By Lani Gering

Natures Nibbles “Part Deux”

Many of our readers will recognize the couple in the photo accompanying this profile. Chris and Anne Gabriel opened the original Nature’s Nibbles in their home in Arlington in 2005 and then moved to the current brick and mortar location at 2601 Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray section of Alexandria in 2006. Their concentration at the Del Ray location is all about our furry friends – they feel that our pets are part of our families and deserve the same attention we make to feeding them that we do our human family members. All of the products in this store concentrate on pet health and nutrition with some fun accessories tossed in.

The new location in Hollin Hall that opened in August 2019 was an inspiration fueled by a major health scare in the family. Anne was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer the year before and underwent treatment. She decided to also take a more natural approach to her lifestyle and Chris and the boys joined her in the effort. They made small, but meaningful, adjustments to their day-to-day lives. They incorporated more organic and natural foods and supplements into their diets as well as switching from main stream beauty and body products to all natural, non-toxic brands. As an aside, Anne is now cancer free.

While Anne was undergoing treatment, they decided that they wanted to expand their operation to a second location that not only concentrated on the health and wellness of our furry counterparts, but also on the health and wellness of their human friends, family and neighbors. It was at this time Chris discovered the location they have inhabited in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center in the Fort Hunt area of Alexandria. (If you need a landmark, it is pretty much next door to the very popular Variety Store that has been tempting area residents since 1958.)

Natures Nibbles “Part Deux” (my nickname for the new digs) has a varied choice of healthy offerings in high quality organic food stuffs, and non-toxic and eco-friendly products for the body and the environment with some fun stuff mixed in – the likes of oven mitts and dish towels with clever graphics and sayings.

One of the things that is of particular interest to many consumers in this day and age are CBD products and this store has a large variety of both consumable and topical products that contain CBD. The products are varied in nature and are pictured in the photos that accompany this column. All of the CBD products offered here have been fully researched to ensure that they are of the highest quality and come from reputable sources. Anne and Chris are adamant about using locally sourced products in all facets of their inventory whenever possible.

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.” According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Not only are the Gabriel’s adamant about their products, they are adamant about the sustainability of Mother Earth and her inhabitants. They are proponents of reducing, reusing and recycling and give their customers the opportunity to participate as well. They encourage customers to bring their own bags and all plastic bags used for purchases in the store are reused from area stores. They provide a used bag bin where you can either take or donate plastic bags. No need to be concerned whose logo is on the outside.

Natures Nibbles

7910 Fort Hunt Road

571-3467-7687

Naturesnibbles.com

Hours of Operation

Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
Sunday: 11AM – 6PM