News & Events

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Nature’s Bin Provides Food to Local Community in Time of Crisis

Hurricane Sandy has taken its toll on much of the East Coast as well as many homes and businesses in the local community including Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood which has been without power since 5 p.m. on Monday, October 29.

“With no electricity to the store, we were forced to keep our food cold with dry ice and a refrigerated truck,” stated Scott Duennes, Executive Director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin. “Our goal was to not let the food expire but without electricity we have reached our limit in keeping the food cold.“ Read more (PDF)...

Please see the information below in regard to the voluntary nut butter recall for select products dating back to 2010:

http://www.newmansownorganics.com/
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm322964.htm
Earth Balance Press Release (PDF)

Nature’s Bin has been named
“Best of Cleveland”

Nature’s Bin has been named Best Natural Foods Store in town by Cleveland Magazine, in their annual “Best of Cleveland” issue! We are thrilled for the honor and want to say thanks to all of our loyal customers for your continued support!

Cleveland Foundation $150,000 grant to support Nature’s Bin expansion

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CLEVELAND (Dec. 3, 2012) – The board of directors of the Cleveland Foundation has authorized a $150,000 grant to Cornucopia, Inc., the parent organization of Nature’s Bin in Lakewood. Nature’s Bin is a natural foods store that has served as a vocational training program for people with disabilities since 1975.

The Cleveland Foundation grant will support the expansion of Nature’s Bin by helping to fund the renovation of a recently vacated McDonald’s restaurant just down the street from the market. The new space will allow Nature’s Bin to expand its food preparation and catering services and its training program in those areas.

“This new space will enable us to increase the number of food prep trainees from four a year to as many as 24 annually, while also expanding our catering services in the community” said Scott Duennes, executive director of Cornucopia, Inc. “We are grateful to the Cleveland Foundation for supporting this expansion by coming in with the largest single donation to date for this project.”

“We are thrilled to continue our support of Nature’s Bin,” said Robert Eckardt, executive vice president of the Cleveland Foundation. “A Cleveland Foundation grant helped the market expand in 2005 and now our funds will help this important program grow once again, while also repurposing a vacant commercial space. We feel this is a win-win for the community.”

Cornucopia, Inc. is now within $200,000 of its million dollar project goal. Along with the Cleveland Foundation grant and the recently announced City of Lakewood forgivable loan of $75,000, other philanthropic support has included funding from the Community West Foundation, Deaconess Community Foundation, James Kirkwood Fund, Nord Family Foundation, The Reinberger Foundation, Sullivan Family Foundation, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The hope is that the renovation will begin by the end of the year, with the new space operating by late Spring.

Cornucopia, Inc. Receives Approval to “De-Arch” Sloane Avenue McDonald’s Building

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Cornucopia, Inc., a northeast Ohio nonprofit that provides vocational training for people with disabilities and the owner/operator of Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, recently received approval from the Lakewood Architectural Review Board on the “de-arching” and redesign of the Sloane Avenue McDonald’s building.

“We are now one step closer to making our vision a reality,” stated Scott Duennes, Executive Director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin. “We are proud to be a part of the Lakewood community and look forward to growing with our neighbors.”

The space will be redeveloped for expanded vocational training opportunities for people with disabilities and to serve as a commissary kitchen for Nature’s Bin.

Included in the de-arching will be the removal of all McDonald’s logos, the replacement of the roofline, the addition of a peak at the front of the building and a monument sign.

The new facility (about 3,500 square feet) will allow Nature’s Bin to work with up to six trainees at a time while they develop job skills to help them graduate with solid work experience and sought-after skills. The expanded commissary allows Natures’ Bin to develop a well-rounded curriculum for trainees interested in food prep, as well as to consider larger catering opportunities.

Cornucopia has launched a capital campaign to raise funds for this exciting project. To lend your support, visit www.cornucopia-inc.org/donate/. Redevelopment of the Sloane Avenue site is expected to begin later this fall.

