dean’s recognizes the value in fostering good physical, mental, and emotional health, which translates to a better quality of life. We host in-store events as well as partner with groups in our local community to educate on topics such as health and wellness. These events give us insight into the needs of the community. Although this past year has come with its fair share of challenges, we are excited to be hosting more virtual and in-person events, to share beneficial information and skills with the community. If you would like to host an event with Dean’s Natural Food Market, please email Info@dnfm.com for more information. We are humbled by the support of our local community and honored to continue providing you with quality products and services for a healthier & happier life.