New Leaf Community Markets Selected as Favorite Food Retailer

Edible Monterey Bay announced on March 1 its 2014 Local Heroes – organizations chosen by its readers as the best examples of our vibrant local food movement on the Central Coast. 

For the third year in a row, New Leaf Community Markets was selected as the best food purveyor. “We are honored to be recognized again this year,” said New Leaf’s founder and co-president, Scott Roseman. “To me it means that readers care that New Leaf Community Markets is a value-driven business that is true to its mission to nourish and sustain our community. And of course, they love the delicious, fresh, locally grown food, the sustainable seafood, the best organic and natural meats, the cooking and wellness classes...the list goes on,” he added.

In addition to their commitment to carrying foods that originate locally, New Leaf continues its tradition of giving 10% of profits back to the commitment every year, a commitment Roseman made when he started the business 29 years ago. New Leaf recently earned certification as a B Corporation through a rigorous assessment of their business practices.  “Certification recognizes that we place as much value on taking care of our staff, the community, and the environment as we do on growing and operating our business,” said Roseman.

The following 2014 Local Heroes were feted at the magazine’s spring issue release party on March 5 at the Wharf Marketplace in Monterey:

Best Food Purveyor: New Leaf Community Markets, Santa Cruz
Best Farm/Farmer: Route 1 Farms, Santa Cruz
Best Food Artisan: Friend in Cheeses Jam Co, Santa Cruz
Best Beverage Artisan: Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Santa Cruz
Best Nonprofit: Nourishing Generations Educational Project, Santa Cruz
Best Chef/Restaurant: La Balena, Carmel

For more information about the 2014 Local Heroes, visit: http://ediblemontereybay.com/blog/and-the-winners-are/. For more information about New Leaf, visit www.newleaf.com.