Farm Horizons, April 2016

Health store in McLeod County offers food, friendship, support

By Starrla Cray

Janette Goettl discovered she had stage 4 cancer 2.5 years ago, but she hasn’t let it stop her from pursuing wellness – and encouraging others to do the same.

After Goettl’s diagnosis, she began researching ways to keep her body healthy, opting not to pursue chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

“I thought, I’m not putting my body through that,” recalled Goettl, who lives about 20 minutes southwest of Glencoe.

She made regular trips to the Twin Cities to purchase natural, organic foods, and wished there were places locally for people to purchase these kinds of items.

Initially, she planned to open a co-op, but later decided to begin a health foods store in Glencoe.

The Health Nut Pantry opened Sept. 21, 2015, in the former Gerry’s Vision building on Greeley Avenue.

The store features a wide variety of healthy food choices, essential oils, health and beauty items, and household cleaners without harsh chemicals.

There are also grinders for making fresh peanut and almond butter, as well as an all-organic salad bar for lunch during the work week.

Several locally-produced items are for sale, such as jam from Glencoe, meat from Litchfield, potatoes from Plato, and goat’s milk lotion from Waconia, to name a few.

Educational classes are offered each month at The Heath Nut Pantry. Saturday, April 23, for example, guest speaker Laurie Gauer will present information about type 2 diabetes.

The first Saturday of every month, a cancer roundtable discussion takes place from 8 to 9 a.m. The event is free, and participants are encouraged to call ahead of time to reserve a seat.

“Anybody can come,” Goettl said. “Some are cancer survivors, and others are in different stages. Everybody helps everybody. People share what works, and what doesn’t work.”

Goettl noted that the group offers support to one another, and is a fun way to share book ideas and healthy recipes.

When people ask Goettl for nutritional advice, she usually points them to books and other resources on the subject.

“I try not to be the doctor,” she said.

Personally, Goettl avoids eating foods with chemicals, and enjoys juicing fresh vegetables as part of her everyday routine.

“It helps your body to alkaline,” she said. “It brings oxygen to your cells, and cancer does not like that.”

The Health Nut Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To sign up for classes or for more information, call (320) 864-6400.

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