by Lisa Branscomb

by Janice Gates


About 6 years ago, and after losing 45 pounds, I made a commitment to only choose organic and non-processed foods. I researched the web for the best health blogs and fitness professionals to follow, subscribed to newsletters, and followed fitness and health gurus on social media. I was ecstatic! I had discovered the secret to losing weight and optimal health: a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, and lean meats, as well as daily exercise. After 11 years as a vegetarian who rarely consumed an actual vegetable and one year as a vegan who over indulged in heavily processed meat and dairy substitutes, I had finally taken control of my health. I lost 45 pounds, my acne disappeared, and I had a lot more energy.

Whole Foods Market is one of the great success stories of green innovation through out America. Whole Foods Market is one of the biggest grocery chains that primarily offers natural and organic products, though its success is due to primarily serving middle to upper class white people. Whole Foods Market’s recent openings in more racially and socioeconomically diverse communities such as Detroit, Harlem and Jamaica Plain, has raised the question, can Whole Foods Market bring healthy, nutritious foods to minority and under served markets?