Did you hear? Earth Fare just opened their newest store in Ocala, Florida and I’m thrilled! I was invited to a pre-grand opening tour a few days before they opened and I was blown away by what I experienced. They provided me a $25 gift card (which I can’t wait to use!) plus another to giveaway to one of my readers! Keep reading to find out how to enter. Update: A winner has been chosen! Congratulations Stephanie!

I was part of a small group of about 12 people that toured the store two days before it opened. We visited each department and got to sample cheese, cookies and nuts. I also got to meet another local blogger, Dawn Lopez of Cutefetti. We’ve known each other online for a little while so it was really fun to meet her (and her mother!) in person for Earth Fare’s pre-grand opening.

If you’re not familiar with Earth Fare let me tell you a little about who they are and what they stand for. Founded in 1975, Earth Fare is quite simply, food as it should be. All the foods in their store, including name brands, are free of high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors, flavors & sweeteners, and growth hormones & antibiotics in meat and dairy. Like I just said, food as it should be!

One of the ways that Earth Fare sets itself apart from other grocery chains is that they source local as much as possible. All locally grown and crafted items are marked so you can easily find and support your community. Earth Fare hosted a local vendor fair for food growers and artisans in the Ocala area and selected more than 40 products to carry at the store.

They also create a local community advisory board before opening any store. The board meets with the Earth Fare team months before a store even opens and they give their feedback on what the community needs. Some of our local advisors are from The Appleton Museum of Art, The Marion County Public Library, WOCA News and The Club at Ocala Preserve.

The Earth Fare Ocala location, which officially opened on April 19, 2017, is at 2405 SW 27 Avenue (right near Best Buy). This new store marks Earth Fare’s fifth Florida location. While you’re there, pick up a Healthy Rewards card. You can earn points while shopping and get special previews and offers.

On to the giveaway —

Here’s a great chance to check out Earth Fare, for free! Enter below to win a $25 gift card.

How to enter: There are several ways to enter. This giveaway starts April 26, 2017 at midnight EST and ends May 18, 2017 at 11:59PM EST. Entrants must be USA residents and at least 18 years old. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The email will come from joannegreco at gmail. The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.