A Vision for Whole Pantry

Background and Purpose

The film Here We Grow is working under the umbrella of a local non-profit organization called The Magellan Center. The Magellan Center was created to foster business exploration through research and education. Since joining forces with them, I have opened their eyes to the epidemic of obesity and diabetes that is growing across the nation and that there is a great need to educate our children.

Wellness is necessary. Through education, access, and affordability: wellness is possible. 

Whole Pantry: Proposed Plan

With the funds that are generated from the sales of my film, I intend to develop a way to bring improved health and nutrition to the areas where it is needed most. Through underwriting from Whole Foods and many other natural food manufacturers in cooperation with Here We Grow, I want to build the prototype for this system. In many urban areas there are no options for fresh, clean, healthy food. Many kids in these neighborhoods are only exposed to fast food, gas stations and the typical strip mall eateries.

In my model, which is tentatively entitled Whole Pantry, we will build a 4,000 square foot store that is modeled after a pantry. It would consist of grains, legumes, herbs, spices, a selection of both fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as other simple items that are necessary to stock and create a healthy pantry. It would be all natural and organic—and because of the underwriting and support of the natural food community—the cost of goods would be very competitive with fast food chains, gas stations, and quick marts. By creating both the access and the affordable pricing in areas where they have not existed before, Whole Pantry will overcome two of the biggest obstacles that prevent children from receiving what they really need.

Design Philosophy

The philosophy behind the design of Whole Pantry is to provide the consumer with a place to shop that supports their needs in the best possible way. Whole Pantry is about availability and price, but it is also about comfort, quick gratification and ease in the shopping experience. The design will feel cozy, nourishing and supportive; kind-of-like Grandma’s pantry.

Naturally such a place—in concert with the overall philosophy of the project—will have all the elements of eco-design. This includes natural materials such as slate for the check-out countertops, sustainable woods like bamboo for flooring, red alder for shelving, and paints with low or no levels of Volatile Organic Chemicals.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that will feel warm, clean, fresh, and welcoming.

The materials board is as follows:

For the pilot launch of Whole Pantry, we will rent a retail space and build out the model. The project will be a totally green build-out. In addition to those natural, sustainable resources used in the design, the Whole Pantry will also utilize solar panels and work off wind energy, minimizing its environmental impact.

Community Influence: Commercial Kitchen

In addition to store, the Whole Pantry will also have a commercial kitchen built into the back where teenagers will be taught to be natural chefs, allowing them to provide nourishing food to their friends and family. Instead of them getting a job in the fast food world, they can learn a useful skill, be proud of their commitment to healthy change, and become ambassadors of wellness to their extended communities.

In the pilot model, I will be on hand to train everyone and will reach out to the local community to introduce the concept.

Wellness: A Conclusion

The way to deal with the nation’s health care crisis is to start the work of creating wellness. For example, I just spent the last three months working with an African American family that is made up of a single mother and her three kids. We transformed their pantry’s contents from conventional junk food to natural and organic items on nearly the same budget. We also planted a vegetable garden in their backyard. This is all documented and will be featured in the film Here We Grow. Their example shows that change is not only important in our lives, but that it can be easily attained.

Where the film Here We Grow ends is where the Whole Pantry begins. It will allow the community to put their knowledge to use and help them thrive while spreading the movement of wellness to others. It is important for us to focus on solutions rather than to just complain about the situation. Here We Grow and the Whole Pantry are dedicated to inspiring great change now.