In some ways, the Whole Foods in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago's South Side looks the same as Whole Foods does everywhere; there are pyramids of avocados and bouquets of fresh-cut flowers. But it also has unique touches, such as a small children's lending library and a mural of the neighborhood.
The Englewood Whole Foods is more than a place to grab groceries. For residents of this low-income neighborhood, it's also a community hub, a lunch and dinner spot, and a significant employer -- as well as a source of hope.
"It feels good to walk there and get whatever I want that's healthy," said resident Asiaha Butler, who is the co-founder and executive director of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood. "And I love that I see my neighbors there. It's almost like 'Cheers' -- there's always somebody who knows my name."
Whole Foods has a reputation for high prices. Englewood has a reputation for poverty and violence. So how has this establishment flourished in this neighborhood?
"The purpose of this church will always focus around the community," said
Brooks, who also goes by "Pastah J." "We believe that it's not enough to just open a church and have services. How can you be a representative for those who are most harmed by society? Those are the people whom the people of God should be standing up for, advocating [for] and living with."
