Greensburg’s healthy alternative to fast food

Greensburg is a city that offers a variety of restaurants, bars, boutiques, fast food establishments, and unique shops. There is a little something for everyone in the “Burg”.
Nature’s Way, located on 796 Highland Avenue, in Greensburg, is an independent grocery store that caters to the likes of health-nuts, vegetarians, and vegans (yes, there is a huge difference).

By Jeremy Barrick

Online Editor

Greensburg is a city that offers a variety of restaurants, bars, boutiques, fast food establishments, and unique shops. There is a little something for everyone in the “Burg”.
Nature’s Way, located on 796 Highland Avenue, in Greensburg, is an independent grocery store that caters to the likes of health-nuts, vegetarians, and vegans (yes, there is a huge difference).

“ I think that Nature’s Way is a healthy, alternative to fast food places,” said Greensburg resident Jessica Carroll. With my busy schedule, I try to stop off at Nature’s Way instead of going to McDonalds or whichever fast food place is near. When I eat something from Nature’s Way, I feel that I am doing my body good.

“It scares me to think of how a hamburger makes its way to a fast food joint.”
The grocer offers a multitude of alternative foods, spices, and vitamins. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Tofurky is a unique item that can be found at the store. It is soy based and has a scrumptious mushroom stuffing in the center.

For those who suffer from the “I can’t eat anything here” holiday get-togethers, Nature’s Way has something to curb your frustration.

“I have been a vegan for over 5 years and Nature’s Way has served my needs,” said Karen Fink of Greensburg. “They carry everything I use from perfume -free detergents, to gluten-free items. Treating your body right is the key to longevity.”

For those looking for a healthy substitute to fast food, reading the book FAST FOOD NATION The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser can help. It closely examines into the local and worldwide pressures of the United States fast food industry. It is both informative and educational.

Jill Ashbaugh is the store manager at Nature’s Way. She has worked there for 14 years. She said the store sees an average basis of 225 customers a day.

They differ from large, corporate grocery stores because “our staff are well trained and Nature’s Way offers one on one customer service. The owner of Nature’s Way is particular about what is placed on their shelves. Only the cleanest and best products are shelved.”

Nature’s Way has been serving the public since 1976. Hours of operation for the store are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9-6, Wednesday 9-7, Saturday 9-5.
For those who are health conscience and want to eat right, Nature’s Way might be the proverbial way to go. Give your business to local, independent markets. Keep them strong as well as your health.

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d ruther not. ~Mark Twain

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