STAFF OF LIFE NATURAL FOODS MARKET
NATURAL FOODS PIONEERS SINCE 1969
Mission Statement
Provide a local, independently owned and friendly market where the community can come together and enjoy the best selection of quality organic and natural products at fair prices.
OUR STORY
In 1969 Gary Bascou and Richard Josephson formed Staff of Life Bakery in Santa Cruz, CA based on a simple, but powerful, idea: make nourishing and natural old world-style bread as a healthy alternative to the highly processed and chemical laden breads that dominated the market.
At the time there was no clear definition of “organic” but Gary and Richard sought out the best ingredients that aligned with their principles. They found wheat from family farms (in the Mid-West) that were still practicing traditional agricultural methods that were pesticide free and healthy for both individuals and the planet: essentially the principles of what is now considered organic farming.
In it’s first year Staff of Life Bakery had three local surfers as their bakers and a cigar box served as the cash register. Over time Staff of Life Bakery bakery grew into Staff of Life Natural Foods Market and in the process helped create and fuel a natural foods and organic movement that is now widely accepted.
Gary Bascou, Richard Josephson and Staff of Life continue to be pioneers in the natural foods and organic movement: in a market dominated by colossal corporations Staff of Life stands apart as a family owned natural foods market committed to the farmers, producers, consumers and employees who share our passion for natural and delicious foods.