Writer / Frieda Dowler
Photographer / James Eichelman

Thyme for Earth’s Fresh Fare
We’ve come a long way in our attitude about food since Clark Griswold invented his “non-nutritive food coating” in the 1989 movie classic “Christmas Vacation.” Now we look for ways to eliminate those kinds of things and eat healthier.

Stores like Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and Sprouts Farmer’s Market have addressed those needs in other cities for a while. Now Greenwood has its own healthy markets: Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market and Earth Fare Supermarket. Over the past few years, Meijer and Kroger introduced healthier choices to address our concerns about healthy eating, but these markets are dedicated to improving our community through offering healthy choices.

Thyme for Fresh
Fresh Thyme’s website states its concept is based on an indoor farmer’s market with the convenience of a neighborhood store. “As you shop their stores you’ll find yourself on an adventure that will take you back to the good ol’ days when food was pure, simple, nutritious, and delicious.” Dave, a store director, says they are a gateway to healthy eating. “She can get kale and organic beets, he can get his beer and chips, and the kids can get bananas, gummy bears or gluten free cupcakes”. They are helping people who want to make the switch to healthier eating.

Fresh Thyme’s stores do not follow traditional grocery store design, with tall aisles or glitzy fixtures. It’s simple but fun. Since the foundation of healthy eating is often based on incorporating more fruits and vegetables in diets, it is the keystone of their store. Fresh produce can be seen from anywhere in the store. The perimeter is lined with bakery, deli, fresh made sushi, meat counter, seafood counter, fresh juice bar, dairy, frozen items and aisles with low shelving for prepackaged items.

If you’re short on time and want a fast dinner, you can stop by the salad bar, pick up some marinated meat or seafood for the grill, and grab Coconut Bliss frozen treat for dessert. It won’t take as long as going to a restaurant. Or pick up a fresh made sandwich or pizza and eat in their café area.

Fare from the Earth
Earth Fare Supermarket will appeal to who have totally switched their eating habits. Their vision is to connect with communities through food. They want to be the most trusted organic and natural food market in the country – a place where healthy decisions are easy, people have confidence in the food they buy and everyone feels welcome.

They accomplish their vision through a strict food policy. You can be sure of healthy food choices here because they promise never to include certain things. Their NO list includes:
• High fructose corn syrup
• Artificial fats or artificial trans fats
• Artificial coloring
• Artificial flavoring
• Artificial preservatives
• Artificial sweeteners
• Antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones in fresh meat or dairy
• Bleach or bromated flour

Earth Fare is laid out like a traditional supermarket with aisles and shelves of prepackaged items. The store includes a well-rounded selection of organic produce, a meat and seafood counter, cheese bar, bakery, deli, and café. During the week, you can find great dining specials to eat in or take out. If you have dietary limitations, allergies, or other restrictions you will likely meet your needs at Earth Fare.

Navigating the Choices
Indy’s Southside is thrilled to have Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market and Earth Fare Supermarkets join our community. It’s a new, fun, and good for us shopping experience. The area has been lacking in grocery stores since the Kroger and Marsh on US 31 closed and we welcome our new choices.

These stores are non-traditional and might be a little intimidating for some. Navigating our new food choices reminds me of driving a roundabout the first time. I approached it with hesitation. Driving it well required a few times. The same is true about our new healthy choice food markets. A few times to explore each will help you know how to shop them. But navigating them well comes with experience. And as in any community, we still have four way stops as well as roundabouts.

Home
Article 1: Fresh Food is Nothing New
Article 2: Changing Grocery Stores
Article 3: Following the Trend
Article 4: Cookin’ Up Farm Fresh Flavors
Article 5: Cars & the Cafe

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