Sandi McArthur, Education Outreach Coordinator

Nine members of the Munson Medical Center Relationship-Based Care (RBC), Caring and Healing Subcommittee visited Oryana Natural Foods Market recently.

Relationship-Based Care (RBC) is an initiative Munson is undertaking to improve care and healing by improving relationships. RBC is a culture of caring and a way of being that focuses on three relationships; with self, with colleagues and with patients and families.

The focus of the meeting was “Care of Self,” which the Subcommittee agrees is essential to taking good care of others. They learned that our strict purchasing standards and educational outreach are just two ways that Oryana helps individuals build a strong foundation of knowledge about food and its connection to good health. As Northern Michigan’s only certified organic retailer with shelves full of carefully labeled products for people with food allergies or special dietary needs, the committee concluded that Oryana is an important resource in our community.

Sandi McArthur, Education and Outreach Coordinator at Oryana and an RN by training, gave the Subcommittee a brief history of Oryana and explained the cooperative purchasing model that makes members owners of the store. Our member-owners have shaped Oryana’s purpose over the years, guided by the philosophy that the store exists to improve the health of the community.

The group was surprised and pleased to learn about all of the tools available here at the store, like recipes and cooking classes, note cards with tips for boosting nutrition or buying organics on a budget, that help make the shopping experience and learning how to buy and prepare whole foods less mysterious and more user-friendly.

We always welcome and encourage groups or businesses with an interest in health-supportive diets to arrange for a tour of the store and informational presentation.