about us
Welcome to The Patch! Where good food, good health & good people come together.
Welcome to The Patch! Where good food, good health & good people come together.
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
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.
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 825,000 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 $41,000 to our community! Thank you for being a big part of what we do!
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.
From our bulk bins to freezers & across our grocery aisles, we carry items for a variety of lifestyles & diets. If you have a question about any of our products or would like more information about shopping for your lifestyle, contact us. We offer free cooking classes & health seminars that cater to various diets & lifestyles each month.
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.
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:
Q: How long have you worked at The Patch?
A: Since 2002
Q: What do you like the most about your job?
A: I like helping people. I get to interact with so many people each day between employees & customers. I hear the different things they need and I get to help find solutions & solve the problem.
Q: What’s your Patch Pick (fave product)?
A: I love the Lilly’s Chocolate bars. They are a great low carb treat!
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 & 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 & watching my kids play soccer, gymnastics & ballet. I also like doing projects around the house.
Q: What do you like the most about your job?
A: Working alongside our staff to ensure our customers have an enjoyable shopping experience & satisfy the needs of all here at The Patch.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Hiking in the Carolina mountains & spending time with the grandkids.
Q: What’s your Patch Pick (fave product)?
A: Lemon Ginger Kevita!
Q: If you were to sing karaoke, what song would you choose?
A: Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Q: What do you like the most about your job?
A: I most enjoy helping people make healthy choices.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: In my spare time, I love the great outdoors & live music.
Q: Why did you want to work in the natural foods industry?
A: 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 & so it fit, plus I truly enjoy helping others with their health & nutrition goals.
Q: If you were to sing karaoke, what song would you choose?
A: Scarlet Begonias...The Grateful Dead... upbeat & fun with some lyrics to think about & a touching ending..."Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand, everybody's playing in the heart of gold band"
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