After watching a documentary about the food industry in 2008, Lucinda Whitacre decided to take a close look at some of the ingredients in her pantry.
“Wow, what an eye-opener,” she says. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m surprised my coffee creamer isn’t making me glow in the dark.’”
She set out to make an all-natural powdered coffee creamer, and after a few tries, she knew she had something. She started her Depoe Bay company, Great Life by Lucinda, with her son, Gabe, and her mother, Penelope.
“Since then, I have created close to 20 products — no junk, just delicious, real food,” Lucinda says. “It’s important to me to feed you great food products that make it easy for you to take care of yourself and our beautiful planet.”
Eating less meat is one big way we can help the environment, she says.
“Our plant-based, shelf-stable veggie burger mixes are probably my best invention!” Lucinda says. “Just add hot water, and you are ready to make burgers, tacos and meatballs. You can add them to soup, top a salad or pizza — whatever makes you happy. They are easy, shelf-stable, good for travel, great texture and no waste.”
To aid families in moving to more of a plant-based diet, Lucinda suggests getting children involved in helping with dinner by making “meatballs” together or by having family “taco nights” with an assortment of toppings. She also makes vegetarian soups, as well as a variety of flavored creamers.
In addition to making meals healthier for people, Lucinda also tries to help the community. That could be anything from guiding at-risk teens in creating their own food businesses to hiring formerly incarcerated women to assist at farmers’ markets.
“We have always been a purpose-filled business,” she says. “If we see a need and we can help, we do.”
Lucinda says her partnership with Market of Choice has helped her help others by assisting in the growth of her business. She remembers being inspired years ago when she first walked into one of our stores.
“Who knew, years later, I would have products on the shelves and they would be helping me do great things!” she says. “I am so thankful for Market of Choice. They do so many cool things to help small local vendors grow.”
Try their recipe for Parmesan & Sesame Seed Crusted Curry Veggie Burger.
