Food for Thought's History
In 1971, Richard & Sue Foley recognized the importance of natural food, high quality supplements and a healthy lifestyle, long before it was considered "hip" to be green. Richard believed that just as people wouldn’t put junk in their vehicles, they shouldn’t put it in their bodies either. Luckily, today the rest of the world is catching up with this line of thought.
Food for Thought was the first store of its kind of Wichita and remains a unique experience in natural foods shopping. Our family owned and operated business has always strived to give each customer individualized attention in a laid-back, fun atmosphere. Melinda Foley, our store’s general manager for the last 30 years, grew up roller skating in the backroom while her mother ran the front end. Today Melinda's daughter joins the staff in continuing the work that Sue & Richard began. We’ve always been centrally located, but during the past decades, the store has expanded until we landed in the current 15,000 sq ft location, the former Larcher’s grocery building, at 2929 E. Central.
Food for Thought was ahead of the times in 1971 with its ingredient standards - no artificial colors, flavorings or harmful chemical preservatives, no artificial chemical sweeteners, no irradiated foods, no MSG, no growth hormones and we continue our quest for only the best today, including offering ONLY organic produce, a paraben-free personal care department and grass-fed meats. Our staff challenges itself to provide our customers with the best products at the best prices. Our everyday low pricing makes getting healthy more affordable as well!
Food for Thought has grown to be Wichita’s leader in natural foods, while maintaining its desire to make a trip to the store less of a shopping trip and more of an exploration in health. Visiting the store, you will find not only the expected supplements, organic produce and bulk foods, but also tantalizing lotions, hilarious gifts and hard to find kitchen gadgets.
Food for Thought is truly committed to helping individuals, their families and our communities enjoy healthier, happier lives. Whether you seek knowledge through one of our classes, our literature or one-on-one with our staff, we hope we will assist you in your journey. Stop in and stay awhile! Relax and peruse one of our many books, giggle over one of our truly silly gifts or discover new favorite foods in our large grocery department! We are the place where getting healthy is fun!
