By Joy Schrock - President Berlin Natural Bakery Why we joined the Non-GMO Project and what it means to you. As most of you know by now, Berlin Natural Bakery products are Non-GMO Project “Verified”. We have heard from many of you over the past month asking what exactly “genetically modified” means and to please provide additional information. In this letter, it is my goal to give you a brief overview of what GMOs are and share with you why we are so passionately committed to producing products free from these types of ingredients. As always we encourage you not just to take our word for it on any issue. The best way to determine what you believe is by doing your own research. The information below will explain why we believe this is the most important issue that our current food supply is facing, and hopefully illustrate to you why these specific types of ingredients could be even more dangerous for those suffering with food allergies. Today it is estimated that over 80% of processed food found on your grocery store shelves contain genetically modified ingredients. When I first heard this statistic, I did not believe it and at the same time two specific questions came to mind. Question #1 How is it possible for these ingredients to be in over 80% of our products without us having any knowledge of it or the potential dangers of these ingredients? Question #2 Why isn’t this specific information listed on our food labels letting us as consumers know that GMO ingredients are in the products? I know all of this may sound crazy but unfortunately the 80% GMO statistic is an undeniable fact. As you continue reading you’ll soon realize how this came to be. After becoming Non-GMO Project Verified we Created This Video To Celebrate The Accomplishment What is a GMO? A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic. This is a process that could not happen on its own in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods farmers have been using successfully and safely for hundreds of years. For example, a gene from a Brazil nut was spliced into soybeans in an effort to increase the amino acids in the soybean which would create a more nutritious food for animals. The studies conducted by the biotech company on the soybean were done only on animals and they found the soybean to be safe. But thanks to the University of Nebraska’s findings, the production of this soybean was immediately halted. The University discovered that the soybean could induce potentially fatal allergic reactions in people that are sensitive to Brazil nuts. What Dr. Taylor at the University of Nebraska discovered prevented a potential public health disaster. This study also proves that allergens (proteins) are transferred in the process. The U.S. Government’s position on the safety of genetically engineered crops relies on the findings from the biotech companies. If the biotech companies deem them as safe the U.S. government deems them as safe. This is the same philosophy that the U.S. government uses for off shore drilling. We all know how unreliable the safety measures were in the recent Gulf Coast oil spill. The biotech corporations are every bit as powerful as the oil corporations. The U.S. government does not believe that there is enough of a difference between GM crops and crops found in nature to be of concern. I’m sure you will find it interesting that currently several of the most powerful positions in our government are being held by previous Monsanto employees. This includes a previous V.P./attorney to Monsanto who is now our newly appointed U.S. Food Safety Czar. He also is the same person that originally approved GM crops when he was in charge of the FDA. The 3 greatest risks associated with GM foods are: 1) Toxicity 2) Allergens 3) Antibiotic resistance All three of these risks are important. But for today, we are going to focus on “allergens”. No one would argue that food related allergies have been rising at epidemic proportions over the last ten to fifteen years. An allergic reaction to a specific type of food is the bodies overreaction to a protein that the immune system reads as foreign and dangerous. Isn’t it interesting that the huge rise in allergy related illnesses started happening at the same time these foods were introduced? Does it not make sense that when you are injecting DNA (protein) from one species to another that a person could suddenly develop an allergic reaction from the newly created bioengineered food? Could these newly created foods also be introducing a whole new set of allergens? Could these new proteins create an allergic reaction because our bodies don’t recognize them and identify them as foreign? It makes all the sense in the world to me. If you have a food related allergy, how do you know which foods are safe and which foods could have hidden ingredients that could be dangerous to your health? The answer is simple…you don’t. According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that 2% of adults and 8% of children are now suffering with some type of food allergy. According to the Consumer’s Union, medical polls show that 25% of American’s report that they or members of their family suffer from some type of food allergy or sensitivity. More and more scientists are becoming concerned that new proteins spliced into genetically engineered foods could be allergenic. Dr. Rebecca Goldburg with the public interest group Environmental Defense states, “since genetic engineers mix genes from a wide variety of species, people who are allergic