Rio Rancho’s first natural grocery store is set to open Aug. 27. Amy Byres photo.

Rio Rancho’s first Natural Grocers is giving the city its 100 percent.

According to a press release Natural Grocers sent out on Thursday morning, the store on NM 528 north of Southern Boulevard is set to open Aug. 27 with:

• 100-percent organic produce,

• 100-percent humanely and sustainably raised meat,

• 100-percent free-range eggs,

• 100-percent pasture-based dairy,

• 100-percent non-genetically modified organism in its prepackaged bulk selections with organic options.

The company’s grocery product standards prohibit hydrogenated oils and artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives, according to the press release.

“With our own vision to bring communities the best quality food at always-affordable prices, and leading the way as your 100-percent organic headquarters, we were drawn to Rio Rancho’s vision of leading the way as the best city in the Southwest,” said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers co-president. “We are thrilled that the relocation of one of our five New Mexico markets allows us to offer our services, including healthy food options, free nutrition education, the highest standards in the industry and our inclusive culture to Rio Rancho’s community.”

The company is closing its store on Coors Boulevard, and moving its good4u Crew to Rio Rancho.

“The new store is bigger and even better, which means that Rio Rancho residents and existing customers will have access to an even larger range of fresh, 100-percent organic produce, natural and organic groceries, the highest quality dietary supplements and everyday household essentials, all at always-affordable prices — and closer to home,” according to the release.

The Colorado-based company was founded in 1955 and has more than 3,500 employees today. The company operates 159 stores in 20 states, according to the release.

This health food store has “sports and performance nutrition products to help fuel up for outdoor adventures in Rio Rancho’s numerous parks, hiking trails, bike paths and open spaces,” stated the release.

In addition, Natural Grocers offers healthy products for pets.

“Natural Grocers will still be carrying a variety of your best friends’ organic and natural pet foods that meet the same standards as human products sold in the store — the perfect treat after a play-date at Rio Rancho’s various dog parks,” stated the release.

The store will also have a nutritional health coach (NHC), whose services are free.

“Natural Grocers’ highly educated NHCs support customers’ health and wellness journeys with free, one-on-one health coaching sessions, which are currently available via phone and video, stated the release. “The NHC will also host in-store nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations once gatherings are deemed safe again.”

Natural Grocers has COVID-19-related policies and guidelines in place to ensure “a clean and safe-as-possible shopping and working environment,” stated the release.

The store will open with modified hours of Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. and, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7:35 p.m. Sundays from 9-10 a.m. and Wednesdays from 8-9 a.m. are exclusive shopping hours for seniors ages 60 and older pregnant women and individuals with underlying medical conditions.

“Although Natural Grocers has postponed Rio Rancho’s grand re-opening celebration for the safety of its customers and good4u Crew due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the store will feature grand re-opening specials from Aug. 27 through Sept. 30,” according to the release.

For more information, visit naturalgrocers.com/store/rio-rancho.