The “Why” Behind Our Products

Have you ever wondered how we, here at Jo Anne’s Place Heath Foods, go about bringing in the products that we do?


What are the criteria our team of Buyers considers with every product? Well, I can tell you – there is a lot of critical thought that goes into these decisions, as our mission is to be a champion for wellness in the communities we serve. One way in which we can achieve this is the “distinctive quality of products we select” for our customers to buy.



Meet Sarah Smeenk, Purchasing Manager at Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods…


Sarah:


“I have personally spent a good part of my life in the health food industry. I grew up working alongside my grandmother, Jo Anne Fallaise (the Founder of Jo Anne’s Place) from the early age of 9. I have cultivated a love and passion for so many of the products we offer, and it brings me immense pleasure to be a part of the buying process. I am the Purchasing manager for Jo Anne’s Place Heath Foods, as well as a loyal customer. Both myself and my family use products from every category that we offer…


Our mission statement helps to highlight 2 of the most important criteria we consider when bringing in products – to be a champion for wellness in the communities we serve. Wellness is a holistic approach to all states of health and an extremely vital part of our health includes the ingredients we put into our mouths. One of the most important criteria for JPHF is that our products be “certified organic” and secondly that we are supporting the communities we serve by purchasing locally made products. Our definition of local changes depending on the first criteria mentioned and availability. When sourcing local products we search within our own cities and surrounding areas first and move our radius circle as necessary. As a company we source Canadian made products wherever possible and as a consumer you may not see certain American brands on our shelves if there is a Canadian option.

Why are “certified organic” products important to us as a company? By buying organic we believe that you are not only supporting and fortifying your bodies, but the planet as well. Even if you do not know the farmer or producer your food/ingredients are being scrutinized by a third party agency (Procert, Ecocert, USDA Organic) to ensure the following: the use of natural organic fertilizers and soil amendments, no sewage sludge used, no chemical post-harvest treatments, no chemical insecticides, pesticides or weed-killers, no irradiation, GMO-free, supports the preservation of heritage and heirloom varieties, the use of sustainable farming practices.


Some other criteria that goes into the products chosen for our locations are Industry research surrounding efficacy, this is especially important when choosing supplements for our shelves – what studies have been done and is there third-party testing involved. As well as company practices, whether items are fair-trade certified or ethically made, does the company use sustainable practices. Along with the criteria I have outlined above there are other factors such as packaging type and design and of course when it comes to food – TASTE!!. As a team we are diligent in our pursuit for the right products for our company and ultimately our customers.


At Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods, we have an amazing team of people working (often behind the scenes) to find the ‘distinctive products” our customers have come to love. For 45 years, we have made it our priority to serve our community with quality products and service, with the health of our customers and the planet in mind.”


  • Sarah Smeenk



functional iced drinks
By April Allen July 8, 2025
Happy Summer! We hope you've been enjoying the heat, lots of outdoor activities, and are keeping hydrated. Speaking of hydration, today we are sharing some delicious, functional, summer drink recipes! Why not add some additional benefits to your summer sipping? These recipes feature mushrooms, collagen, matcha, and adaptogens to keep you healthy and hydrated all summer long! Below are recipes for 3 summer drinks with amazing functional benefits:
By Jonathan Tessier July 8, 2025
How To Make Exercise Fun
By Jonathan Tessier June 25, 2025
What is Shilajit? Shilajit is a sticky substance found in the rocks of the Himalayas. It develops over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for boosting energy, testosterone and preventing cognitive decline. What Are the Benefits of Taking Shilajit? Testosterone: Taking shilajit may improve testosterone levels in men. In one clinical study , half of the participants were given a placebo, and half were given a 250 milligram (mg) dose of purified shilajit twice a day. After 90 consecutive days, the study found that participants receiving purified shilajit had a significantly higher testosterone level compared to the placebo group. Fatigue: Naturally boosting your body’s mitochondrial function with shilajit supplements may help improve energy levels. Since shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, a strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, it may also protect against free radicals and cellular damage. As a result, regular use of shilajit may contribute to longevity, a slower aging process, and overall better health. Menopause: During menopause, many females can begin to lose bone mass, making bones weaker. Taking Shilajit supplements daily may help postmenopausal women with bone mass loss improve their bone mineral density. Prevent Cognitive Decline: The fulvic acid in shilajit contributes to cognitive health by preventing the accumulation of tau protein. Tau proteins are an important part of your nervous system, but a buildup can trigger brain cell damage. How To Use Shilajit Shilajit is available in powder, capsule and liquid forms. For powder use, simply add a 1/4 tsp to a glass of water or milk and consume, for liquid use, same thing just dissolve a small drop into your drink. For capsule use, take the capsules with food. Options in Our Store
Tiny Canadian flags are pinned into cooked burgers and an entire picnic setup with all kinds of food
By April Allen June 24, 2025
Celebrate Canada with these wholesome and festive recipes. They're fun and full of nutritious ingredients - great for all ages!
By April Allen June 24, 2025
Whether you're a die-hard matcha lover, enjoy the occasional matcha, or are trying it for the first time - an iced matcha latte is a great place to start. Especially in the summer heat, an iced matcha latte is a great way to get a caffeine boost while staying cool - and avoiding that post-coffee crash. Did you know? Matcha doesn't give you the caffeine jitters or crash because it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and counters the stimulating effects of caffeine! Here are 3 ways to enjoy an iced matcha latte this summer: Traditional, Whipped, & Strawberry!
By Jonathan Tessier June 24, 2025
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better For You Than Chemical?
By Jonathan Tessier June 19, 2025
What Are Intestinal Parasites?
By April Allen June 10, 2025
Carrot ribbon salads are going viral on TikTok again! These went around a few years ago and are making a comeback thanks to creator @cassyeungmoney . Raw carrots are great for immune function, digestive health, and vision - they are packed with antioxidants! See our take on the recipe below:
By April Allen June 10, 2025
Looking for a wholesome breakfast, snack, or dessert that's as nourishing as it is delicious? Chia pudding is a true superfood staple. It's easy to prep, endless customizable, and packed with fibre, omega-3s, and plant-based protein. We're sharing 3 flavourful twists on chia pudding: Chocolate, Strawberry Matcha, and Berry Dragonfruit - all are vegan!
By April Allen June 10, 2025
When the summer sun is high and you're craving something cool, refreshing, and tangy, this Razzleberry smoothie is the answer! With juicy raspberries, creamy banana and coconut milk, and a splash of zesty lime, it's a vibrant combination of sweet and tart. Plus, chia seeds add a little boost of plant-powered energy!
More Posts