With 138 nutritional health coaches across more than 169 stores, Natural Grocers is hosting a hiring event to reach its goal of placing a coach in every location, spokesperson Katie Macarelli wrote in an email to Grocery Dive.
“Having full time [nutritional health coaches] embedded in our stores allows us to offer free, personalized nutrition education and real time support at the point of purchase. This is something that continues to set us apart in the retail space,” Macarelli wrote.
Although the hiring event is virtual to increase accessibility, the grocer said its coaches work on-site and their roles are “rooted in personal connection.” Customers can schedule free 1-hour health coaching sessions to receive personalized recommendations with a guided walkthrough of the store. Health coaches are also available via email or telephone, and an online question submission form is available on the Natural Grocers website.
“Being present in the store allows nutrition education to move beyond information and into everyday action, which is core to the impact of this program,” Macarelli wrote.
As of last month, Natural Grocers listed 32 open nutritional health coach positions: 15 in Colorado; three in Oregon; two each in Iowa, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming; and one each in Arkansas, Washington state, North Dakota, Idaho and New Mexico, along with a role at its soon-to-open Wisconsin store. Natural Grocers has staffed nutritional health coaches in its stores since 1995, Macarelli said. Coaches must hold a degree or certification in nutrition or a related field, such as dietetics, biology or naturopathy. After hiring, they complete training through the company’s Nutrition Education Department and more than 160 hours of continuing education annually, according to a press release.
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