GREENS FORK, Ind. — Seven years ago Mike and Melinda Weiser were a couple in their 30s who wanted children but were unable to conceive.

They went the normal route of consulting doctors and fertility clinics, but no one could figure out why they were unable to have children.

Fertility drugs were suggested, but they did not want to go that route. The only clue to the problem was possible food allergies. The Weisers decided to learn more about food, diet and nutrition.

They read many books including one that has had a lasting influence on them, What the Bible Says About Healthy Living, 3 Principles That Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health by Rex Russell, M.D.

What they learned changed their lives. Now, Mike, 38, and Melinda, 37, are the parents of three boys, ages 2, 4 and 6 - and they have another child on the way.

Their search for answers has also led them to start a business, Weiser Farms Natural Country Store, which they opened a year ago last December.

Weiser Farms Natural Country Store is located at 4017 Carlos Road near Greens Fork, Ind. in Wayne County. The store is located in a large new metal building built by Mike, who has made his living working in construction.

The store sits in front of an 1850s era brick farmhouse that Mike restored. The old farmhouse reminded Mike of his grandparents’ farm. He and his family always longed to live on a farm.

Weiser Farms Natural Country Store is different from chain stores. The hours of business demonstrate this difference. Every day Melinda closes the store between 12:30-3 p.m. because that is naptime for her children who are homeschooled.

The Weisers have a small schoolroom in the store that the children use while Melinda runs the store.

This emphasis on family is one reason Melinda started the business. The family was interested in a combination of farming and providing a well-rounded experience for the children.

Melinda talks about wanting to draw people to the farm where they can experience where their food comes from. She talks about the disconnect between what people eat and what they know about how food is produced.

Melinda is knowledgeable on topics such as diet, nutrition and natural foods. She leads customers through the store pointing out items on neatly stocked shelves. Items offered include a large selection of foods including both organic and natural selections.

Some of the food items include organic produce, garden produce when in season, organic, natural and grass fed meats and dairy products, organic and natural sweeteners, organic, natural and expeller oils, organic and natural seeds, beans and grains, cooking and baking supplies, sauces, spices, seasonings and wild-caught fish.

The store also carries bulk food items. Melinda repackages bulk items in smaller quantities to provide her customers greater savings. Vitamins, supplements, herbs and remedies are also offered as well as hygiene products such as soaps, lotions and essential oils.

Melinda said what she sells is as “fresh from the farm as possible.” On their farm they raise grass-fed beef and free-range poultry and eggs, all of which are sold in the store.

Melinda can tell you the specific benefits about any of the many items she stocks. Her interests are in foods and products that have proven scientific benefits. Besides the expertise, she also sells books about natural foods, nutrition and diet.

Because she believes in providing a more fulfilling and connected experience for her customers she does not hesitate to talk to them and learn about their needs. She is willing to order special items that the customer requests.

Melinda will talk with customers about health issues and finding a better way of eating. She believes in trying to educate and provide personal and emotional support. Some customers come from far away looking for the products she offers.

Many of these customers have special needs because they are fighting diseases such as cancer. The Weisers have not advertised their store, and receive these customers through word of mouth because of the personal care they give.

The Weisers’ faith is also apparent in the operation of the farm and natural food store. Melinda goes by three principles that come from Russell’s book:

•Did God create it for food?

•Has it been altered by man?

•Don’t make it God.

The goods and services provided by Weiser Farms Natural Country Store emphasizes the needs of the body. Melinda looks at it as a calling more than a business. Although the business has been up and running for little more than a year, Melinda feels like they have been successful. She said the business has grown on its own, and that it is a good business to do with a family.

Customers have come from as far away as Indianapolis and Cincinnati. There are also many locals including Amish who shop at the store.

As an example of a need the store is filling, Melinda talks about the number of professional people who seek out her store. She is impressed that nurses and others who are in the profession of caring for people’s health are some of her regular customers. Shopping at Weiser Farms Natural Country Store, the customer most likely would come to the conclusion that the store owners also care about their health and welfare.