Locally Owned Staff of Life Natural Foods Celebrates 56 Years of Serving Santa Cruz County
With a Weekend-Long Anniversary Bash
Santa Cruz, CA, May 7th, – Staff of Life Natural Foods, a beloved locally and family-owned natural foods market, is proud to celebrate 56 years of nourishing Santa Cruz County with the finest organic produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. The celebration will take place May 16–18, 2025, in our Santa Cruz location and promises a festive weekend full of food, fun, and community spirit.
Since opening its doors in 1969, Staff of Life has become a cornerstone of healthy living on the Central Coast, offering the best organic produce at the best prices, full butcher and grocery, an expansive bulk foods and vitamins department, a made-from-scratch bakery using organic ingredients, full-service deli, and coffee and juice café. Our store is also proud to operate in a certified green building, reflecting our deep commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.
“It’s been an incredible journey serving Santa Cruz for 56 years. What started as a small local organic bakery has grown into a community hub rooted in sustainability, wellness, and trust,” said Gary Bascou, owner of Staff of Life Natural Foods. “This anniversary is not just about looking back, it’s about celebrating the people, farmers, and customers who’ve supported us every step of the way.”
Join Us for a Weekend of In-Store Fun 10-4 daily.
Friday, May 16
- Vendor samples and food tastings throughout the store
- Famous cheeseburgers, new sausage sandwiches and hand-cut fries (11am–2pm) for sale in the deli
- Piedmontese Heritage Beef skirt steak tasting (10-3)
- SmartChicken® demo and tasting (2–5pm)
- $1 off all coffee drinks
- Wine & beer tasting with special discounts (12–6pm)
- Special price on Piedmontese Heritage Beef skirt steak
Saturday, May 17
- Vendor samples and food tastings throughout the store
- $2 off per lb. at the hot and salad bars
- $2 off smoothies and juices in our café
- Wine & beer tasting with special discounts (12–4pm)
- Special price on Piedmontese Heritage Beef skirt steak
Sunday, May 18
- Vendor samples and food tastings throughout the store
- $2 off per lb. at the hot and salad bars
- $4 single-scoop artisan gelato special in our café
- Wine & beer tasting with special discounts (12–4pm)
- Special price on Piedmontese Heritage Beef skirt steak
This milestone event is a heartfelt thank-you to our loyal customers and the vibrant farming community that makes it all possible. At Staff of Life, we believe food is more than fuel — it’s a way to connect, nourish, and support our local community. We invite everyone to come celebrate with us and enjoy the delicious, wholesome offerings that have made Staff of Life a trusted name for over half a century.
About Staff of Life Natural Foods
Founded in 1969, Staff of Life Natural Foods is a locally and family-owned independent grocery store serving Santa Cruz County for over five decades with two stores to serve you in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Known for offering the highest quality organic produce at the best prices, Staff of Life also features a full-service meat and seafood department, a large selection of bulk foods and vitamins, a made-from-scratch bakery, a hot and cold deli, and an organic café. Located in a certified green building, the store is deeply committed to sustainability, community, and supporting local farmers and producers. 1266 Soquel Ave in Santa Cruz and 906 East Lake in Watsonville.