We’re having a national conversation about food quality right now, as the recent confirmation hearings of health advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlight just how poisonous the average American’s diet has become. It’s not only the amount of food being consumed that’s killing us. It’s what’s in our food – carcinogenic dyes, industrial byproducts, preservatives, and cheaper, less healthy alternatives to natural ingredients.
The local conversation around food quality here in the Hudson Valley is a much different story. We have a long history of agriculture and progressive food values that have led to the flourishing of healthy food sources. Yes, food insecurity persists among the poor – the elephant in the room is that healthy food is generally (but not always) more expensive than unhealthy food. But if you have the means, the Hudson Valley’s healthy food bounty is waiting for you on shelves well within your reach.
In fact, there’s so much healthy food stocked in our area’s stores, it can be hard to clearly define what a health food store is. Decades ago, you couldn’t go into just any supermarket chain and grab nut milk or fill up your reusable container with organic granola, but today that’s commonplace. In the past, you often weren’t sure exactly where many local restaurants sourced their food, but today it’s common to assume a high-end establishment will automatically be farm-to-table.
What delineates a “health food store” in the modern retail landscape? The common thread tying yesterday’s hippie-fueled healthy food movement to today’s USDA Organic-branded corporate ominpresence has always been a focus on wellness. What exactly constitutes “health food” is a moving target – science advances, cultivation and manufacturing methods change – our understanding of the long-term effects of any given diet necessarily take time to develop.
That said, the human biology has remained functionally the same for quite some time. Yes, food allergies have risen dramatically as other incremental genetic and epigenetic shifts have occurred, but what constitutes healthy food has remained consistent. Nutrient-dense items such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats have always supported overall well-being. Healthy food is often characterized by minimal processing, lower amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats, and a focus on supplying essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Ethical sourcing – preferably from local suppliers with the freshest foods – is vital as well.
Perhaps the biggest shift in nutrition over the last few decades has been the focus on customizing one’s diet to one’s particular needs. One food pyramid cannot rule us all. Personalized dietary approaches are a must, especially for those with particular preferences or conditions. This is where local health food stores shine, offering a kaleidoscopic variety of healthy ways to custom-tailor your diet to your needs.
There are many places to get healthy food in Ulster County. Below are the largest and most established.
Health & Nutrition Center
15 New Paltz Plaza, New Paltz
Who needs health food more than college kids? But seriously – New Paltz has long been a healthy town, from its svelte climbers and mountain bikers to its eco-conscious forest hippies. Being surrounded by vast tracts of farmland didn’t hurt, either.
The Health & Nutrition Center in New Paltz embraces all things wellness, It caters to those whose diets deviate from the status quo. You’ll find fresh, locally-sourced produce, holistic wellness products and natural, organic, ethically-sourced groceries. Gluten-free? Vegan? Allergies? You’ve come to the right place.
High Falls Food Co-op
1398 Route 213, High Falls
Locals who have watched High Falls Food Co-op “grow up” over the years could not be prouder of what it’s become. Dating back to the Seventies, its roots run deep into the foundation of our community, providing season after season of fresh produce and grocery products to a dedicated local following.
From humble beginnings as a small cooperative of farm-fresh food fans, High Falls Food Co-op has blossomed into a full-fledged food distribution network, grocery store and deli.
The co-op’s members own the operation, and unlike its more profit-driven counterparts, fair pricing is always a goal. Folks, it doesn’t get any more community-oriented than this.
Mother Earth’s Storehouse
300 Kings Mall Court, Town of Ulster
Mother Earth’s Storehouse has been a cornerstone of Hudson Valley’s food community since its founding in 1978. It’s more than a health and wellness supermarket – it’s a lifestyle.
While its Saugerties and Poughkeepsie locations closed following an expansion and sale, Mother Earth’s original location is still going strong, with a steady stream of foot traffic throughout the day. The store offers an extensive array of organic groceries, a robust selection of dietary and wellness supplements, freshly prepared hot meals, and baked goods. Vegans and vegetarians in particular find it to be a Disneyland of options tailored to their dietary needs.
Sunflower Natural Foods Market
75 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock
24 Garden Street, Rhinebeck
Sunflower Natural Foods Market has been serving health-conscious locals since its birth in Woodstock circa 1978. It was ahead of the curve then, and it continues to push the envelope of what a local health and wellness store can be.
Sunflower embraces every healthy buzzword in the dictionary: Non-GMO, small batch, ethically sourced, humanely raised, sustainable, organic, local and antibiotic-free.
Locals appreciate Sunflower for its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, many of whom have been part of the community for years. Today, the store’s offerings range from natural skincare and herbal supplements to artisanal cheeses and fresh produce — all carefully chosen to support the region’s thriving network of farmers and small-scale producers.
In 2024, Sunflower raised $20,000 for local organizations that support the community, demonstrating its continued commitment to keeping Woodstock healthy and well.
Sunfrost Farms
217 Tinker Street, Woodstock
If Sunflower is the closest Woodstock will ever get to Whole Foods, Sunfrost is Woodstock’s year-round farmers’ market.
In operation since the 1980s, Sunfrost embraces local agriculture with strong connections to local farms and producers. If it’s in season, it’s in here. If it’s dairy, it’s from an animal that was not far from you. Alongside the choice fresh goods, you’ll find specially curated grocery items, baked goods, juices and plants. It’s also a popular locals’ breakfast and lunch spot, with an adjoining cafe making sandwiches and other goodies. I probably shouldn’t even be telling you about it.
Join the family! 
