Harlem Whole Foods To Partner With Neighborhood Organizations

HARLEM, NY — Get ready Harlem: Whole Foods is coming. The high-end, health-food centric grocery store will open Friday in a giant retail complex on the corner of West 125th Street and Lenox Avenue and plans to partner with several neighborhood organizations, according to a company press release.

The city's newest Whole Foods Market will open with a "bread breaking ceremony" at 8:45 a.m. Friday. After the ceremony the 40,000-square-foot store will officially be open for business. The market will feature the pricey but healthy fare it has built its reputation on as well as some brand-new options for the chain such as a Kebab stand and a Cuban sandwich and coffee vendor.

Whether you love or hate the arrival of Whole Foods, there's no doubt it's presence in Harlem represents the rapid pace of development in the neighborhood, especially along 125th Street. While Whole Foods may be a harbinger of gentrification and rising home prices in the neighborhood it will bring a source of fresh produce to the area.

Whole Foods will also try its best to feature the products of Harlem business and enter partnerships to benefit neighborhood organizations. The store has agreed to sell products from about 20 brands with Harlem roots including Sylvia’s, Egunsi Foods and the Harlem Pie Man. Whole Foods will also make donations to NYC Food Pantry's Harlem location three times a week and will feature a collage created by A. Philip Randolph High School students in its cafe.

"We are thrilled to serve the historic and vibrant Harlem community, where I personally have many fond childhood memories," Damon Young, a store team leader said in a statement. "Our many Harlem community partners have helped us create a wonderful store that enables us to provide local jobs, support community artisans and serve Harlem residents with the highest quality natural and organic foods."

Photo courtesy Whole Foods Market