Download PDF of press release »

Nature's Bin to Expand Vocational Training Programs with Building Purchase

Cornucopia to purchase McDonald’s Building on Sloane Avenue

Cornucopia, Inc., a northeast Ohio nonprofit that provides vocational training for people with disabilities and the owner/operator of Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, announces that they have entered into the final stages of negotiations for the purchase and redevelopment of the McDonald’s building on Sloane Avenue in Lakewood.

“This is an exciting time as we add additional space to expand our training program capacity, food services and catering,” stated Scott Duennes, Executive Director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin. “It has always been part of our long-term vision to stay and grow in our local community.”

“We have watched Cornucopia and Nature’s Bin grow over the years and we are excited that this well-thought of organization wants to expand its mission, its business and re-purpose a building that might otherwise sit empty,” commented Mike Summers, Mayor of Lakewood.

“As the Nature’s Bin retail business continued to grow we found ourselves in a position to need more backroom and food preparation space,” Duennes said. “Our current space is only 600 square feet, ultimately limiting the number of trainees who can safely work in the area.” The new space (about 3,500 square feet) will act as a commissary, completing food prep for the deli and bakery at Nature’s Bin as well as catering services. “Our objective with this expansion is to increase our ability to provide vocational assessment and work adjustment programs for individuals with disabilities.”

The new facility will allow Nature’s Bin to work with up to six trainees at a time while they develop job skills to help them graduate with solid work experience and sought-after skills. The expanded commissary allows Nature’s Bin to develop a well-rounded curriculum for trainees interested in food prep, as well as to consider larger catering opportunities.

“Cornucopia provides a unique program that offers vocational training in a real-world environment,” said Terry Ryan, Superintendent of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD). “CCBDD supports this endeavor and is excited about the prospect of the expansion of services to a greater number of individuals with disabilities.”

In addition, Nature’s Bin anticipates moving some of its administrative and employment services/job placement staff to the new space, saving resources while fostering communication and staff relationships.

Cornucopia has launched a capital campaign to raise funds for this exciting project. To lend your support, visit www.cornucopia-inc.org/donate/. Redevelopment of the Sloane Avenue site is expected to begin later this fall.

How Cash Mobs Are Giving Small Businesses a Boost

If you missed the story about the Cash Mob at Nature's Bin on MSNBC this past Sunday, you can watch the YouTube clip here.

 

Nature’s Bin Gives Back to Local Community Group and Lakewood City Schools

Nature’s Bin, a full service natural and organic foods market located in Lakewood, Ohio recently donated six boxes of school supplies to H20 “Help to Others.” H2O (website, Facebook) is supported by the City of Lakewood's Department of Human Services, Division of Youth, and a strong partnership with the Lakewood City Schools. Read more (PDF)...

Nature’s Bin Featured in National Trade Magazine for Empowering Employees with Disabilities

Nature’s Bin is featured in the December issue of Natural Foods Merchandiser, a national publication for retailers in the natural and organic products industry.

The full-page, standing feature is known as “Retail Excellence” and the article is entitled “Nature’s Bin Empowers Employees with Disabilities.” It speaks to the core of Nature’s Bin’s mission in regards to helping people with disabilities develop their skills, confidence and workplace potential. In addition, the story showcases the uniqueness of Nature’s Bin in that it operates a natural foods market, yet it’s a nonprofit operated by Cornucopia, Inc.

“We are pleased to be featured in Natural Foods Merchandiser, said Scott Duennes, executive director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin. “Training and working with employees with disabilities is in our roots and a part of who we are. To be able to tell our story to a broader audience and share the rewards we experience daily at Nature’s Bin is something we are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to do, added Duennes.

Nature’s Bin Reports Vitamin C Shortens Colds In New Study

Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, reports a new review of 44 years’ worth of cold studies that found vitamin C, the herb Echinacea, garlic, and zinc helped shorten colds and reduce cold symptoms. Read more (PDF)...

Peter Schindler, senior program officer at Community West Foundation has been elected to the board of trustees

Schindler will serve a three-year term and assist in community outreach for Cornucopia. In addition, he will communicate with members of the business community and civic organizations regarding Cornucopia’s mission to help people with disabilities develop their skills, confidence and workplace potential. Read more (PDF)...