to one type of food may find that they are allergic to many more.” Proteins are what cause allergic reactions. Most all gene transfers in crops result in some protein production. New proteins will be found in crops from sources like peanuts, dairy and shellfish as well as from plants of all kinds, bacteria and viruses. The potential of these crops to create an allergic reaction is unknown. If you want to avoid GMOs, eliminating these will greatly reduce your risk of exposure: *Soy *Cotton *Canola *Corn *Sugar Beets *Hawaiian Papaya *Zucchini *Yellow Squash Beware of other sources that are processed versions of these foods: *Oils from the above list of ingredients, soy protein, soy lecithin, cornstarch, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. *Meat, eggs and dairy products from animals that have been fed GM feed. Most of the GM corn and soy grown is used for feed. *Dairy products from cows injected with rbGH (a GM hormone) *Food additives, enzymes, flavorings and processing agents, including the sweetener aspartame and rennet used to make hard cheeses *Honey and bee pollen that may have GM sources of pollen. USDA Certified Organic does not guarantee GMO free: When the certified organic laws were written, the standards included that they would be free of GMOs. Back then this was not a big issue because GM crops were just starting to be planted. Due to poor practices of ensuring seeds be kept separate, cross pollination and lack of government testing, today Certified Organic no longer is a guarantee that the products are GMO free. Summation: All of my research over the last several years and going through the Non-GMO Verifying process has only created more of a desire inside of me to ensure that we have access to natural and organic foods free of GMOs. “We the people” have become the unsuspecting lab rats for the biotech companies and our government allows it. These corporations are masters at spinning their greedy motives into statements of “humanitarianisms” such as “we want to feed the world.” Yes, I am sure that they do want to feed the world. If they are successful in doing so, this would mean that our food supply (seeds) would all be owned by these biotech corporations. If you’ve seen the movie Food, Inc. you know how ruthless these corporations have acted in the past towards small independent farmers that are already seriously struggling to survive. We realized from the beginning that taking a public stand against GMOs could lead to retaliation from various government agencies closely tied to these biotech companies. We announced our Non-GMO “Verified” status on Tues. October 4th, 2010 and on Tues. October 11th, 2010 we had a visit from the USDA to do an inspection for the FDA. The FDA had not visited our facility in over three years. Is this just a coincidence? Perhaps it is just a coincidence or perhaps the FDA is sending us a message that they are watching us. What harm could possibly come from us avoiding GMOs in our products? If twenty years down the road GMOs are tested and proven safe what harm have we caused by not allowing them in our products? Absolutely none! But what if twenty years down the road GMOs are tested and proven to create a whole host of health issues? What the outcome will be if that happens is that we have helped to secure sources of ingredients that will be safe and in their original state. If 80% of products on grocery store shelves contain GMOs and they are proven harmful down the road, we are in a lot of trouble. We know that approximately 80% of our customers have at least one type and many have multiple allergies to foods. We take this very seriously and this is the #1 reason that we believe that labeling is an absolute necessity to ensure the health and well being of everyone. We believe it is no longer possible for manufacturers to make a non-gmo statement with total certainty unless there is a 3rd party “verifying” that claim. The Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program (PVP) systematically provides for the evaluation of products, ingredients and manufacturing facilities to determine compliance with the Non-GMO Project standard. As North America’s only independent, third party verification program based on transparent, consensus-based standards, products that have been assessed through the PVP and found compliant are the best choice for consumers wishing to avoid GMOs. When you see the Non-GMO Project “Verified” seal on packages, you should feel confident that they are in fact meeting the highest standards in the country to avoid GMOs. We could not be more proud to be part of this organization. We’ve always said, we do what’s right, even if it isn’t easy. Taking a stand and saying no to GMOs is not easy…but we most certainly believe that it is RIGHT! As I stated in the beginning of this blog post we encourage you to do your own research on this issue and welcome your comments and concerns. nongmo[at]berlinnaturalbakery[dot]com. Web Sites: www.nongmoproject.org Facebook: search Non-GMO Project www.responsibletechnology.org Facebook: search GMO Truth Alliance Non-GMO Food Shopping Guide Non-GMO Food Shopping Guide Books: *The Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O’Brien – A MUST read if you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma, ADHD & autism. *Seeds of Deception by Jeffery Smith *Genetically Engineered Food: a Self Defense Guide for Consumers by Ronnie Cummings, Ben Lilliston & Frances Moore Lappe Movies/Documentaries: *Food Inc. *The Future of Food

