For many years, people living in West Oakland had accepted eating unhealthy food as a way of life. That is, until a small group of people decided to change their community through Mandela MarketPlace, a non-profit that partners with local residents and rural, minority farmers to bring fresh agricultural produce to their local corner stores. Mandela MarketPlace now represents the difference that youth can make by challenging prevailing paradigms - you CAN select what you put in your body.

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  • indu

    absolutely true for 2 reasons .Yes we are the one who can choose what to put in our stomach and who to support ,hard working locol farmers or corporate owned huge stores.

  • Kyla

    absolutely beautiful! thank you.

  • Omitunde

    It is my dream to turn tracts of unused land in to whole food gardens where people who have no market close can get whole foods. I applaud these individuals for having the inspiration and insight to make a difference in their community...

  • Mariela

    It's so inspiring to read all your comments. Thank you for supporting Mandela Marketplace's efforts and for giving our WYSE Youth Team the fuel to continue with their Healthy Neighborhood Store Alliance enterprise! Please visit our site atwww.mandelamarketplace.org AND if you feel inspired, support us with a donation :)

  • Heather

    Beautiful!!!!!

  • Susan M

    What moved me most were the faces and stories of the guys who were bicycling the boxes of produce to the liquor store so it could be sold there, too.... to see the joy that comes alive from serving others and making a difference in the world.

  • Sony T

    It inspired me to learn that young people can make change in their own communities is very hopeful. Food is universal to everyone, particularly our youth who are bombarded with unhealthy food advertisements. They are changing their lives from the inside out, while also assisting their local communities to thrive economically. That is AWESOME!!!

  • Mary

    1) The fact that it was an initiative of young people. 2) The fact that they used what was available (corner liqour store) and didn't wait to have something purpose built.

  • Candace

    This is the real meaning of sustainability. This initiative enriches the health and vitality of the community, and supports the local economy. Brilliant.

  • Neelam

    I am happy to see that the initiative is coming from our young people. I can contribute with recipes how to make veggies and wholegrain food tasty , quick. For just now.... Spinach mix veg. Fresh spinach, one bunch.wash,green beans cut in one inch,baby carrots cut in halves, corn kernels few, one clove crushed garlic and as it is boil in milk for a minute without lid on the pan. put salt freshly ground black pepper one spoon of tomato sauce and eat it with whole bread ,( if you like can put some chilly powder too.) If you try it and like ask for more healthier and quick recipes

  • Phorane

    Young people taking the time to add value to their communities....... That is a selfless act that needs to be commended and acknowledged.......

  • Jeffrey Farrar Dean

    Taking control of they're Lives, Health and the Food they eat. Making change for the positive.

  • Alvina

    I love the way young people can teach the older generation new solutions to old problems!Good on all of you and keep it up!

  • jan

    the initiative of the young is so hopeful to a senior citizen who is beginning to lose that hope for the future generations... thanks and (hugs)

  • Marjorie

    THe fantastic commaderie and dedication of the people who make Madela MarketPlace possible!

  • Pat Chiappa

    this is a fabulous uplifting story! It's amazing that I live only an hour north of West Oakland - in Sonoma County, where there is a plethora of fresh, good, healthy foods. I never took it for granted, but I admit, I had no idea this was happening so close to where I live. Keep up the great work!

  • ralph

    Its amazing what people with a conscious effort can do to bring about change . Big industrial food corporations don't care about the people , people are seen as fodder for them they only care about money Starting by putting good healthy food into your body is the most elemental of human rights. Good food clean water , shelter , clothing , means healthy good people who care about one another . Because if you don't do it for yourself in this climate they ain't going to do it for you . Well done everyone making this important change .

  • rose

    I am so inspired and extremely grateful for these folk to take on this awesome project! I am so dismayed that our congress has struck down so many bills that would help change how our food is produced and improve everyone's health. I would encourage all of you to continue your fine work, reach out to the children also, involve them in the process and vote for people who are not being paid by agribusiness to usurp our health and our future!

  • Kathi

    The good in the world is so easy to forget. Knowing and supporting good causes to bring awareness. It is an emergency request to do what you are called to do. There lies the passion, the determination, the commitment. I stand for this commitment to be the change.

  • maria

    Totally possible in most communities. Takes effort and the know how of a lot of dedicated people.

  • Andrea

    What inspired you about this video? How people made a change to what they ate and felt much better. Then how they wanted to share that with others in the community.

  • lowie

    Awesome!

  • Page 1

  • Read more about the Mandela MarketPlace.
  • Watch how the Slow Money powered by local agrarians can help build a sustainable economy.
  • Have you been eating junk food just because you thought no healthier option was available? Try getting in touch with local farmers. Your support might help them sell in your area!

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