Wild Oats Market, a full service organic food supermarket, has been serving Pinecrest since January 1998.

The Wild Oats philosophy, promoted by general manager Rich Hill, is that their organic products are fine on their own, but are even better when used as a means to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Lauralyn Bunn (left) and Trish Maggio pictured in front of Wild Oats Market.

Wild Oats is more than just a market, even though it does contain all the products that a supermarket should (albeit most are healthier).

The store really does make a concerted effort to inform as well as sell. Special events coordinator Lauralyn Bunn is in charge of this effort, and handles everything from bringing in guest lecturers to organizing community events. For instance, there are special senior citizens days every Wednesday, and there is a constant flow of lecturers to teach healthier ways of living.

Employees are encouraged to attend so that they can stay current regarding the products they’re selling.

For instance, Dave at the seafood counter explained that Wild Oats, "only buys whole fish because very often fillets are dipped in preservative chemicals full of nitrates. We won’t buy a kind of fish if they are in danger of being overfished, like swordfish for instance."

William at the meat counter was just as well informed.

"All our meats are free-range: pork, beef, poultry, etc. There is no steroid or hormone use, and the animals are killed humanely, not in a slaughterhouse. Furthermore, our meats are all cut fresh daily, not left to sit for days like some other markets."

The entire staff seemed just as well versed as these two individuals, and just as committed to the Wild Oats concept.

Wild Oats has other features that separate it from your typical supermarket. There is a wide variety of coffees available, including expresso and cappuccino (coffee tastings are held throughout the year). There is a fantastic smoothie bar (try the Peachy Keen).

There is a plethora of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian items available in the deli. There is even a massage section in the back with a masseuse on staff.

Perhaps the focal point of the store is its center, where the aisles of herbs and homeopathic products are kept. Any and all things natural are offered there, from shampoos to nutritional supplements. There is even a little reading section where you can look up the products in some of the books that Wild Oats offers.

Ever environmentally conscious, Wild Oats sells a lot of its products in bulk as well, in order to cut down on wasted packaging.

As Bunn explained, "It is possible, especially in affluent communities like our own, to support products that are environmentally, socially and nutritionally conscious. By coming to Wild Oats you are lending support to those people and groups that have had the courage to stand up for not only a certain quality of product, but a certain quality of life."