Staff of Life

Category:	Natural Foods Store
Address:	1266 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Phone:	+1 831-423-8632
Site:	staffoflifemarket.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7:30AM–9PM 7:30AM–9PM 7:30AM–9PM 7:30AM–9PM 7:30AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 19

Stephan Meyer-Ewald

With plenty of near-by competition from Whole Foods and New Leaf there is no reason to go to this place. Their selection is limited and many sections feels overpriced compared to the other natural foods stores. In addition the store isnt as well organized and clean as the others and the employees do have a bit of an attitude. Im all for treating employees in the grocery business well, pay well and have an upbeat and friendly environment. The customers will also like it. But if not managed well, it goes too far the other way, and it leads to a condescending, arrogent and lackadaisical attitude. And it seems a bit of that has happened there. It feels employees are more occupied with themselves and interacting with each other than being out there and available to serve the customer.

A Private User

11-18-09 07:30PM I decided to go into Staff of Life rather than Whole Foods or Safeway since they are a local business. I asked an employee for directions and I was not even looked at. He just walked by, waved his hand in the air and said "Im off". I asked him again and got the same reply. Really rude. I then asked another employee for directions and was told the toothpaste I was looking for was in the "supplement room". I was not told it was in another building. There is so much competition Richard Josephsen why dont you get some staff that cares? I brought it to your managers attention. Its the last and only time I will be in your store.

Lauren Moser

Staff of Life is hands down my favorite health food/grocery store in Santa Cruz. Or pretty much anywhere else in California. The produce is way better than the other grocery stores in town... not to mention better prices! I absolutely love their vitamin room too. They have a great selection of Chinese herbs, supplements, and bath and beauty stuff. I tend to get a little lost in there:) Last time I was in there the woman who helped me was so sweet and helpful. It is amazing how good it can make you feel when someone is genuinely happy to help you find what you are looking for!

Corrina McFarlane

I have called Staff my village store forever. Sometimes I run in to grab couple things and cross paths/quick chat to five different people I know. Its locally owned (original owners still rule/now aging hippies!) and multicultural, deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and a whole & wholesome non-toxic food supply. They relocated into a larger space a few years back and now have a impressive indoor/outdoor cafe, including community tables. You will see formal and informal meetings happening there all the time. Great place the meet up (and to hear Whats Up!)

Shawn Orgel-Olson

Ive been going to Staff of Life since I was born, literally. Hands down the best health food store in Santa Cruz (and that Ive been to in the world, for that matter). I have shopped everywhere in town: New Leaf, Whole Foods, Food Bin, TJs (and love TJs too), Shoppers Corner, etc Staff consistently has: - Cheapest prices on almost everything, very few exceptions - Great produce - Tasty salad bar and pre-packed meals - e.g., the wild salmon salad - LOCAL business - New location doesnt feel crammed like the old spot across the street Do it.

Gene M

They fired a popular and productive employee yesterday because he took a phone call from his mom that he hadnt spoken with in a long time. No warning ever given - and the kid was on the phone for less than a minute. They said he was stealing from company time. What a great way to demoralize the employees and make sure people like me will never shop there again. I heard that the bully was related to the owner.....wow what an amateur!.....maybe he is on the payroll of the competitors because he sure just did their bidding.

Robin Cad

Their bakery makes the VERY BEST Gluten-free sandwich bread Ive tried anywhere! They bake pastries for the bakery case & a few are G/F or Vegan. *Option: Loaf slicing by machine is offered at deli counter. Great selection of fresh organic meats, fruits, vegetables & live plants. Plus any & all other health food supplies. They offer self-serve buffet style meals, a deli, coffee barista & tables to sit, eat & visit outside. If you cant find it just ask.

Jason Tsai

A little pricey. But arent all "whole-some foods"? This place has a more neighborhood market feel, all kinds of kombucha, and I even got a kombucha infused beer (750ml). Great bottle brews. Cheeses looked delicious. EV parking spot. Bathrooms are clean. Everyone is nice. But some staff members are a little TOO committed and may preach their latest green cause a little too hard for the working folk. But all in all, a GREAT addition to the neighborhood!

Bill Walton

Staff of Life is an independent natural food store. They have a well-maintained produce department featuring mostly organic and/or local fruits and vegetables. The meat counter is staffed with experienced butchers and features grass-fed meats and free-range poultry. Staff is friendly and helpful. If you shop here you will get high-quality real food, not over-processed manufactured products. However, theyre not cheap.

Tas Boom

Dont ever work for these people. Got hired for the meat department and sustained an injury 3 days in, which I had to leave work to go get checked out. I come back in for my next shift with a physicians note, and before I could even give it to the manager/owner, I was fired on the spot. These guys are lucky that I do not have the time, money, or resources to sue. Please boycott the meat department at all costs.

Anthony Sicola

I have a love/hate relationship with Staff of Life. On one hand, I like their local vibe, but on the flipside, I think the staff could be more customer service oriented. They have a great hot food and salad bar and their meat department is pretty good. The produce is all organic and quite expensive.

Kevin Barney

Iconic Santa Cruz local health food store. Fantastic staff, good prices and great selection of the healthiest foods and products anywhere. On site butcher, bakery, cafe, and every homeopathic herb, remedy, tincture, powder, lotion, spray, etc. you could ever need or want.

jamie danielle

Easily my favorite grocery store in Santa Cruz! If I miss the farmers market, I go to Staff of Life, they carry a lot of the same produce brands. Their vitamin section is also really great, high quality at really good prices. Lots of vegan friendly & meat lover options.

Lauri Moreland

You need something for your health or diet, the natural way,this is place for you,have extensive bulk section,always clean and always healthy...even have cheese powder? Throws a whole spin on how to get the dog to eat his meds? Hmmm.Check this place out.

christina howe

I love there products and they have great diversity in items that you cant find anywhere else! Pricing on some items are a little steep, but some of the pricing is decent and manageable! There meats and produce surpass other places by far!:)

Louis Colletta

Fresh, as organic as possible, groceries. Also, two excellent food bars. One for the best salad you could assemble, and the other for an excellent hot food plate. Everything can then be enjoyed in the stores outside/canopied luncheon area!

Dr. Paul GCR RV November 30 2016 McNeil GCR RV

Excellent shopping experience. Well stocked Staff is helpful A bit inpatient. but persistent in meeting customer satisfaction Thank you Blessings 0010110 Paul Dr. Paul McNeil Yes I would very defenatly recommend Staff of Life.

Miguel Magana

Tiene los mejores precios en santa cruz Yuna variedad muy grande en vitamins yabarrotes

Eli Triona

Santa Cruz does not lack choices for health food grocery stores and Staff Of Life is another excellent option. Plenty of fresh, local and organic groceries to choose from and the employees and friendly.