about us
Welcome to The Patch! Where good food, good health & good people come together.
Our Story
Nature’s Food Patch was founded in 1987 by Mr. Amort after being diagnosed with cancer. He decided to fight the cancer by living a macrobiotic lifestyle. With his desire and passion in wanting to help others improve their health, he decided to buy and refurbish the Clearwater Community Co-op (est. 1976)… and The Patch was born! For 35 years, his enthusiastic support for the natural foods movement lives on. His children preserve his legacy by continuing to inspire our community through knowledge and providing better nutrition for a healthier lifestyle. In 2018, The Patch expanded their community and opened a second location in Downtown Dunedin!
*Nature’s Food Patch is not affiliated with any religion or religious organization. The Patch embraces people of all races, cultures, countries of origin, sexual orientations, genders, abilities & religions.
”The quality Mother Nature intended for your good health
– Mr. Amort, Founder
Our Mission Is Clear
We are a community grocery store dedicated to providing our valued customers with the finest quality natural and organic products. We have high standards and closely review the ingredients of all products before they are put on our shelves.
We are committed to organic farming, sustainable agriculture and the future of world food production. Many years ago, we began the fight against genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) and have implemented a Non-GMO Policy for the products in our stores.
We aim to be a company that enthusiastically serves and respects our customers and team members alike. Our team members take pride in their work and the customers they serve. After all, we are one big Patch family! We strive to operate with integrity, so as to be deserving of your trust.
Through teaching about a natural lifestyle and holistic health, we hope to contribute to your well-being. In 2015, we developed our PaTcHwOrKs Community Room, where we host a variety of educational health and wellness events.
OUR VALUES SHINE THROUGH IN ALL THAT WE DO
Ban the Bag! Bring Your Own!
On Earth Day in 2008, we launched our “Ban the Bag” campaign in which we donate 5¢ per reusable bag to a different charitable organization each month. It has allowed us to carry out our vision of inspiring our community to build a healthier world.
Since that time, we have seen an estimated total of 600,000 reusable shopping bags from our wonderful customers. Because of this, we not only reduce our individual carbon footprint, but we also have a greater impact towards preserving our planet by working together. To date, we have made a total donation of over $36,000 to our community! Thank you for being a big part of what we do!
We’ve donated to local charities including:
We Do The Research So You Don’t Have To
Each and every product at Nature’s Food Patch must meet our exceptional product standards – it’s one of the reasons we’re different. We take health, wellness and natural products seriously. There are just some things that don’t belong in the food you and your family eat or the products you use in your home.
What is a GMO?
A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional cross breeding methods.
Our GMO Policy Sets Us Apart
Nature’s Food Patch has held an active role in the fight against GMOs since 1996. We support labeling, the right to know and the right to choose. We were one of the first stores in the country to begin eliminating GMOs from our shelves and we continue to encourage all suppliers of existing products that may contain GMOs to become Non-GMO Project Verified.
New products must have one of the following:
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No at-risk ingredients
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Organic certification
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The Non-GMO Project Verified seal
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GMO label on the shelf tag
OUR TEAM IS ONE OF A KIND
Rebekah started working at Nature's Food Patch in 2002 as a cashier. She soon moved into various other positions around the store; eventually landing as the Store Controller and ultimately the Store Director. ``I quickly learned the importance of good, quality food and the love of sharing it with our community. I also enjoy anything where I can be creative.``
# How long have you worked at The Patch?
Since 2002
# What do you like the most about your job?
I like helping people. I get to interact with so many people each day between employees and customers. I hear the different things they need and I get to help find solutions and solve the problem.
# What’s your Patch Pick (fave product)?
I love the Lilly’s Chocolate bars. They are a great low carb treat!
Sean started at The Patch in 1989. He moved to Clearwater and started working at Nature's Food Patch as a cashier & has done many jobs since being at The Patch. Sean enjoys the relationships that he has forged with the customers & the great people that he works with. Sean enjoys coaching his son’s soccer team & being with his wife and 3 children. He also plays basketball & enjoys going to the beach whenever he can.
Q: What’s your Patch Pick (fave product)?
A: Liz Anthony protein bites.
Q: Why did you want to work in the natural foods industry?
A: When I started as a part-time cashier in 1989, I wanted to work in a job with people that shared my core values. NFP felt like home and seemed like a “natural” fit.
Q: What interests do you have outside of work?
A: Going to the beach with my family, watching The Lightning play hockey, watching Orlando City soccer, and watching my kids play soccer, gymnastics & ballet. I also like doing projects around the house.
John has been with Nature's Food Patch since July 2010. He has over 30 years of experience in the food industry, with customer service being one of his specialties! “Assisting customers and working in a positive and happy environment” is his favorite part of working at The Patch. John loves playing pool, golfing and teaching himself how to play the guitar.
# What do you like the most about your job?
Working alongside our staff to ensure our customers have an enjoyable shopping experience and satisfy the needs of all here at The Patch.
# What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Hiking in the Carolina mountains and spending time with the grandkids.
# What’s your Patch Pick (fave product)?
Kevita - Lemon Ginger
# If you were to sing karaoke, what song would you choose?
Simple man by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Mike started at Nature’s Food Patch in 1998. “As a customer before working at The Patch, I could see myself being here, learning about organic foods and making a difference in people's lives. Having worked in many areas of the store, I enjoy the diversity of my current role as Store Manager and Bulk Foods Buyer. I get to interact with the staff, customers and the food on a regular basis. Hobbies include politics, soccer, seeing live music and the beach.“
# What do you like the most about your job?
I most enjoy helping people make healthy choices.
# What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my spare time, I love the great outdoors and live music.
# Why did you want to work in the natural foods industry?
Why? Why not!? Working in natural foods was a logical choice for me. I was a vegetarian athlete who was still learning how to eat better. I shopped here for years, and so it fit, plus I truly enjoy helping others with their health and nutrition goals.
# If you were to sing karaoke, what song would you choose?
Scarlet Begonias...The Grateful Dead... upbeat and fun with some lyrics to think about, and a touching ending...``Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand, everybody's playing in the heart of gold band``
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