Jul. 23, 2014:  Another new vendor this season at the Bronxville Farmers' Market is Healing Home Foods (HHF). And once again, this family-run business was conceived to address a family member's health issue. This is my fourth article this summer on our new vendors and they all share this common mission.

John and Shelley Schulz met while they were both busy on Wall Street in the hedge fund bubble; they married, and life proceeded as normal. Their older child, Jack, was born 11 years ago. When he was three, he was diagnosed with autism. Shelley left her NYC job to dedicate herself to trying to unearth ways to help their child through nutritional ways. A gluten-free and dairy-free diet was then adopted--for the whole family. All "old world" food was thrown out en mass and cupboards were restocked with all new "healthy and healing" foods. Shelley has a natural gift when it comes to combining ingredients. Not long after their new-wave lifestyle had begun, another hard blow hit the Schulz family; John was diagnosed with cancer. He was treated successfully, and this reinforced Shelley's mission for food-driven healing for her family. Jack, John, Katie, and Shelley are living proof of the saying that you are what you eat! Happily, all are doing just fine.

The commercial business, started just two years ago, has two components: Shelley is the "maker" and John is the "mover" for all products. Very distinct jobs and definitely no gray lines. That is probably why they are still happily married! Shelley is the creator of all the foods produced. She has tossed many a "try" but she certainly has all winners now. There are over 50 products at the moment and the number is continually growing. They produce gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan granolas, crackers, chips, nuts, sweet treats, and other assorted snacks. All products are created at their own facility. Some are baked in the traditional way but many others are considered "raw." Raw cooking heats foods at low temperatures over long periods of time and this preserves the nutritional value of all the ingredients. This method of cooking has been popular on the West Coast for years and is slowly making its way East. HHF is one of the earlier businesses to adopt this method in the area.

All products are sourced locally, when possible, and although all may not be certified organic, they all surpass organic standards. No GMOs or any artificial colorings or flavorings are ever used. No soy, either. There are 12 employees, mostly local moms with a few good men thrown into the mix. This small but mighty crew cranked out 1,400 units of product just last week to fill the ever-growing demand of retail orders and to stock farmers' markets they attend. If keeping this machine cranking isn't enough, they also have a retail shop in Pound Ridge where all products are available as well as a few entrees. John, the "mover," is constantly on the road and makes several deliveries to Manhattan during the week. HHF has recently been added to Mrs. Green's as a vendor, with Fairway and more possibilities on the horizon. The biggest problem they are experiencing is keeping up with demand.

While I was talking to John at the Bronxville Farmers' Market this Saturday, I saw many return customers who greeted him as if he were a member of their family. I observed one customer and asked him if this was his third return trip--today. His response was, "It's spun out of control. We just can't stop!" while sporting a big grin. And he wasn't the only one! John is a pro. He engages, does not push, knows his stuff, and has a great sense of humor--which I wouldn't if I were wearing his shoes right now.

Please stop by and sample some of the best healthy snacks you will ever taste! I'm sure you will not leave the stall empty-handed. And you may even be helped by Jack or Katie! This venture is definitely a family affair! www.healinghomefoods.com.

Pictured here:  John and Katie Schulz.

Photo by Mary Liz Mulligan, Market Manager, Bronxville Farmers' Market