Over the past year, through our facebook page, blog, and in e-mails, we have been heavily promoting the Non-GMO Project. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization that independently verifies manufacturers products, through traceability and testing to ensure that the products they produce are GMO-Free. The organization is committed to practical solutions offering north America’s first consensus based standard, 3rd party product verification program, and uniform seal for products made following best practices of GMO avoidance. Today it is estimated that over 80% of processed foods on grocery store shelves contain GMO’s. Ensuring our products are GMO free has always been our priority. Knowing our food supply here in the US has become so heavily contaminated with GMO’s, we no longer believe that manufacturers can make a Non-GMO claim without having a 3rd party verify this claim as such. As a company, we believe that consumers should have the right to know what is in their food, so they can make the best informed decisions for their future well being. We are very excited to announce TODAY that our products have officially become “Non-GMO Project Verified” by the Non-GMO Project, after a daunting year long verification process. Because of this exciting news, we have put together the Non-GMO Product special to celebrate!

The Non-GMO Product Special Includes

1 Original Spelt Bread 1 Pumpkin Bread 1 Bag Dinner Rolls 1 Bag Biblical Sprouted Breadsticks Get these four products for only $19.99 (shipping is included) *Please note this is a CALL IN ORDER ONLY: 800-686-5334 *This special will run to the end of October 31, 2010 *Limit 1 per customer If there is anything else we can do for you, please let us know! Sincerely, Joy Schrock President Berlin Natural Bakery P.S. To find out more about the Non-GMO project log on to nongmoproject.org P.P.S. Plan on seeing the new packaging soon!

Spelt Angel Food Fruit Trifle

From Cindy Widder, GM Berlin Natural Bakery

If you are looking for something that looks so impressive and will make your friends and family think you went to a lot of work to make a delicious dessert for them…this is the recipe for you! I have gotten more rave reviews on this dessert I think, than I have on almost anything else I’ve made. And the BIG secret??? It is absolutely simple to make. Shhhh…don’t tell anyone…let’s just keep it between you and me! This is a very versatile dessert because you can use any type of fresh fruit that is currently available, or you could even use pie filling instead of the fruit if you wanted. Just experiment to your heart’s content. I am really excited to share this recipe with you because we recently just launched this brand new product in the bakery and it has been received extremely well by our loyal customers! Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream – I know it sounds strange, but it’s great! ½ cup cold milk 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed* 2 loaves of Berlin Natural Bakery Spelt Angel Food cut into bite sized cubes Fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, peaches, blueberries, whatever you prefer) Directions: - In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the sour cream; mix well. - In a small bowl, beat milk and pudding mix on low speed (or by hand) for 2 minutes. Stir into cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped topping. - In a 2 – ½ qt. trifle bowl (or use whatever container you want…..you could even use a new plastic bucket in summer and use the plastic shovel for a scoop), layer half of the cream cheese mixture, angel food cubes and fruit. Repeat layers. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 12-16 servings. *Since I do not like frozen whipped topping, I always make homemade whipped cream. For this recipe, take 2 small cartons of whipping cream, and whip on high until thick. Add ½ cup sugar and ½ tsp vanilla and you are good to go. I doubled this recipe and instead of just two layers, I layered it three times. On the first layer, I used sliced strawberries and blueberries. On the second layer I used sliced peaches and on the third layer I did another layer of the sliced strawberries and blueberries. It took about 1 ½ quarts of fresh strawberries, 1 pint of blueberries and 6 large peaches. Hope you enjoy this dessert as much as I do. Until next time….Happy Baking!!

