Turnip Truck’s New Store Is Solarized

This spring West Nashville welcomed Turnip Truck to the neighborhood. The locally owned full service natural grocer opened its third store on Charlotte Avenue, just as COVID-19 was hitting and on the heels of a tornado which destroyed much of the store’s new equipment.

“Against all odds, we opened one day earlier than originally planned,” says Turnip Truck CFO Adam Williams. “More than ever, we are committed to keeping our shelves stocked with local, natural and organic foods that our customers love,” Adam says.

Turnip Truck opened their first store in East Nashville in 2001 and their second store in the Gulch in 2010. Founder John Dyke and the team had always wanted to add solar to their business, and they decided to make it happen with the new project.

“We made sure to include solar in the budget for the Charlotte store,” Adam says. “In fact, to get the SBA 504 loan we wanted, our solar system had to reduce our energy use by at least 15%,” he explains.

With limited roof space, that was easier said than done, but LightWave Solar worked closely with Turnip Truck to accomplish the 15% goal. The system has 214 high efficiency solar panels strategically placed to avoid shading from walls and equipment. LightWave even secured solar panels to the barrel vault roof!

Turnip Truck expects to see electric bill savings of about $5,000-6,000 annually. However, the environmental benefits are equally important to the owner, staff, and Turnip Truck customers.

“Solar energy fits in with our mission of keeping environmental impact in mind with our decision-making,” Adam says. “Clean and local food have a lot in common with clean and local energy in terms of cleaner water and soil and healthier people,” he adds.

With more than 100,000 kilowatt-hours of solar generation per year, Turnip Truck will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions equal to planting 64 acres of forest.

Turnip Truck is considering solar energy for their East Nashville location as well, though rooftop solar panels would have to share real estate with the store’s rooftop beehives! Other mounting options include solar parking canopies and solar awnings which would provide much-needed shade for customers.

“It was great working with LightWave to complete our first system, especially after consulting with them for many years,” Adam says. “We’re really happy to see our solar generation online and be able to track its performance,” he adds.

Read at LightWave’s website.

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune System

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune System

 

by Jenna Bratcher, StyleBlueprint Nashville’s Associate Editor and Lead Writer. Read the full article on Styleblueprint, here.

The subject of health is front and center these days, whether we’re considering socially distanced gatherings, grocery store outings, or sending our kids back to school. And while we still have a lot to learn about COVID-19, one thing is clear — keeping our bodies in tip-top shape is one of the best ways to fight against the virus. We asked some local experts to weigh in on a few of the best prevention practices and what we can do to ramp up our immune systems.

 

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Exercise regularly.

It’s a no-brainer that exercise is crucial to keeping your body physically fit, but how does it affect your immunity, and how much exercise do you really need? Having a consistent exercise routine is vital since it increases the circulation of immune cells and helps build immunity by reducing inflammation. Not to mention, exercise is a fantastic stress release, and stress is a major culprit in suppressing our immune systems.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

The old saying “You are what you eat” rings true — healthy food makes for a healthier body. “A well-balanced diet can help us stay on the preventative side of many medical conditions and build the foundation for a healthy immune system, making us less susceptible to infections,” says Anna Smith, a registered dietitian nutritionist for Kroger Health. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet is the clear-cut answer, and following the USDA’s MyPlate method is recommended.

Consider health supplements.

Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc have all been shown to reduce healing time after infections and play a key role in building immunity, particularly to respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. In fact, the National Institutes of Health published new evidence that suggests vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating the immune system, and studies also show that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. So, how do you get the appropriate amount of vitamin D? Turnip Truck’s Health & Beauty Department Manager, Jasmin Rosil says, “Most Americans do not get enough from sunlight alone, so supplementation is a great tool to help us get enough of this essential vitamin. One of our favorite brands for vitamin D is Natural Factors. They are family-owned, and stringent quality control ensures their products are pesticide-free and non-GMO.”

