Marilyn’s Natural Foods under new ownership
Laura Belt is the new owner of Marilyn’s Natural Foods on Main Street. She is standing with a display of immune boosting products that are popular in the store. (Jen Jones)
A staple in Coshocton for 43 years, Marilyn’s Natural Foods has a new owner. Laura Belt has worked in the store for almost three years and, as of July 1, is the new owner.
“From day one, this place felt like home to me. I loved working here and just kept praying. Everything happened so fast – buying it was an answer to my prayers,” said Belt. “Marilyn Wiley wanted the legacy of the store to live on. She asked me and I accepted. We have customers who have been coming here forever who are like family and I wanted to keep that going.”
Belt said, especially now with COVID – 19 around, people need other options for their health besides traditional medicines. All of the staff take classes to stay up to date on new ideas and the store has a clinical nutritionist on staff, Bill Strandwitz, to help with any questions customers may have.
“Digestion is one of the biggest reasons people come here. We can help with so many problems with digestion, like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), gallbladder problems and heartburn,” said Belt. She said by getting the gut to work right, many other problems are alleviated or go away.
Another reason people visit the store is pain and inflammation. “We have several options to help with pain.” Customers can also bring a copy of recent blood work with them and talk to Strandwitz. “He can explain the results and help them decide what they might need.” Belt suggested customers bring a list of medications with them when they visit. Talking to Strandwitz is free and he has written several pamphlets with the latest information on many health issues people face and what options the store can offer them.
“Finding ways to boost energy is another big reason people visit,” said Belt.
The store offers vitamins, minerals, food, gluten free foods, books, essential oils and probiotics. “We have source material all around the store so someone can read what product might help them. Our staff is always ready to answer questions, too.”
“We want people to feel welcome as soon as they come in and for them to leave more knowledgeable than when they arrived. I also want anyone who is not satisfied to let us know. We can’t fix a problem, if we don’t know about it,” said Belt.
The store is open Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. The phone number is 740-622-6792.
Category: Business
