Common Roots

In our final episode of Common Roots, we’re looking back on the many insightful conversations we’ve had with INFRA Members over the past year. From Turnip Trick to New Moon Natural Foods to Momo’s Market, this highlight reel underscores the diversity and resilience of INFRA’s membership. No matter the differences in region, size, or mission, one thing connects all INFRA Members—a deep commitment to providing healthy natural foods to their communities.

To all of our listeners—thank you for joining us in celebrating 20 years of collective impact! This podcast would not have been possible without your support.

Signing off for the last time!

Hailey Craig & Madeleine Ware

In this episode of Common Roots, Kate Bishop and John Martin, co-owners of Chicory Market in Oxford, MS, share their journey from non-food backgrounds to building a community grocery centered on local food access. They discuss their transition from careers in the arts and education to grocery retail, how they partner with local farmers, and the ways they’re helping grow the natural food economy in their region.

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with Laurie Aker, Director of Marketing at Earth Fare. Hear more about their food philosophy, including Earth Fare’s highly selective “boot list,” the company’s journey through bankruptcy and resurgence, and its role in the founding of INFRA.  

In this episode of Common Roots, Adam Williams, CFO of Turnip Truck, shares the inspiring journey of the natural food store from its humble beginnings to its current success with four locations in Nashville. He discusses the challenges faced along the way, including the impact of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam also highlights the importance of community, local produce, and the unique identity of Turnip Truck in the natural foods industry. 

In this episode of Common Roots, Billy Griffin, owner of New Moon Natural Foods, takes us on a journey through the evolution of his business — from its early days to its role as a cornerstone of the local natural food movement. Billy shares the philosophy that guides New Moon, the challenges of staying true to core values in a changing marketplace, and how sustainability and ethical sourcing continue to shape everything they do. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we're chatting with Jimbo Someck, a founding INFRA Member and Owner of Jimbo's Naturally in California. Hear from Jimbo about how he fosters consumer education and integrity in his stores through the Jimbo's ethos, which emphasizes the importance of organic and regenerative agriculture and maintaining a strong relationships with customers to foster accountability and transparency. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we sat down with Vickie Bacon, Owner of Highland Nutrition Center in Highland, IL. Located in a small town with less than 10,000 people, Vickie shares how prioritizing community involvement has cemented Highland Nutrition Center as an important fixture in their community. Plus, learn more about how they’ve leveraged INFRA’s promotional programs to drive sales and deliver value to their customers.  

This week, we sit down with Mark Squire of Good Earth Natural foods, a lifelong independent grocer whose career began at the very roots of the natural foods movement. Mark reflects on how his early experiences in the Organic and Non-GMO movement shaped a mission that still drives the store today: food as healing, organic as non-negotiable, and education as a path to both business success and community empowerment. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we sit down with INFRA Board Member Drew Alexander, owner of Cornucopia Natural Foods in Sayville, NY. Drew shares his inspiring journey from dishwasher to store owner. We also discuss the strategies he uses to support employee longevity and how Cornucopia upholds its commitment to rigorous product standards. 

In this episode of Common Roots, we hear from Dan Stump from Leg Up Farmers Market in York, PA. Dan shares how the market is transforming its community through customer education around healthy eating, and how every purchase supports the incredible work of Leg Up Farm and ABLE Services, two nonprofits dedicated to empowering children and adults with special needs. Tune in for an inspiring look at how good food and good causes go hand in hand!