WEB EXTRA! Indianola business caters to healthy lifestyles

WEB EXTRA! Indianola business caters to healthy lifestyles

by Mandy Frohling

Anyone hungry for tofu? That’s what owners Jamie and Ben Carpenter of Hometown Health Foods are hoping.

Hometown Health Foods opened in Indianola last November at 206 E. Detroit Ave. The store offers a wide selection of herbal and organic foods, ranging from spices and seasonings to rice ice cream and health care products.

According to the Carpenters, business has been booming. Customers come from surrounding communities such as Des Moines, Milo and Lucas.

Jamie Carpenter said she believes there is a need in Indianola for a health food store. “Des Moines is a ways away if you just want to pick up a few items.”

With the many different products they offer, the Carpenters say Hometown Health Foods has something for everyone. Herbal teas are recommended to those with allergies. Tofu burgers would be appealing to vegetarians.

Sophomore Jessica McDonald recently visited the store to see its selection. “I would recommend the store to anyone who wants to eat healthy or wants organic foods,” McDonald said. The organic brownie mix is now on her grocery list.

Jamie personally uses the products she sells. “These products are for a healthy lifestyle, but we have a few weight loss products,” she said.

Customers comparing prices with similar Los Angeles stores have said they are very fair and reasonable. Soon they will have bulk bins that will make these products cheaper and more accessible to the public.

Opening a business in town has been a big step for the Carpenters. Jamie moved to Indianola in seventh grade and has lived here ever since. “We wanted to own our own store, and Indianola didn’t have a health food store,” stated Ben. Before opening their new store, Jamie was a stay-at-home mom. Ben is still an electrician.

Hometown Health Foods hours are Mon., Tues., Wed. and Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.