Allergy-Free Grocery Shopping at Navan

I put the information from the questionnaire onto a shelf card for the product.  At the bottom of the shelf card, I include any information provided by the manufacturer regarding the production facility and any testing performed.  Some individuals can tolerate items made on a shared line.  For others, only a dedicated facility free from the allergen is safe.  The hope is to provide as much information to the customer to allow them to make an informed decision about the food.

HC: What are your criteria for stocking foods, brands companies?
JE: I look for companies that are very allergy aware.  Some companies are on top of their game-dedicated facilities, ingredients testing to some part per million range.  There are some others that won't even fill out my manufacturer's questionnaire and respond with the standard "If one of our products contains a top 8 blah, blah, blah...If you have allergy concerns, please read each package ingredient panel".  That doesn't mean I won't carry the product if there is a demand, but I will not put any information on the shelf card.  It says a lot for a product or company when amongst a shelf of products with cards full of made without icons there is a product with a completely blank card.

HC: What kinds of questions and concerns do you hear from consumers that you feel your store can address?
JE: Most of the customers ask about what foods are safe for their particular diet.  I am learning a lot about different types of diets.  I envision that I will eventually become a clearinghouse of special diet resources for my customers to point them in the right direction if they need answers.

HC: What are some of your favorite food allergy web sites?
JE: www.kidswithfoodallergies.com, www.peanutallergy.com and for the small business on a shoestring budget, craigslist.com.

HC: Do you have favorite food manufacturers?
JE: For my family, Enjoy Life Foods and Namaste Foods.  They have been staples in our house since my son's diagnosis since they meet his diet requirements.

HC: What are your plans for the future?
JE: My short-term goal is to open another store like this in another nearby city.  We are spread out enough in Hampton Roads that I think it would support another store in this region.  Longer-term, I would love to open stores in other cities around the country - maybe franchises!

Thank you Jennifer, we wish you much success!

Navan
http://www.navanfoods.com/
The Allergy Free Food Shop
4312 Holland Road
Suite 115
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452