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SantaCruzSentinel.Com February 12, 2021 | READERS CHOICE | 16 loved include our massive bulk sec- tion (largest in the county); a huge produce department with locally sourced, clean organic produce at some of the best prices available; a large vitamin, supplement and cos- metic department offering options for all health and wellness concerns; and a first-rate butcher department with the highest quality of meat, seafood and poultry raised with- out antibiotics and hormones. We are one of the few stores to offer or- ganic grass-fed beef." In addition, the family-owned-and-run natural foods store features an organic juice, smoothie and coffee bar; a large se- lection of artisan cheeses, craft beers and gourmet wine; a full deli with made-to-order options; daily hot and salad bar options; and sushi. There is also a bakery offering many traditional, gluten-free, and vegan options in bread and pastries. In fact, Staff originally started as an organic bakery "…before organic certification was a thing," say store owners. Staff sourced its organic grains and flours from specialty sources. It gained a wide following, selling organic and gluten-free bak- ery items out of the back of a pick-up truck. In 1972 Staff opened a full- fledged natural foods store on Water Street and moved to its current loca- tion in 2011. "Many of our employ- ees have been with us for decades, giving us the history and knowledge of how the natural foods movement started and how to remain relevant in an ever-growing niche." They pride themselves on listening to cus- tomers: "You will find a comment board in the front of the store, and we answer almost every comment or request." When the pandemic hit, owners say, Staff of Life was one of the first grocery stores to implement social distancing. "We quickly worked to make our store safe for both our em- ployees and our customers. We still offer our bulk products and hot and salad bars (staffed by employees, not self-serve) where many stores have shut these services down. Within a matter of weeks, we ramped up online order and curbside grocery pickup and now we offer delivery as well. Unlike services like Instacart, customers enjoy the same prices in the store as well as all sale prices." They are actively involved in the local community, supporting non- profits and schools, donating over $100,000 in the last four years. Staff of Life also participates annually in Ecology Action's Bike to Work Day and works closely with Second Har- vest Food Bank and Grey Bears. They are excited to announce that the new Staff of Life Watsonville location is opening at the end of March, at 906 East Lake Blvd. New Leaf Community Mar- kets was awarded Runner-Up, Best Health Food Store. Between 2015- 2019, they received either first place or runner-up in this category. In ad- dition, they won Best Grocery Store in 2016 and got runner-up for Best Grocery Store in 2015 and 2017. "We are honored to be one of the commu- nity's picks," says Lindsay Gizdich, Associate Brand Manager at New Leaf Community Markets. "Our mission is to nourish and sustain our community and we have been doing so for over 35 years now." They pride themselves on sourc- ing the very best in every category, including supplements in their well- ness department and "…produce that's not only organic, but also grown close to home, and sustain- ably-sourced meat & seafood," says Lindsay. "We have always adapted how we operate to bring the high- quality products we are known for, but even more so since last spring when keeping our customers, staff, and community safe became our highest priority during the pandem- ic." continues on 17... ...continued from 15 Thank You For Voting Lauren Foos The Best Insurance Agent in Santa Cruz! Lauren Foos 2959 Park Avenue Suite B., Soquel (831)477-9870 www.laurenfoos.com Providing Home, Auto & Life Insurance Alison McClure Ohana Wealth Management 2901 Park Ave., Suite B1 • Soquel, CA 95073 alison@ohanawealthmanagement.net ohanawealthmanagement.net With the right plan and people in your corner, we can help you pursue financial freedom. Call us today at 831.216.5519 to get started. Financial Advisor offering securities and investment advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a Broker-Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Ca Insurance License #0C76436 The Reader's Choice Santa Cruz Sentinel 2020 award is created by the Santa Cruz local newspaper. This award was given based on online voting by the public and promotions seen in the local newspaper. This award is given and created as a way for people within Santa Cruz to vote for their favorites businesses within each given industry. The newspaper lists dozens of names/business within each category where this award is specifically given to the top voted firms within the "financial" category. Award is created by using an online poll where Sentinel readers and the public weigh in on the best of everything throughout Santa Cruz County. Listing in this publication is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. Thank you Santa Cruz County for voting us the #1 Investment Advisor and the #1 Investment Firm for 2020! " "

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