Food for the Soul
Story about Josie Donohue
These local businesses cater to a variety of dietary needs.
Before eating a meal, not many people consider what every ingredient is or where they came from. However, for people with food allergens and dietary restrictions, asking a waiter what options their restaurant has that caters to their needs and finding only a handful of options can feel restricting. Many Athens businesses and restaurants have recognized this issue, and are taking steps toward cultivating healthier, gut-conscientious, food-inclusive environments.
For the food lovers who prefer to prepare their own meals, the Athens community has multiple health and wellness stores that are hidden gems. Kindred Market is co-owned and operated by Riley Kinnard and her family. Located at 284 E. State St, Kindred Market started as an idea that she had while working at a health food co-op in southern California. After traveling for most of her twenties, the Athens native realized that Southeast Ohio community could benefit from a store similar to the one in California.
“I grew up in Athens, and I knew Athens always had a strong sense of community. In all the other cities and states that I lived, I just didn’t have that same sense of community,” Kinnard says.
After moving back home and finalizing the necessary additions with her mother for her own health store, construction for Kindred Market began in the spring of 2018 and the store opened its doors Memorial Day weekend in 2019.
Kindred Market prides itself in sourcing only natural products that contain no artificial flavorings, growth hormones or antibiotics. The shelves are stocked with more than 700 products from local vendors as well.
Kindred Market prides itself on providing a holistic way to shop in Athens, Ohio.
Photo located on the Kindred Market website.
“The mission [of Kindred Market] is to support the local food system while also providing a vibrant community center where people in Athens can come have a connective grocery shopping experience,” Kinnard says.
In addition to all the fresh, local products that Kindred Market sells, they also have an in-house deli where they often serve options for everyone. The menu has gluten-free, dairy free and vegetarian food made fresh daily such as breakfast sandwiches, buddha bowls, smoothies and soups for those who need an on-the-go meal.
The Farmacy, located at 28 W. Stimson Ave., is another health foods market in Athens, also takes pride in their holistic approach to shopping for healthy and natural foods.
Inside of The Farmacy, an Athens business that provides local and organic foods and ailments.
Photo by Jacob Durbin.
Now under ownership of Kevin and Carrie Tidd, The Farmacy has been in operation for more than 50 years and was the first health foods store in the region.
On The Farmacy’s website, it says, “Here at The Farmacy, we focus on providing the natural products necessary to maintain your health, and pride ourselves on being a source of information as well as fuel of the well-being of people all across Appalachia.”
The Farmacy is home to a wide variety of food and food supplements that have been locally sourced. Kevin believes that food is medicine and is crucial to one’s own general well-being.
“Some people just come here because they feel good being here. It’s about the energy,” Kevin says.
On top of all the organic items stocked on the shelves, The Farmacy also serves fresh meals in their deli daily, with more than half of the menu being vegetarian or vegan. If a customer has another dietary need, the Tidd’s say that all the menu items can be substituted to a guests’ liking.
“Especially here, compared to other retail establishments, every person that walks through the door, we have to recognize as individuals. They are coming here for a purpose. We’re a healing and wellness store, so they’re coming here to feel something,” Carrie says.
For those that need something quick to eat, there are also some inclusive restaurants located in uptown Athens along Court Street that serve dietary-specific foods. Bagel Street Deli serves more than 15 different vegetarian “bagelwiches” and offers substitutions for those who are lactose or gluten intolerant.
Fluff Bakery also serves a wide variety of baked goods, brunch foods and bowls that have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free substitutions. Some of these options include breakfast burritos, wraps and curry rice bowls. Additionally, there is an array of sweet treats such as vegan chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free cream cheese swirl brownies, gluten-free muffins and more.
Lastly, at Firdous Express, Greek food lovers have the chance to build their own bowl or gyro with vegan and vegetarian options like falafel, baba ghanoush and grape leaves.
Food doesn’t have to be a barrier for people with food allergens and health needs in Athens. With so many businesses that serve fresh, local and natural foods, there’s something for just about everyone to love and safely enjoy.