Dietary Health Foods ... Three Generations of Caring By Marsha Bonecutter

Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of Dietary Health Foods Retailer Story! Dietary Health Foods has customized limited time special offer for you at the bottom of this post. The limited time offer ends October 27th 2010, and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

There were “exercises to do in your car” and “exercises to do lying down” and “exercises to do at your desk” – in the 1970’s Americans were becoming serious about improving their health. Aerobics, yoga, jogging, walking and bicycling were becoming increasingly more popular with the mainstream population. Annette Selestak, then in her early 20’s became passionate about fitness and nutrition, and unlike some folks during the 70’s fitness craze, her passion became an integral part of her life. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace College with a degree in Business Management, Annette married David Selestak in 1984. She worked for a large company in marketing for many years. When son Bryan was 10 and daughter Loren was 6, Annette, seeking hours that were more “family friendly”, pursued a career in teaching. At Lorain County Community College, Annette taught—you guessed it—fitness and nutrition, until another “family” opportunity presented itself.

Karen and Annette

Annette’s uncle Tony wanted to retire. Annette and Dave decided to keep his business in the family, and now she is the third generation owner of Dietary Health Foods at, 42985 North Ridge Road, in Elyria, Ohio. The family legacy began in 1971 when two of Annette’s uncles, Tony and John purchased a small “mom and pop” convenience store in downtown Lorain, Ohio. Eventually, the two converted the store into a health food store. “Sometime later, Uncle Tony bought out Uncle John,” said Annette, “and in the mid 80’s the store was moved to its current location in Elyria. “We are in a converted eighty year old house,” says Annette, “the first floor is 1,200 square feet, and our customers tell us we fit quite a lot of merchandise in a small space.” The upstairs contains offices and rooms for lectures, seminars and staff meetings. “We have an acre of land behind the house so we can have fun events like our Doggie Day Spa,” says Annette.

When asked to explain what still inspires her about the health food industry, Annette replied, “It is inspiring how our industry has educated the public to take charge of their health. We want our customers to make informed decisions to meet their health related goals.” Dietary Health Foods is very committed to education. They have monthly events providing educational seminars on a variety of topics.

Annette, a Certified Natural Health Professional and a Personal Nutrition Coach loves working with the customers. “Most people come in and aren’t sure how to start improving their health,” explains Annette, “we listen to their concerns, come up with a plan, and make some recommendations. It’s all about what works best for a customer’s life style and budget.” Stop in to Dietary Health Foods where Annette and the staff will address your health issues and suggest some of their favorite items. “Berlin Natural Bakery products top the list of favorite food items, “says Annette, “my family loves the Biblical Breadsticks and the Pumpkin Streusel and Zucchini Spelt breads.” Other favorites are the whole food supplements such as Garden of Life Raw One for Women and Mega Foods B-Complex and Megazymes. “The ingredients are from food sources,” explains Annette, “so what better way to nourish your body?”

For 39 years Dietary Health Foods has been serving the communities in and around Elyria. “Our staff is always willing to listen and ‘go the extra mile’ to help you achieve your health related goals.” Annette says, proudly, “It is rewarding working with a staff that is so dedicated. My staff has been with the store from 3 to 20 years.” What a wonderful testament to this third generation family business. Wishing Dietary Health Foods many more generations of success!

****Dietary Health Foods Limited-Time Special Offers****

25% Off These Specific Products Below

1) Berlin Natural Bakery Pumpkin Streusel and Zucchini Breads

2) Berlin Natural Bakery Chocolate Meltdown and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

3) Berlin Natural Bakery Sourdough Spelt Bread

To take advantage of this special please mention this article to the checker by saying “I saw the article on Berlin Natural Bakery’s website” to get the discount on your selected products! Offer Expires: October 27, 2010

*********************************************************

Be Good To The Earth ... Be Good To Yourself ... At Lori's Natural Foods Center

By: Marsha Bonecutter

Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of Lori's Natural Food Center Retailer Story! Lori's has customized limited time special offer for you at the bottom of this post. The limited time offer ends October 17th 2010, and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

