YMCA/Apothecary team together for health

Two businesses focused on health are coming together for the benefit of customers.

The Washington County Family YMCA is now selling healthy lunch options made by Robin Myers at Salem Apothecary.

YMCA CEO Kristy Purlee said Jeff and Karen Morgan donated a small glass cooler to the Y. It was repaired by Cooley’s Heating and Air and now its in the main lobby of the Y. She was thinking about what to do with it and approached Salem Apothecary owner and pharmacist Rebecca Marshall about the lunch idea.

“We are happy to partner with the Y,” said Marshall. “Anything that promotes healthy activities, whether it’s exercise or eating better, that’s what we are all about!” 

The food options include garden salads, spinach salads, chicken salad and turkey club wraps. The dressing options are homemade as well. All are sold for $4.

“It gives our members a fresh lunch after workouts,” said Purlee.

Kim Beard, who teaches workout classes at the Y, said there are good protein-packed options and that is important after working out.

Purlee said they also have parents who are in the Y waiting for their children to do evening classes, picking up kids from preschool, etc., and many times they are on the run. The Y is hoping these options give people another alternative to fast food.

“Even our employees are taking advantage of this!” she added.

Myers said they will change out the options every so often to keep it fresh and different. She said they are open to suggestions and hope to eventually include things like parfaits, veggies and dip or hummus, as well as some kid-friendly options.

All the food has nutritional information available for those who are counting calories.

The YMCA also has dry good snack options, including protein bars, Kind bars and other baked snacks.