FOOD
Food B for
These local businesses cater to a variety of dietary needs. BY JOSIE DONHHUE | DESIGN BY AYANNAH MABRY PHOTO BY AMANDA PUCKETT
the
Soul
Fluff bakery located on Court Street.
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backdrop 2021 backdrop || Fall Spring 2019
efore eating a meal, not many people consider what every ingredient is or where they all came from. However, for people with food allergies 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, gutconscientious, 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 the 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. “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 inhouse 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 that also
