It’s lucky 13 for local health food store

For Ed Berry and Rachel Morgan, healthy living has never been strictly personal.
“It’s always been about the health of the community, as well as the individual,” said Berry.
To show community appreciation for 13 years of business in South Walton, For the Health of It is hosting a five-day celebration starting Tuesday April 8.
“Most do a 10 or a 20,” said business co-owner Ed Berry, “but we’ve always been a little different.”
Berry and wife Rachel Morgan have owned and operated the organic market and massage clinic in Blue Mountain Beach since April 8, 1995 and said this celebration is just another way to give back to the community.
“We also try to provide support for other like-minded businesses,” said Berry
During the five days, live music, as well as other health and nature oriented businesses and organizations such as Big Daddy’s Bike Shop and Inner-Solutions will give demonstrations and samples.
In addition, there will be a free raffle each day that will give away 25 different items, including a $100 store gift certificate.
According to Berry, For the Health of It hosted one other event eight years ago to raise money for Butler Elementary and has donated to the American Cancer Society and local churches, but has never held an event with local merchants such as this.
“We believe in supporting as many local businesses as we can by sporting the dollar with the little man,” he said.
Employee Susan Morrone, who is heading the festivities next week, said because children also need health education, there would also be a puppet theater on Saturday.
“ It is so important to educate young children about health,” she said. “The play presented will be showing them how to live healthy.”
Morrone said that in addition to providing/stimulating health education, a feel-good event is something that is needed in the community.
“The core strength of health is important on so many levels,” she said, “but just having an event that creates smiles can be encouraging. With the way the world is, we need that.”
For the Health of it was founded after sales of wholesale products were successful around the region, but was originally just a way for Berry and Morgan to obtain health products for themselves.
“It was started so we could get certified organic food that wasn’t sold in the area,” said Berry. “We then started a wholesale program that sold to vendors as far west as Mobile. Once we were able to support an establishment, the store was created.”
Berry is originally from Destin and Morgan from Walton County. The two decided to keep their names after marriage because of her family’s recognition in the community.
“I told him, ‘sorry honey, my name means more over here than yours!’,” Morgan said.
The store has remained in the same location since it opened, but has increased in size and staff, particularly in massage therapy.
“We are the oldest established massage clinic in the area,” said Morgan. “Today, we have four treatment rooms and eight therapists on staff. “
Morgan said she feels today’s store is very progressive and has a staff that greatly adds to its success.
“We are one of the first in the area to use biodegradable bags,” she said. “Everyone in this store believes in what they do here.”
By the end of April, the business plans on starting a home delivery service and an e-commerce Web site.
Next week’s anniversary event kicks off with “body beautiful” on Tues. and ends with live entertainment on Saturday for “family day.” To take part in the daily gift raffle, visit the store at 2217 West Scenic Highway 30A to drop you name in the drawing box.
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