By Sarah Light, staff writer

Other natural food stores have come and gone in Albert Lea, but through the years, Wintergreen Natural Foods is the only one still standing.

It was founded 31 years ago as a cooperative of about 60 volunteers with a focus on natural and organic foods.

Back then, there were more bulk items for sale; now, in the speciality store there is everything from bulk items and foods to vitamins and eco-friendly products. There are three full-time employees and a few volunteers on staff.

How has Wintergreen managed to stay afloat while others have gone down?

Co-manager Maren Ring attributed its survival to continuity and perseverance.

&8220;You really have to feel like you want this place,&8221; she said.

The store expanded about 10 years ago, and the inventory continues to grow as Ring tries out new products on a regular basis.

She said she enjoys helping people find natural treatments for their health problems.

&8220;I think the reason we&8217;re here is to give people good products that will help them maintain good health,&8221; she said.

Many times, there are people who come into the store who want to eat better, whether in an effort to lose weight or to improve their health.

Employees at the store work with those customers and help them find what will best serve their needs. And if they don&8217;t have it in the store, they will order it in.

Although many grocery stores are now beginning to have organic and natural foods on their shelves, Ring said she hopes people realize that it is her business&8217;s speciality to sell these products.

&8220;We&8217;re not a supermarket, we&8217;re not a grocery store, we&8217;re a specialty store that fills this need,&8221; Ring said. &8220;We hope there will always be a need for us here.&8221;

Although it has been challenging at times over the years, she said her experiences with the store have been worthwhile.

&8220;I&8217;m glad to say that it&8217;s still here.&8221;

Customer Lois Halvorson, who was in the store Friday afternoon, said she has been coming regularly for the past year because she has been trying to cut back on preservatives and food additives.

&8220;I find it&8217;s convenient, and they&8217;re very helpful,&8221; Halvorson said.

She said someone is always willing to answer her questions, and if she needs to order something and the store doesn&8217;t have it, then it can be ordered for her from the supplier.

Some of the items on her regular shopping list include flaxseed, organic oatmeal, organic raisins, organic carrots and organic eggs.

On Friday she decided to try out eco-friendly laundry detergent and dishwashing soap.

&8220;I just like the feeling here,&8221; she said.