LAKEWOOD, Colo., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers has signed a sponsorship agreement with Ben Greenfield, a New York Times bestselling author and fitness influencer who is now "Fueled by Natural Grocers." 

"When I sat down with the nutrition education team here at Natural Grocers to brainstorm who would be a great brand ambassador for us, Ben Greenfield was the unanimous top choice for the team," said Heather Isely, Natural Grocers' Executive Vice President. "We're educating America about nutrition and Ben Greenfield is a terrific brand ambassador to help us spread the good4u Revolution."

Ben Greenfield is the author of New York Times Bestseller "Beyond Training," and has been recognized as a top personal trainer as well as one of the top 100 most influential people in health and fitness.

"There's a genuine need right now for honest, science-backed information about how we can feel healthier and have more energy each day," said Ben Greenfield. "Natural Grocers is leading the charge towards serving this need and I'm excited to help share the message and get more people living the good4u lifestyle."

The new sponsorship will include:

• Live "meet and greet" events at Natural Grocers stores
• Live appearances at events and conferences
• Articles in Natural Grocers' Health Hotline publication
• Recipes and fitness tips on the Natural Grocers website
• Radio, television and social media promotion

Ben Greenfield will make his first appearances at the grand openings of Natural Grocers' two Gilbert, Arizona stores on July 12. Ben will present a class titled "Shattering Fat Loss & Diet Myths," at both Gilbert locations on opening day at the following times:

6 to 7 p.m. at 2151 E Baseline Road (Baseline Rd Store)
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1625 E Williams Field Road (Val Vista Store)

This is the third sponsorship announced by Natural Grocers since early May.

With nutrition education being a central part of the company's five founding principles, sponsorships are a key strategy to increase the visibility of Natural Grocers' educational programs. 

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has over 3,000 employees and operates more than 115 stores in 19 states.

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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.