Natural Grocers® Receives 2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award from The Shelby Report
Rhea-AI Summary
Natural Grocers (NASDAQ: NGVC) was named a recipient of the 2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award by The Shelby Report on November 21, 2025.
The company was recognized in the Collaborative Impact and Industry Leadership category for its Nutrition Education Program, which places full-time in-store Nutritional Health Coaches (NHCs) in nearly every location and offers free one-on-one coaching, classes, and community outreach.
The program emphasizes accessible, science-backed education, continued NHC training, and a people-centered approach to sustainability and healthier food choices.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – NGVC
On the day this news was published, NGVC declined 5.04%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -15.4% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 20 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $39M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $726M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Natural Grocers was recognized in the Collaborative Impact and Industry Leadership category for its pioneering Nutrition Education Program—a model that advances accessible nutrition education, community well-being and environmentally friendly practices.
EMPOWERING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH NUTRITION EDUCATION
A "Commitment to Nutrition Education" has been at the forefront of Natural Grocers' mission since its founding in 1955. Today, it's known as one of Natural Grocers' Five Founding Principles, which have guided the company for more than 70 years. As the only national grocery retailer with a full-time, in-store Nutritional Health Coach (NHC) in nearly every location, Natural Grocers provides free, personalized, actionable, science-backed nutrition education right where food choices happen—in the aisles of its stores.
By investing in nutrition education as a core offering—not a peripheral service—Natural Grocers empowers customers and employees to make informed decisions that benefit both personal nutritional health and the planet.
Each NHC is a trained professional who completes more than 160 hours of continuing education annually, staying at the forefront of nutrition science and wellness trends. NHCs offer free, one-on-one coaching, personalized shopping experiences and community classes designed to inspire sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes.
"At Natural Grocers, sustainability isn't limited to our sourcing or operations—it extends to how we empower people," said Raquel Isely, vice president of marketing at Natural Grocers. "My grandparents, who founded our business, were ahead of their time. They understood that nutrition education is the foundation of a healthier community and a healthier planet. When we share knowledge, we help customers make choices that strengthen both."
A COMPELLING MODEL FOR INDUSTRY IMPACT
The program's accessibility and replicable framework position it as a blueprint for embedding wellness and sustainability into retail operations. From its "Three Essential Hacks for a Healthier You" class series to community outreach initiatives, Natural Grocers' Nutrition Education Program offers a tangible, people-centered approach to sustainability—one built on human connection, trust and shared knowledge.
"In a retail landscape focused on convenience and speed, we champion human connection," Isely added. "Our Nutrition Education Program reflects our belief that real sustainability starts with informed individuals making mindful choices—day after day, meal after meal."
Presented annually, The Shelby Report's Sustainability in the Food Industry Awards celebrate innovators who reduce environmental impact, support communities and advance sustainable practices from farm to table.
- For more information about this award, visit www.naturalgrocers.com/awards.com.
- To learn more about the company's free nutritional health coaching services and in-store education, visit www.naturalgrocers.com/nutritional-health-coaches.
- For media requests contact Katie Macarelli: kmacarelli@naturalgrocers.com.
ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The grocery products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners (as defined by its standards), synthetic colors, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its Five Founding Principles—including its "Commitment to Community" and "Commitment to Crew". In fiscal year 2024, the Company invested more than
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natural-grocers-receives-2025-sustainability-in-the-food-industry-award-from-the-shelby-report-302616129.html
SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.
FAQ
What award did Natural Grocers (NGVC) receive on November 21, 2025?
Why did The Shelby Report recognize Natural Grocers (NGVC) in 2025?
What is Natural Grocers' Nutrition Education Program and how does it work?
How are Natural Grocers' Nutritional Health Coaches (NHCs) trained?
Does Natural Grocers (NGVC) offer free nutrition services to customers?
Where can investors find more information about Natural Grocers' award and nutrition services?