Before adding any supplements to your healthcare routine, it’s important to do plenty of research, talk to your trusted healthcare provider and remember that, as Jasmin puts it, “All supplements are not created equally. Choosing a supplement with healthy (not harmful) ingredients is paramount.” Not to mention, nutrition starts with your daily diet, so it’s important to remember that supplements are meant to do just that — supplement. They aren’t intended to take the place of vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, which you should obtain through fresh produce. “If you are eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other whole-nutrient sources, your multivitamin may be adequate,” offers Jasmin. “Consuming fresh and natural foods is the simplest, most complete way to lay the groundwork of daily nutrition.”

Get a full night of sleep.

From physical to mental benefits, there are a lot of evident and indisputable advantages that come with a solid night of slumber. But did you know that immunity-boosting brain chemicals are also released while we sleep? Essentially, our bodies need sleep to fight off infection, and for the average person, this means a full seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

Don’t ignore your mental health.

Being in shape is a whole-body affair, and we would be remiss to overlook the importance of mental health. Dr. Dana Verner, a mental health professional at Green Hills Family Psych, says, “Many people are surprised to learn just how strong the mind-body connection is — the health of our mind and body are inextricably intertwined. The same chemicals and hormones in the brain that affect the way we think and feel also affect our body and the way its systems function.”

Self-care takes many forms, and it’s at the epicenter of our wellness. Be it getting enough sleep, focusing on proper nutrition, exercising, taking health supplements, or finding a daily stress-release, our overall health depends on it. As Dr. Verner says, “Prioritizing self-care allows us to focus on what we can control during the chaos of pandemic life, rather than what we cannot.”

 

*It’s important to note that stress can become unmanageable despite our best efforts. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, Dr. Verner recommends reaching out for professional help from a counselor or therapist. “Thanks to the pandemic, telehealth restrictions have been lifted, and counseling is widely available and accessible in a safe way to those who need it,” she shares.  

 

Nashville’s mask mandate now in effect; here’s what you need to know

Nashville’s mask mandate now in effect; here’s what you need to know

Metro Health Department has released the details of its order requiring facial coverings in Nashville.

 

Read on News Channel 5 WTVF here.

Updated 8:22 PM, Jun 29, 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Health Department has released the details of its order requiring facial coverings in Nashville.

As outlined by officials, masks/face coverings must be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces, starting Monday at 12:01 a.m. The order states those who violate it “shall be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including punishment as a Class C Misdemeanor” starting July 3.

It also requires businesses to post signage at their entrances stating all employees, customers and visitors must wear masks.

“The data is clear. Wearing a mask reduces the chance of contracting COVID-19,” said Dr. Alex Jahangir during the discussion.“Every day we wait people die. Masks save lives.”

The department says masks are not required in the following settings and circumstances:

  • * By any child aged 12 years or younger. Any child younger than two years old must not wear a face covering because of risk of suffocation. Parents and caregivers must supervise the use of face masks by children to avoid misuse.
  • * In outdoor public spaces unless maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible;
  • * While engaged in outdoor work or recreation, such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, unless maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible;
  • * By those who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering. No person declining to wear a face covering because of a medical condition shall be required to produce verifying medical documentation;
  • * Within one’s own or another’s motor vehicle, provided the vehicle is not being used for public transportation or a vehicle for hire;
  • * Within educational institutions, public and private K-12 schools, private colleges and universities, trade schools, post-secondary, and technical colleges, provided K-12 schools comply with the conditions in Nashville Plan: A Framework for a Safe, Efficient and Equitable Return to School, as outlined at https://news.mnps.org/nashvilles-plan-for-reopening-schools/ [news.mnps.org];
  • * By those working alone in separate office spaces or in non-public workplaces that have more than adequate area for social distancing based on the size of and number of people in the space (either indoors or outdoors). Such persons must be prepared to wear a face covering when interacting with others in groups of 6 or more persons or in groups of any size where social distancing of more than six (6) feet cannot be consistently maintained;
  • * When wearing a face covering poses a safety risk or security risk. “Safety risk” includes, but is not limited to, where wearing a face covering may pose a risk to persons working on ladders or at height, wearing other respiratory protection, engaging in heavy physical exertion, operating heavy equipment, or operating in an environment where a face covering hinders communications. “Security risk” includes, but is not limited to, an activity or transaction where establishing the identity of the customer or employee is important. However, employers are encouraged to structure work to promote social distancing and limit close contact as much as possible within workplaces where Face Coverings may pose such risks;
  • * When eating or drinking in public at a restaurant, bar, or other food or beverage establishment;
  • * While in a place of worship. Places of worship are strongly encouraged to follow the health guidelines in paragraph 3 of Governor Lee’s Executive Order No. 38, issued on May 22, 2020; and
  • * While in a building or indoor space owned, managed, or leased by the State of Tennessee or federal government.

