When brothers Jay Paul Hoover and Neal Hoover purchased a small country store in Snyder County that was facing bankruptcy, they initially considered tearing it down and returning the property to farmland. After speaking with the store's employees, they decided to keep it open as a farmer's market and discount grocery store. That decision, made in 1989, set the foundation for what is now Whispering Pines Fruit Farm, a family-owned bulk food store in Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania, that has served Central Pennsylvania households for more than three decades.
Over the years, the business has expanded well beyond its humble origins. Today, Whispering Pines brings together bulk foods, orchard fruit, a deli, a bakery, and a full-line grocery, along with canning and curing supplies for home cooks. The evolution from a struggling country store to a full-service market reflects a strategic response to the needs of the local community, which relies on the store for both everyday groceries and specialized items for home food preservation.
The farm's orchard produces apples, peaches, and cherries, which are harvested and sold in the store as each crop comes into season. Apple cider is also available. Fall marks the store's apple season, when orchard fruit is sold alongside the supplies many local households use to prepare applesauce, pies, and preserves at home. This integration of farm production and retail allows customers to purchase fresh, local fruit while also stocking up on the tools and ingredients they need for traditional food preparation.
The bulk foods department at this Amish bulk food store carries a wide range of staples, including spices, flours with gluten-free varieties, sugar, oatmeal, pasta, rice, alternative sweeteners, bulk candy, and fresh ground peanut butter. Many staples are available in 50-pound bags, catering to large families and those who preserve food in quantity. The deli slices meats and cheeses to order and prepares subs, wraps, sandwiches, homemade salads, and deli trays, along with ring bologna and meat snack sticks. Customers can place deli orders online for pickup, adding convenience for busy households. The bakery prepares baked goods from scratch daily, rounding out the store's fresh offerings.
For home food preservation, Whispering Pines stocks a range of canning and curing supplies, including Mrs. Wages pickle and salsa mixes, pickling and canning salt, pickling lime, and food strainers for making applesauce. For home meat processing, the store carries Morton Tender Quick, pink curing salt, and jerky, bologna, and summer sausage kits from Hi Mountain Seasonings and Con Yeager Spice Company. Many of these items are also available through the store's online shop, extending its reach beyond the local area. This focus on self-sufficiency and traditional skills resonates with a growing interest in home canning and curing, particularly among consumers seeking greater control over their food sources.
Whispering Pines Fruit Farm is located at 76 Orchard Hill Road in Mount Pleasant Mills and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays. According to the company, it has received more than 850 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars, indicating strong customer satisfaction. Those interested in learning more can visit wpfruitfarm.net.
The story of Whispering Pines is a testament to the resilience of small, family-owned businesses and their ability to adapt to changing consumer demands. By expanding its product mix and embracing online ordering, the store has positioned itself as a regional destination for bulk foods, specialty items, and home preservation supplies. For Central Pennsylvania residents, it remains a reliable source for groceries and seasonal orchard fruit, while its online presence opens a window for others to access its unique offerings.
