Eating and Living Better -- Naturally
Organic -- the word has been used to describe architecture, such as that of Frank Lloyd Wright, chemistry also conjures up another use for the word, and then there is the organic that is used in conjunction with food. Consumer demand has made the word "organic" a commonly used term in the savvy shopper's vocabulary. Organic simply means that the produce, or other crop, has been grown without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Years ago, organic products were few and far between – now, from crackers to cream, just about anything that is available conventionally, can be purchased in an organic form. Those who sought out organic products in the past needed to either special order them or travel many miles to find a store that carried the items. As a sign of the changing times, a local organic food store has been opened to meet these needs, and hopefully introduce to a whole new generation and clientele of customers the benefits of eating nutrient-dense, unprocessed and chemical-free food.
It was about five years ago when Brenda Kuhl started on her own quest for better health. After a series of antibiotics, her immune system had become comprised. Brenda described this time in her life as feeling continuously tired, and no matter how much sleep, she never felt rested.
"I started researching and found out that I had an overgrowth of Candida yeast," Brenda explained. "I started on raw milk out of the tank and kefir and within days I was feeling different. Within weeks I had almost returned to feeling normal."
Brenda's journey to health introduced her to the wonders of organic foods. A bountiful new world of wholesome and unprocessed foods was opened – grains, cereals, nuts, natural sweeteners, herbal teas, cold-pressed coconut oil, organic cheese and dairy products, free range eggs and meats, and of course, the organic produce.
"My husband, Chris, and I were constantly having to drive to buy these healthy foods," Brenda said. "With my schedule and his schedule the only day we had available was Saturday. Then if it was summer we couldn't buy anything cold. It was annoying because we could never get the things we wanted to get."
The idea to build an organic food store literally came to Brenda in a dream. This was also the way an idea for her Mane Stage Hair Salon, which was opened four years ago, got its start.
"I had driven past that building numerous times and kept looking in the window," Brenda said. "I had a dream of what it would look like and I envisioned it. I woke up in the middle of the night and woke up Chris and said, 'I just had a dream that we opened an organic food store.' He thought it was a good idea."
Word soon spread about the possibility of a local organic store. Brenda was approached by many people with requests for products that were staples to those with food allergies or sensitivities. Most of these products were not available locally. Plans for the store started taking shape in April of 2008, and the Organic Food Center of Beaver Dam officially opened its doors on April 25 of this year.
Along the path of this journey, Brenda has met many knowledgeable and wonderful people, including Nancy Braaksma. Nancy had been selling her locally grown organic produce at farmer's markets. Brenda approached Nancy about her vision for the organic food store. Nancy was originally against the idea because she had wanted to start a co-op on her farm. But, Brenda was persuasive and soon Nancy was onboard and she is now the store manager.
"We keep talking about the people who have crossed our paths," Brenda said. "Timing has also been so important, and all the people I've met along the way have just been amazing. We talk about all the community embracement and all the people who come in the door and hug us because they are so grateful they don't have to drive anymore."
Their carbon footprint is also important to Brenda. When ordering products she takes into consideration how many miles that item needs to travel before it arrives in Beaver Dam. Using as many local sources as possible helps to solve that problem and also supports local farmers and producers. The Organic Food Center is proud to offer Nancy's local produce, organic milk from Sassy Cow Creamery in Columbus, meat producers from Marshfield, organically raised eggs from Neosho, Shoe & Sal's pizzas from outside Beaver Dam, Organic Valley products from La Farge, Cedar Grove Cheese from Plain, the fresh, wild caught salmon has a family connection from Juneau, Black Waters Coffee from Beaver Dam, soap from the Soap Lady in Juneau, and ZuZu's bread from Neno.
"Our mission is really to meet people's needs without them having to leave town," Brenda said. "The studies I've read about buying local shows that for every dollar spent locally, 84 cents of that stays in your community. We need to boost our economic structure right here in Beaver Dam and the surrounding area."
Another goal is education – teaching people about better nutrition and better choices for better health. Nancy has a degree in Holistic Nutritional Consulting and through her studies she has learned a lot about healing the body through the use of nutritious and wholesome food. Nancy is originally from Beaver Dam and has always been interested in growing flowers and vegetables. Her own journey to better health was pursued because of some chronic health issues and a major car accident in her past. She has been introduced to a variety of people who have helped along the way.
"I've always had a passion for growing things," Nancy said. "Now I have three greenhouses and five gardens total. I grow greens year round – collards, Swiss chard, lettuce and spinach. They are all started from organic seed."
While some families have had to change their lifestyles because of gluten, dairy or chemical sensitivities and allergies, others have just made the choice to eat a more healthy diet. Some might argue that healthy or organic eating is more expensive. Brenda would disagree.
"The things that are more expensive are the easy grab and go items," she said. "If you learn how to cook from scratch and look at the prices of our produce, I don't think you can buy conventional stuff at that price with all the nutrients that are in there. You look at how much you spend on clothes, cars, houses and things that are outside your body. Then think about how good it is to feel healthy again."
The Organic Food Center is a friendly and approachable place to shop and ask questions. There is a reference center with a Hyperhealth computer database that can access 53,000 different topics. There is a reference library where books can be checked out. Classes will begin this summer on different health related topics.
"Every day we get at least three or four happy people who tell us they are so grateful that we are here," Nancy said. "We're told that we are an answer to their prayers."
As a one-stop provider for grocery and household needs, shoppers at the Organic Food Center will find anything that they purchased conventionally in an organic form. Nancy added that they are also open to getting in new products by customer request. Brendab elieves that anyone can learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and with education and moderation, they can live happier and healthier.
"It's so rewarding to hear from the people that are discovering things about themselves," Brenda said. "They've had their metabolism slow down or their energy level drop and they come in and find out that we have something that will boost their energy, give them hope and a place to start. It's relief for people who have just about given up."
(The Organic Food Center is located at 405 S. Spring St. in Beaver Dam. Hours are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
