Our Mission
We are here to help. Whether you are searching for a particular product, or have questions about natural foods and alternative health therapies, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist you.
Sunflower, as a business, is dedicated to the “triple bottom line” (people, planet, profit). We feel that it is our responsibility to be socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. We also look for these traits in the companies with whom we do business.
We proudly carry organically grown food items, products made from recycled and earth-friendly materials, locally grown / locally made items, and Fair Trade certified products. Fair Trade certification assures that farmers and crafters from around the world are guaranteed fair wages, healthy working conditions, and education on how to create environmentally-friendly, sustainable commerce. Learn more about Fair Trade at www.transfairusa.org
We are dedicated to supporting local farmers and businesses. By supporting our local community we not only help our neighbors economically, we help build the community as a whole. To learn more about the advantages of supporting locally owned small businesses please visit the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
We Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
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We recycle all of our paper, cardboard, glass, and plastic bottles. You are welcome to bring in your empty supplement bottles which we will gladly recycle for you.
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We donate the packing material we receive with our orders to other businesses and community members for re-use (remember us if you need to mail a package or if you're moving!).
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We re-use paper and envelopes whenever possible before recycling them.
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We use recycled paper products in our office (paper, envelopes, file folders, business cards, etc).
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We use earth-friendly cleaning products.
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We are dedicated to supporting local farmers and businesses. Small cottage industries have a much lighter impact on the environment than large factories, and doing business locally limits the fossil fuels required to get the products to our door.
History
Sunflower Natural Foods has been a community resource for natural foods and alternative health therapies since 1985.
The store was originally located on Canal Street in downtown Laconia, NH. In 1992, Sunflower moved to its current location at 390 South Main Street.
Having worked in the store since 1999, Ana Gourlay bought Sunflower in 2004. Ana also owned and operated Terra Perma, an earth-friendly gift store once located in downtown Laconia.
In the Spring of 2009, Sunflower underwent a major renovation and expansion project- more than doubling in size. At that time, Terra Perma was dissolved into Sunflower creating one comprehensive green-living store.
2015 marked Sunflower's 30 year anniversary at which time it was purchased by Paul Flynn, the owner of our sister store, Hampton Natural Foods in Hampton, New Hampshire. Throughout our history, Sunflower has grown through many changes, but one thing has always remained the same: our dedication to the wonderful customers who have grown along with us and to those just walking through our doors for the first time.
We hope you'll come to visit us soon!
Be well,
