Health food junkies from Purasawalkam and surrounding areas can now get organic products in their neighbourhood. Started by S. Nandagopal, Nallinam Organic Store on Thana Street aims to make organic food more accessible to people.
“Good quality food is essential to lead a healthy life. That’s why I decided to go organic. I then realised that not many people have access to these products. By starting my small store as a branch of Nallinam in Villivakam, I hope to educate people in the area on the benefits of organic food,” says the 40-year-old Nandagopal.
The rice, millets and other pulses are sourced directly from farmers who practise organic farming in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Apart from Nallinam products, the store also stocks other organic brands. Products like cold-pressed oils, raw sugar, honey from Thenkasi, jaggery and masalas are available, apart from cereals, jams and ready mixes for healthy tiffin items.
“Not everyone has the time to grind batter; this makes it easy for people to eat right,” says Nandagopal.
So how has the response been?
“Those who are already aware of the benefits of organic products have become regulars in the three months since we opened the store. Others are curious to find out what we are about, and I take the time to explain to them,” says Nadagopal, pointing to a pamphlet outlining the basic idea of organic foods.
“This place does not have many high-income residents; they may not even be aware of the bigger organic stores. They work hard and may not have time to take care of themselves. At least by eating right, they can take the first step in being healthy,” he says.
Although staples like rice and dal come at a higher price, Nandagopal says customers are willing to invest that extra amount in making sure they eat safely produced food.
The store also has a small stall outside where soup made by Nandagopal’s wife is served. As we talk, a few people stop by to ask when the soup will be ready.
“It’s summer, but everyone finds the soup very refreshing and filling. Right now we make only small batches and it runs out quickly. We hope to reach more people in the coming months,” he says.
