News & Events

Celebrating 35 Years of Service

Cornucopia Inc./Nature’s Bin is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year (June 16th) and the organization will be recognizing this milestone throughout the year. While some people may know about all the organic and healthy food at “Nature’s Bin,” they may not be aware that it is owned and operated by Cornucopia, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people with disabilities develop their skills, confidence and workplace potential.

This beloved local, non-profit business began in 1975 with the idea that people with disabilities could learn real work skills in a real work setting to prepare for employment at a competitive level. “That idea may sound commonplace today,” commented Executive Director, Scott Duennes, “but in 1975 it was radical thinking.” Originally located in the “Birdtown” neighborhood of Madison Avenue, “The Bin,” as it was known then, provided training and employment for about 12 people with developmental disabilities each year. “Nature’s Bin on Sloane Avenue was developed in 1991 to expand on this successful model and to create a more flexible and responsive vocational training program,” Duennes explained. Since 2005 with the expansion of the store, this Social Enterprise has experienced record breaking sales year after year. Read the full press release (PDF)…

Just In Time For Summer

Nature’s Bin now carries Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in several great flavors including their signature flavor, “Salty Caramel.” Jeni’s Ice Creams are made with Ohio dairy from pasture-raised cows (no antibiotics, growth hormones, herbicides or pesticides), fresh ingredients found in the Ohio countryside and responsibly raised exotics from across the world.“Jeni’s Ice Creams” is family owned and made right here in Ohio. Yum!

Nature’s Bin Selected as “2009 Best of the West”

Nature’s Bin was selected as the West Shore Live Well Magazine’s “2009 Best of the West” winner in the Health Food Store category! West Shore Live Well (www.westshoremag.com) polls readers for their picks for Best of the West in over 60 categories including hot spots for dining, shopping, healthy eating, fitness, entertainment and more. If you haven’t been in for a while, stop by Nature’s Bin and see why so many of your friends and neighbors consider us one of the “Best of the West.”

Nature’s Bin Recognized for Commitment to Food Safety!

The staff at Nature’s Bin is proud to be recognized as a “Be Food Safe” award winner from the Food Protection Unit of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. Nature’s Bin was recognized for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to food safety and sanitation by demonstrating several key components of a food safety plan.

“Like all facilities that handle and prepare food, Nature’s Bin is inspected by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health,” commented Food Service Manager, Josie Duennes. “Inspectors make regular visits to Nature’s Bin and always find a working “critical control points” plan and food handling log in place, a high level of knowledge about food handling requirements among staff, a record of regular participation in food safety classes and a clean, sanitary kitchen.”

Crew Visits Store for Independent Film “Forks Over Knives”

A faithful Nature’s Bin customer was filmed shopping at Nature’s Bin last month as a part of a new feature film called “Forks Over Knives!” The obvious meaning is choosing healthy foods to avoid surgery.

This gentleman was part of a 20-year nutritional study by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. According to Dr. Esselstyn’s website (http://www.heartattackproof.com) the patients in the initial study came to him with advanced coronary artery disease. Within months on Dr. Esselstyn’s program, participants’ symptoms improved dramatically. Twenty years later, they remain free of symptoms. Dr. Esselstyn convincingly argues that a plant-based, oil-free diet cannot only prevent and stop the progression of heart disease, but also reverse its effects.

The film crew, here from California, is putting the finishing touches on their film. We’ll keep you posted as to its release!

Nature’s Bin Receives Beautiful Business Award!

Nature’s Bin was selected to receive this year’s Beautiful Business Award given by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Keep Lakewood Beautiful Committee. Nature’s Bin’s award was for the Small Building Category.

After completing an expansion and interior renovation in 2005, Nature’s Bin has recently focused on sprucing up the exterior of the building. As a part of that effort, Nature’s Bin has pressure washed, repaired and stained the exterior wood of the entire building; replaced the striped awnings on the front of the store; re-surfaced, re-sealed and re-striped the parking lot; replaced the pole sign at the street and landscaped around it.

Reducing Our Environmental Impact

Nature’s Bin has made several Earth-friendly operational, physical plant and product adjustments. Changing the light bulbs was one bright idea, and distributing reusable shopping bags, stocking more bulk items and increasing our support for local farmers were others. Download PDF to read more, requires the Acrobat Reader.

Nature’s Bin in the News

Nature’s Bin was recently featured in the Lakewood Sun Post article “Bad Economy Good for Nature’s Bin” (download PDF, requires the Acrobat Reader) and on Natural Foods Merchandiser website.

Remember Your Reusable Bags When You Shop!

Nature’s Bin has discontinued the regular use of plastic grocery bags and is encouraging customers to use their reusable cloth, canvas, or string bags, or reuse the plastic bags they already have at home. The store will provide brown paper bags made from 100% recycled paper for those who forget their reusable bags. Reusable bags will continue to be available for purchase. Ask the cashiers how you can earn a 10% discount just by using your reusable bags when you shop at Nature’s Bin!

Nature’s Bin Presented National Charitable Activity Award

Nature’s Bin recently was honored to receive the Nutrition Business Journal’s annual Charitable Activity Award. Nutrition Business Journal is a national publication of New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media. Scott Duennes, Executive Director of Cornucopia, Inc. and Nature’s Bin, accepted the award at the Natural Products Expo East in Boston. This national award recognizes companies that excel in integrating social responsibility in multiple aspects of their businesses. “This award is bestowed with both admiration and respect for your efforts on behalf of our industry,” said Katia Fowler, Editor, Nutrition Business Journal. Read more (PDF)...