Timothy Holmes of PNC Financial Services Group Elected to Cornucopia’s Board Of Trustees

Holmes will serve a three-year term and assist in community outreach. In addition, he will communicate with members of the business community and civic organizations regarding Cornucopia’s mission to help people with disabilities develop their skills, confidence and workplace potential. Read more (PDF)...

Sustainability Comes Naturally for Nature’s Bin

Now in its 36th year, the Lakewood-based natural foods market and its nonprofit parent organization, Cornucopia, live by a few simple rules of sustainability. Leading by example are 46 full-time employees and 19 part-time employees who recycle paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics. Slip up, and they'll make it known. Read more (PDF)...

Robert “Tony” Brice of Towers Watson and Larry Johnson of Polyone Corporation Elected To Cornucopia’s Board of Trustees

“We are honored to welcome new members to the board of trustees,” stated Scott Duennes, executive director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin. “Cornucopia and Nature’s Bin have been a part of our local community for 36 years and its leaders such as Tony and Larry whose enthusiasm and commitment help keep our programs and mission alive,” added Duennes. Read more (PDF)...

Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin Awarded Three-Year CARF Accreditation

CARF International announced that Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin has been accredited for a period of three years for its Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job Development; Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job Supports; Employment Services: Community Employment Services: Job-Site Training; and Employment Services: Employee Development Services. Cornucopia has been continuously CARF Accredited since 1989. Read more (PDF)...

Nature’s Bin Executive Director Participates In Natural Products Expo Industry Experts Panel

Scott Duennes, executive director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin recently participated in a panel of experts at Natural Products Expo East, the largest natural, organic and healthy products trade show on the East Coast. The title of the program was “How Values, Service and Heart Drive Financial Success.” The session explored how mission-driven companies can maintain and foster their values, even in the face of growth pressures and tough economic times. Panel experts discussed fostering community and exploring the relationship between their companies’ missions and how their structure drives the heart of business. Read more (PDF)...

Awards Abound for Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin!

Nature’s Bin was recently voted West Shore’s Live Well Magazine’s “Best of the West” winner for organic food stores. The Best of the West competition is an annual poll of hundreds of West-Siders. “We understand the goodness and health benefits that organic produce and natural foods can offer, said Scott Duennes, executive director of Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin. “We pride ourselves in bringing our customers the freshest, most wholesome foods in the region and being voted Best of the West 2011 is icing on the cake.”

Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin was also named to the Plain Dealers list of Top Workplaces. The Top Workplaces evaluation was done in cooperation with the research firm Workplace Dynamics LLC. The Top workplaces are chosen solely on employee feedback. Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin was one of 132 workplaces chosen out of more than 1200 surveyed in the Greater Cleveland area. “We are proud to be one of the Top Workplaces in our region and honored that our employees feel the same,” Duennes said. “It is our employees that make Nature’s Bin and Cornucopia an outstanding place to shop, work and provide vocational training for people with disabilities.”

Are you a Nature’s Bin Healthy Shopper?

Are you a Nature’s Bin Healthy Shopper? Be sure to get your healthy shopper card so you can enjoy your rewards.

For every $500 you spend at Nature’s Bin, you will receive a $10 coupon for use on a future purchase.

It’s easy! Complete the Healthy Shopper Card Application and return it to the cashier at Nature’s Bin. You will receive a key fob shopper card. Use it every time you shop and you will receive your reward before you know it!

Celebrating Over 35 Years of Service

Cornucopia Inc./Nature’s Bin celebrated its 35th Anniversary on June 16th, 2010. 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)…

Love Nature’s Bin? Now you can wear it (or carry it) proudly!

Purchase Nature’s Bin and Cornucopia items from cafepress.com/naturesbin. From t-shirts to magnets, coffee mugs to aprons – this site offers easy shopping and a nice product selection to show your support of your local, organic and natural foods store, Nature’s Bin! A percentage of each sale will help support the vocational training programs offered by Cornucopia and Nature’s Bin.

Great Ice Cream is Always in Season

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.”

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)...