‘From the Bluffs of the Mississippi'

March 3, 2006

BY Tracey Lamm/MVM NEWS NETWORKThursday, March 2, 2006 4:11 PM CST MONTROSE - Cheryl Ball prefers to call her business “From the Bluffs of the Mississippi” a “healthy foods” store, rather than a “health food” store.“I don't want to be associated with those stores that sell pills and supplements,” Ball said.Cheryl and her husband Stanley are selling more than healthful, organic food - they are selling a healthier lifestyle.A year ago - March 1 to be exact - the couple

had made the switch to an organic diet. But they found it difficult to find the things they wanted to eat locally, and had to travel a ways to find it.“We knew other people were the same as us,” Cheryl said.So to fill their own need and that of a growing number of people who are pursuing healthier lifestyles “The Bluffs of the Mississippi” was born. The tiny store is located in the couple's converted garage at their home on Peach Orchard Road, at the intersection with Highway 218 near Montrose.All manner of organic food is available at “From the Bluffs of the Mississippi.” Whole grain flour and pastas, sauces, vegan mayonnaise, salad dressings, heart-healthy oils, beans, nuts, vegetables and spices, just to name a few. Organic products are

certified by the US Department of Agriculture. Cheryl said each state has different standards that determine if a food product can be labeled organic. There are supposed to be no chemicals sprayed on organic crops, and no chemicals sprayed on a field where crops will be planted for three years before that. A buffer strip also has to surround the field to make sure that chemicals from neighboring fields don't seep onto the organic field.Cheryl, who was a pharmacist for 30 years, battled allergies for years, and it got to the point that she had headaches all the time. Her church pastor and his wife had made the organic switch.“We noticed such a difference in them,” Cheryl said.So the switch was made, and Cheryl said her headaches and allergy trouble have disappeared. She also has more energy and feels better. And all of that has been accomplished without medication.Stanley agrees. He was taking various medications and has been able to stop taking some

since the change. However, Cheryl said the switch doesn't mean everyone can do away with all the medications they may need to take. “There is a time and place for some medications,” Cheryl said. Her concern is with people who have ailments and are prescribed medication. When that medicine doesn't work, it is common for another medication to be prescribed without having the patient stop taking what wasn't working.The couple also have experienced weight loss, which wasn't their intention in making the change, but a welcome benefit. “I tell him he looks ten years younger,” Cheryl said of Stanley.Cheryl said customers can purchase chemical-free beef, but that isn't offered through the store yet. That is part of plans for future expansion. Cheryl also is in the process of introducing fresh produce at the store. During the coming growing season, she will be growing organic vegetables that will be sold at the store.The Balls also offer a unique service through their

business: a support group for people who have made the switch to a healthier diet. The group meets monthly and each person brings a dish to share, along with the recipe.“We help each other stay on track and learn more about health issues,” Cheryl said.The group discusses things one can do to make life better, such as ways to lower stress, getting more exercise and getting enough sleep.With the exchange of recipes and the support, some of the hurdles people may face when deciding to make the lifestyle change can be overcome. Cheryl said cooking with organic products isn't difficult. She has even adapted some of her old recipes to use organic food products. She has also found that some food she didn't like before she now likes in its organic form. For example, she wasn't a fan of broccoli until eating it in organic form. Stanley wasn't big on ranch salad dressing until Cheryl made a recipe using vegan mayonnaise.Cheryl offers a line of vegan cooking

recipe books, and has a collection of recipes she is willing to share with her customers.And for those who can't go without cookies, ice cream and some candy, there are alternatives. Cheryl sells a rice-based ice cream and gluten-free cookies. She has organic fruit leather, an item popular with children.Parents of children with food allergies also are good customers at the store.“They are happy to find so many things here they can cook for their children,” Cheryl said.“From the Bluffs of the Mississippi” is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. People who are interested in joining the support group are welcome.Peter H

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