Reading residents have a trusted source for natural nutrition and wellness guidance at Nature’s Garden Natural Foods & Shoes. Founded in 1977 by Susanne Fiori, the family‑run shop has evolved from a modest grocery to a full‑service health‑coaching hub.
Roots in community health
Fiori recalls her original mission: “I wanted to help people take responsibility for their own health through diet and nutrition.” In the late 1970s, many relied heavily on pharmaceuticals, and Fiori saw an opportunity to offer natural alternatives. She began stocking nutritional supplements and even sold tofu from five‑gallon buckets before the product was widely packaged.
Expanding expertise
In 1996, naturopathic doctor Cindy Boyer joined the store, initially working as a cook before becoming co‑owner. Boyer says, “I wanted people to eat healthier,” and together they introduced a broader range of organic foods, dark chocolate, teas, and coffees. Today the grocery aisle still features a curated selection of organic snacks and beverages.
Both women have deepened their credentials over the years. Boyer earned her naturopathic doctorate, allowing the store to address health concerns by “looking at the cause of the symptom and trying to find natural ways to support the body to heal itself.” Fiori adds that their supplement inventory now spans roughly 80 feet of shelving, with products backed by clinical trials.
Free daily health‑coach consultations
One of the store’s most distinctive offerings is its free, on‑the‑floor health‑coach consultations. Every day, staff members walk the aisles, answering questions about nutrition, stress management, and brain‑function support. “We do free consultations in the aisle every day,” Boyer explains, emphasizing the personal, hands‑on approach.
Fiori describes vitamins as “cellular insurance,” underscoring the store’s belief that proper supplementation can fill nutritional gaps and promote overall well‑being.
Footwear that fits a natural lifestyle
Beyond food and supplements, Nature’s Garden also carries footwear that aligns with its health philosophy. The store introduced Birkenstock sandals in 1978, noting that the cork footbed warms to body temperature (98.6 °F) and molds to each wearer’s foot, providing excellent arch support.
“Today, everybody wants it,” Boyer says, reflecting the enduring popularity of supportive, natural‑material shoes.
Community outreach and education
To further its mission, the shop hosts a weekly Facebook Live series called “Healthy Living with Nature’s Garden.” Every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fiori and Boyer discuss a specific health topic and answer viewer questions, fostering a virtual community of wellness‑focused residents.
The store also stocks durable, locally‑made apparel and accessories, such as Darn Tough socks from Vermont and Haiku Bags crafted from recycled plastic water bottles, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, health‑positive products.
Local impact
For nearly five decades, Nature’s Garden has remained a cornerstone of Reading’s health‑conscious community. By offering free expert advice, a wide array of organic options, and footwear that supports the body, the shop embodies the town’s growing emphasis on personal responsibility for health—a value that resonates with families seeking wholesome choices.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
