Our Mission

We are here to help. Whether you are searching for a particular product, or have questions about natural foods and alternative health therapies, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist you.

Sunflower, as a business, is dedicated to the “triple bottom line” (people, planet, profit). We feel that it is our responsibility to be socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. We also look for these traits in the companies with whom we do business. 

We proudly carry organically grown food items, products made from recycled and earth-friendly materials, locally grown / locally made items and Fair Trade certified products. Fair Trade certification assures that farmers and crafters from around the world are guaranteed fair wages, healthy working conditions, and education on how to create environmentally-friendly, sustainable commerce. Learn more about Fair Trade at www.transfairusa.org

We are dedicated to supporting local farmers and businesses. By supporting our local community we not only help our neighbors economically we help build the community as a whole. To learn more about the advantages of supporting locally owned small businesses please visit the Belknap Independent Business Alliance (B.I.B.A.) at www.bibanh.org

Sunflower Reduces, Re-uses and Recycles

• We recycle all of our paper, cardboard, glass and plastic bottles. You are welcome to bring in your empty supplement bottles which we will gladly recycle for you.

• We donate the packing material we receive with our orders to Package Plus, our local “shipping store”, so that it can be re-used.

• We re-use paper and envelopes whenever possible before recycling them.

• We use recycled paper products in our office (paper, envelopes, file folders, business cards, etc). We even use toilet paper and paper towels made from recycled paper.

• We use biodegradable trash bags and earth-friendly cleaning products.

• We are dedicated to supporting local farmers and businesses. Small cottage industries have a much lighter impact on the environment than large factories, and doing business locally limits the fossil fuels required to get the products to our door. 

A special “thanks” goes to the Sunflower staff who put in the extra effort necessary to make these programs work. They go the extra mile (literally) to take the over-flowing recycling bin to the transfer station, to bring the compost home, to deliver the packing peanuts, etc.

Sunflower is proud to be a member of several great organizations including:

Belknap Independent Business Alliance (BIBA)    www.bibanh.org
Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA)   www.nofanh.org
Natural Products Association   www.naturalproductsassoc.org
United Plant Savers (UPS)   www.unitedplantsavers.org

 History

Sunflower Natural Foods has been a community resource for natural foods and alternative health therapies since 1985.

The store was originally located on Canal Street in downtown Laconia, NH.  In 1992, Sunflower moved to its current location at 390 South Main Street.

Having worked in the store since 1999, Ana Gourlay bought Sunflower in 2004. Ana also owned and operated Terra Perma, an earth-friendly gift store once located in downtown Laconia.

In the Spring of 2009, Sunflower underwent a major renovation and expansion project- more than doubling in size.  At that time, Terra Perma was dissolved into Sunflower creating one comprehensive green-living store.