Shop for Good Health in Bradenton and Sarasota

If you're into good health, organic food, and living naturally, you won't have any trouble finding shops to satisfy your needs in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Nothing makes us feel more at home when relocating to a new community than discovering the right kinds of food to create the recipes we enjoy. Everything you need for a healthful, organic diet, from fresh produce to dairy products, eggs and meat is within a short drive from your Springs Apartments community. 

Jessica's Organic Farm
4180 47th St., Sarasota 

Jessica's is a real gem of a farm in a suburban setting. Established on five acres in 1980 by Bill Pischer as a strawberry-growing farm, they switched to vegetables in the mid-80s and then opened their popular weekend market onsite. Open only from Fridays at noon through the weekend, Jessica's brings fresh, 100 percent-certified organic produce to the Sarasota area. You can also find goat and cow's milk, an assortment of cheeses, eggs, nuts, beans, dried foods, spices, honey and oils and vinegars. 

Richard's Foodporium
4053 Cattlemen Road, Bradenton

Richard's Foodporium opened in 1979 as an independent Sarasota purveyor of healthful food. Richard's now has several locations in Florida, including two in Bradenton, and offers vitamins and supplements, personal care products, gluten-free foods, bulk foods, frozen and dairy foods and natural and organic specialty foods, with an emphasis on affordable pricing. Foodporium has a flair for getting involved in the community with such events as free spinal scans and nutritional blood analyses. This location is just 10 minutes from Springs at Bee Ridge. 

Earth Origins Market
1279 Beneva Road S., 1930 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota

Earth Origins is a small chain that sells organic and natural products, with stores throughout Florida, including two in Sarasota. No products with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are sold. Stores include a deli and grocery, and sell health supplements, earth-friendly cleaning products and personal care products. Check out the blog on their website for advice on everything from adopting a paleo diet (it's what our ancestors used to eat) to maintaining good bone density. Free community events are sponsored monthly to introduce new, healthful products.

Whole Foods Market
1451 1st St., Sarasota 

Whole Foods Market is part of a nationwide, upscale chain of retail stores that sell health food, organic and natural foods and supplements. Don't feel like cooking but you're off fast food? It's the place to go if you want a prepared meal of healthful foods, from sandwiches and snacks, to dinner entrees and side dishes. In addition to a good selection of fresh breads and desserts, tea and coffee, a coffee bar, flowers, wine and pet supplies, they're also known for their fresh seafood and meats. 

We'd love to know about your favorite health and organic food finds. Share them with the community in the comments section below.