The mask mandate was approved unanimously at a special-called Health Department meeting last Friday due to “emergency circumstances” in the rise of COVID-19 cases.

Davidson County is one of six Tennessee counties that has its own health department separate from the state, which is why it has the authority to put such a policy in place.

“We are in Phase 3 of our reopening, we want to keep moving forward and not backwards. Texas and Florida regressed in their reopening plans, we don’t want that to happen in Nashville, and making masks mandatory will help us prevent that,” added Jahangir.

The Metro Public Health Department is giving out free masks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lentz Public Health Center.

 

Turnip Truck COO on Nashville Restaurant Radio

Turnip Truck COO on Nashville Restaurant Radio

If you haven’t checked out Nashville Restaurant Radio yet, you are missing out on a little gem. A local podcast made Brian Styll about the Nashville restaurant scene. It’s full of great stories and hospitality topics.
 
Brian interviewed our esteemed COO, Kim Totzke recently about tornados and the power of shopping local. Have a listen!
 
Listen here.
 
For more interviews from Nashville’s restaurant scene go to: www.nashvillerestaurantradio.com

Slideshow: Take a tour of Turnip Truck’s new West Nashville store

Slideshow: Take a tour of Turnip Truck’s new West Nashville store

Nashville Business Journal

By Marq Burnett

Mar 30, 2020, 7:48am EDT

Like a lot of Nashvillians and Middle Tennessee residents, John Dyke is dealing with disasters on two fronts.

Dyke, founder and owner of Turnip Truck, opened the grocery’s third location, in West Nashville, on Friday, but said it’s been a challenging few weeks due to both the tornado and COVID-19.

Dyke recalls spending “three days in rubble” after a deadly tornado struck Nashville. Dyke’s East Nashville store sustained roof damage, but a warehouse near John C. Tune Airport storing his equipment was flattened.

Dyke was able to salvage a few countertops, but said he was fortunate enough to find closed grocery stores in North Carolina where he could buy equipment during an auction.

Now, he’s managing a grocery store in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic.

“I had to remind myself to look around because we still have a neighborhood that’s torn to pieces right in front of our eyes,” Dyke said. “It’s almost like we don’t notice it because we’ve moved from one thing to the next.”

Dyke opened the doors to Turnip Truck’s third location on Friday.

“We wanted to have an essential place for our neighbors on the west side to be able to come shop,” Dyke said. “There are so many stores that aren’t able to meet the demand, so I felt it was critical for us to open up.”

Dyke said sales have almost doubled in recent weeks, calling it “extreme growth” inside the stores.

Take a tour of the store in the slideshow with this story.

“Everything I’ve seen has been two thumbs up, twice,” Dyke said of the response he’s seen to the store opening. “Everybody’s excited about having this in their backyard so they’re not having to drive out of their neighborhood to get the critical supplies that we all kind of need at this moment.”

The 15,000-square-foot store offers produce, a butcher, bulk foods, beer and wine, supplements, health and beauty items, and a filtered-water station. The produce is sourced within 200 miles. In a typical season, 90% or more of Turnip Truck’s produce is organic, but a news release notes that this may be affected by “the current situation.”

The store also plans to have a hot bar, salad bar, 100% organic juice bar and deli. However, due to the coronavirus, the salad and hot bars are currently closed at all Turnip Truck locations. In an effort to meet increased demand for groceries throughout the city, Dyke said he’s hired 30 new employees to ensure shelves remain stocked at stores.

Rooftop solar panels will provide 15% of the store’s energy. The store will have recycling stations; it also won’t use plastic grocery bags, a company policy since 2014.

Dyke, an East Tennessee native, opened the original Turnip Truck Natural Market on Woodland Street in East Nashville in 2001. He later opened a location in the Gulch.

 

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