Going to the food market is part of our everyday routine for most of us, but it is a way of life for Carolyn Moyer, manager of Nature’s Marketplace at Wegmans, in Mechanicsburg. Her grandfather was the owner of an IGA supermarket. “Since my grandparents and parents owned an IGA in Mechanicsburg, I literally grew up in the grocery business and have been in it my entire life,” says Moyer. Despite being well-versed in the ins and outs of the industry, Moyer is honest when she adds, “The greatest perk of my job is learning about all the products out there, but the greatest challenge is that I don’t think I will ever know everything. There are new products coming out every day, and sometimes it’s really hard to keep up on all of them. It’s a lot of information.”

Nature’s Marketplace is a substantial health food section within the popular superstore and offers a vast array of products that range from whole grains and organic dairy to baby food, frozen food, personal care products and natural household cleaners. Moyer was first hired by Wegmans for another position, but was asked to fill the managerial slot for Nature’s Marketplace just before opening.

It was then that she was introduced to a realm of healthier choices. “I can’t always eat organic, but I can say that I have learned a lot, especially about gluten- and wheat-free products and why there is such a need and high demand for them,” says Moyer. Gluten-free living is her strong point, and along the way, she has become a local advocate for shedding light on an often misunderstood trend, including the serious autoimmune condition known as celiac disease.

Moyer can attest to the fact that gluten- and wheat-free items and other specialty foods are a big draw at Nature’s Marketplace, particularly organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and fair trade items. “We are very thorough when it comes to product integrity and what ends up on the shelves. Wegmans does a great deal of background checking. For example, before a product is ordered, the people here at Wegmans will do all the needed research to see if the product truly is organic or fair trade.”

An integral part of Moyer’s managerial duties at her department is overseeing a team she proudly deems “awesome.” Her enthusiastic team includes seven part-time and four full-time employees that focus on providing the best possible shopping experience for customers that rely on Nature’s Marketplace for healthier food and lifestyle choices. “One of my biggest concerns is getting the orders in on time. I also make sure the shelves are consistently stocked with the right amount of product,” says Moyer . Managing employees and maintaining inventory flow are part of the job, but interacting with customers is a component that she particularly enjoys.

Outside of work, Moyer’s pride and joy are her two grandchildren and her flair for quilting. She is a woman who really seems to appreciate life, especially working for Wegmans eight years. She exhorts, “I love working here. It really is a great company.”

Marlaina Donato is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.