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Native Sun Natural Foods Market Carpool Program Rewards
Employees for Conserving Resources
(Jacksonville, FL 1/17/05) To help employees cope with
ever-rising gas prices and reduce the use of fossil
fuels, Native Sun Natural Foods Market has initiated
the Drive-Ride-Walk Program, rewarding employees who
carpool, ride a bike or walk to work with gift certificates
for food and products in the store.
According to a 2004 federal government study, 10-16
million commuters use carpooling as their principal
means of transportation for work, saving as much as
$3,000 a year on gas, regular maintenance and car repairs.
“Not only does the program save our employees
money, it also helps us conserve natural resources and
builds camaraderie among the staff,” said owner
Aaron Gottlieb.
Melinda Gopp, an associate in the Native Sun Nutrition
Department agrees. “I began participating in the
program about 3 months ago and have cut my fuel costs
in half. It also makes the drive to work more fun,”
said Gopp.
Native Sun developed a computer program to track staff
participation, asking employees when they clock in if
they drove others, rode with others, biked or walked
to work that day. Riders earn 25 cents and drivers 39
cents per working hour, which means a full-time employee
(40 hrs/wk) who rides to work with another associate
would earn $10 a week in Native Sun gift certificates
towards their purchase of groceries, supplements and
other products.
According to Gopp, “I feel really good about working
here, that we are doing what we can to conserve resources.
Plus, I get free organic groceries which is very generous
of Native Sun.”
About Native Sun Natural Foods Market
Native Sun Natural Foods Market is an certified organic
supermarket offering a variety of products including
fresh certified organic produce, organic packaged and
frozen foods, free range, hormone-free poultry, organic
grass-fed beef, wild catch seafood, health and beauty
products, supplements, homeopathic remedies, baby products,
environmentally sensitive household products, and pet
food and supplies. The store’s deli, “Native
Sun To Go,” offers wraps, soups, salads, entrees,
and desserts, all made from scratch daily with organic
ingredients. The Native Sun Juice & Smoothie Bar
offers freshly squeezed organic juices and smoothies.
Store hours are Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Visit www.nativesunjax.com for more information.
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