By the time Jim Starks was 25 years old; his life experiences far outweighed his years. Jim was a decorated World War II veteran, having been awarded the Bronze Star for rescuing a fellow soldier during a battle in Germany. Jim was also a graduate of Syracuse University, with a degree in marketing. In 1950, Jim began a 31 year career with the Bausch and Lomb Optical Company. In 1951, he reconnected with Dorie Formicola, (they had met briefly in 1949) and they began dating. In 1952, the couple was married. If you think that sounds like a very full and rewarding life, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet! Raising a family in the fifties may have been simpler than it is today, but it certainly was not any easier. Dorie and Jim planted and maintained a garden and canned and preserved their harvest every year, supplying the family with healthy foods year round. This was the normal routine for the Starks’ family up until about 4 years ago. You cannot be an avid and successful gardener without developing a love and appreciation for wholesome foods. That was the foundation for the next phase of Jim Stark’s already impressive career.

After wearing many “hats” at Bausch and Lomb, including marketing, scientific instrumentation, materials management, and personnel relations, Jim took an early retirement in 1981. He was only 56 years old. “He didn’t really retire”, laughs Dorie, “he just refocused!” Jim said, “I was looking for something else I could do and be proud of.” After searching for a time, Jim found a store called the Bread Depot and bought the place. “They carried one line of vitamins and a small quantity of bulk foods like flour, grains and nuts,” remembers Jim. “Gradually, we replaced the products that were there with natural and organic products, plus wellness products including vitamins.” Dorie and Jim began looking for a new name for their store. “We submitted many names of natural food stores,” explains Dorie, “but they were rejected because they were already used.” Their lawyer suggested putting a name in the title. Jim chose the name of his 19 year old partner...his daughter, Lori! “Lori’s just sounded better than Jim’s,” said Dorie. Lori’s Natural Foods Center opened in September of 1981.

Located in the Genesee Valley Regional Market, at 900 Jefferson Road in Rochester, NY, Lori’s has expanded many times to accommodate their growth and now boasts a 14,500 square foot store carrying a complete line of groceries, including foods for individuals with food sensitivities, including wheat free, gluten free, low sodium, sugar free and dairy free. Lori’s has a huge selection of organic produce from local organic farmers. Bulk granola cereals, soy milk and yogurts are some of Jim’s personal favorites. An excellent variety of environmentally sound paper and cleaning products, personal care items and supplements can also be found at Lori’s. Customers looking for better choices are regulars at Lori’s, because Lori’s prides themselves on carrying products that other stores don’t have. Jim and Dorie, now 85 and 81 years old, can still be found at Lori’s every Wednesday, where Jim does some ordering and writes articles for the monthly newsletter. “There are still people who stop to remind us that they have been with us since the first small store way back in 1981,” says Jim.

Lori works mostly from her home these days, quite a change from when she and her father were the only two employees and were at the store all day every-day that the store was open! Lori’s husband, John, has taken the reins and is at the store every day. Lori, who shies away from the limelight, is seen pictured below with John. Yes, she has a bag on her head and he is a banana!

Some years ago, John and Lori were approached by Bill Mulligan, Senior, an affiliate of the Genesee Valley Regional Market. A musician, Bill had a very catchy tune floating around in his head. John and Lori loved the song, and awhile later, after some “tweaking” in a sound studio they finally used it for a local TV ad. John and some other employees dressed up like fruits and vegetables for the commercial. The jingle is one of those that you just can’t keep from singing along with. It appealed to adults and children alike and is still very popular today... and so is Lori’s Natural Foods, where “you can be good to the earth and good to yourself every time you shop at Lori’s.”

*Lori's Natural Food Center Limited-Time Special Offers*

To Celebrate our 29th Anniversary Here Is Our Special Offer To You!

29% Off These Two Products Below

1) Berlin Natural Bakery Whole Grain Spelt Bread

2) Berlin Natural Bakery Sprouted Spelt Bread

To take advantage of this special please mention this article to the checker by saying “I saw the article on Berlin Natural Bakery’s website” to get the discount on your selected products! Offer Expires: October 17, 2010

*********************************************************