This Thrive Gives Veteran Appreciates Having Healthy Options Wherever He’s Stationed

Today we’re highlighting Chris Garibay’s story. As a veteran and Thrive Gives member, Garibay followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the military. Being able to access his favorite healthy products—regardless of where he’s stationed in the States—is crucial to the health of his family.

Where you’re from: My wife and I are both originally from Las Vegas, Nev., but the military has since taken us many other places.
How long you’ve been a Thrive Gives member: Since 2016

Tell us a little bit about your family.

Our favorite thing to do together is to travel, explore new places, and have new adventures. We try to take advantage of every opportunity we’re given to see the world.

Tell us about your time serving our country.

I’ve been an active duty Marine Corps Officer for more than eight years and it has been nothing but rewarding. My dream ever since I was a little kid was to serve in the military, like my father. He served at the tail end of the Korean War. I’ve been stationed in six different locations in Virginia, North Carolina, California, and Rhode Island since starting my career at the Naval Academy.

How has your experience in the military changed your perspective?

My experience in the military has definitely changed my perspective, not only in life, but also in terms of what Americans take for granted from time to time. For example, I spent some time in Africa and saw terrible poverty. The Marine Corps has also positively impacted my family. We’ve become more appreciative of what service members do. Myself and every service member I’ve the pleasure of serving with, will never seek glory—we only seek to make this country and what we stand for better.

How will you be commemorating Veteran’s Day this year?

I am going to stay home, BBQ, and be with my wife. Due to the nature of the military, time that I can simply spend at home with family is few and far between so I never take it for granted.

Tell us about how your Thrive Gives membership impacts you and your family.

When we joined Thrive Market, we lived in an area that wasn’t close to stores that carry healthy staples or offered many nutritious options. Because of Thrive Market, we’ve been able to buy high-quality, nutritious foods, clean beauty products and cleaning supplies, and vitamins and supplements at excellent prices everywhere we go. It has also allowed us the opportunity to try new items without breaking the bank. Since we move so often, having a great source of food that can be delivered wherever we go has been a life-changer.

What’s your favorite product to buy on Thrive Market?

We are a family that loves to use pumpkin year-round, not just for fall and winter. Thrive Market is the only place we can get Farmer’s Market Foods Organic Pumpkin all year long! It’s in almost every order we place.

Thrive Market’s one-for-one membership matching program means that your paid membership provides a free one for a low-income family, student, teacher, veteran, or first responder. As a community, we can all thrive together.