All good things come to an end.

August 3, 2024 Robin R. - Editor

The saying “all good things come to an end” became sadly relevant in June 2024 as many bid a final farewell to Rainbow Foods in Ottawa. Although the health food store had been sold to Natural Food Pantry in late 2020, and was rebranded as such in 2021, the community of dedicated staff and faithful customers remained. Unfortunately, the store ended up closing a few years later. Janet and Michael Kaplan opened the store in 1978 so it was the end of an era that almost lasted a half century.

This website owes a lot to the original owners. Janet let me post any written materials I found in the store. When I started working there in 2000, many coworkers volunteered to be recipe testers. The Kaplans agreed to cover the cost of the ingredients in exchange for advertising on the site. Coworkers also submitted their own articles and favourite recipes motivated only by the sheer joy of being part of the industry as well as a desire to help others.

Rainbow Foods - produce department — *Rainbow Foods – Produce Department – old photo from the Yellow Pages*

Rainbow Foods was a place where friendships were made in a community dedicated to better health. Although the Internet is now rife with diet warriors, this wasn’t an issue at Rainbow. I worked with vegans, vegetarians and meat-eating body builders, as well as staff with various food intolerances. If we had a staff gathering coming up, the organizers would have everyone list their food needs / preferences and they ensured a varied buffet that served everyone. We all respected each other’s special diets and took an interest in people’s differing paths to well being.

The Store Manager, Dorothy Wilson, contributed so many recipes to this site that I created a page just for her. All other recipe contributions by Rainbow staff can be found in the Other Contributors section. A few recipes that I tasted and very much enjoyed were Ruth Stehr’s Flax Cake, Spirulina Balls, Lamb a la Suede, Fennel Citrus Salad and Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies.

Rainbow had many long-term staff who had worked at the store for over a decade . . . some over two decades! I remember Janet once telling us how wonderful it made her feel that so many employees had been with her for over ten years. Although I am sad that the store has closed, I will fondly remember all the amazing people I worked with and those who volunteered their time for this site. 🌈☀️🍏