Healthy Choices for Mind & Body

Lisa Smith is someone who values healthy choices. As a highly involved community member and CEAM volunteer, she advocates for children to have access to better educational options. As an organizer for United People Community Organization (UP), Lisa is fulfilling her passion to ensure everyone has access to healthy foods.

Lisa lives in the formerly unaccredited Riverview Gardens School District and was an avid believer and supporter of local neighborhood schools. However, after some troublesome events at her son’s school, Lisa decided she needed to take advantage of the Missouri law that allows families in unaccredited school districts to transfer to neighboring, higher performing districts.

With her children enrolled and thriving in the Mehlville School District, Lisa quickly saw a difference in her children’s academic progress at their new schools. Recognizing that more parents in her same situation and even those not in unaccredited school districts could benefit from school choice laws, Lisa felt compelled to share her story with local leaders and legislators, so school choice can be available for other families.

Lisa’s advocacy for healthy choices doesn’t end with education. Lisa also believes that in order for a community to thrive, healthy and sustainable food choices need to be available to all. When the Reverend Audrey Hollis shared her vision for a community market, Lisa immediately saw it as a great idea worth doing. As a result, the Rev. Hollis, Lisa and other organizers created UP Market, a food justice cooperative that aims to offer healthy food options in north county.

By buying from local farmers and then selling the produce and meats at cost, UP is working to revitalize their community. People will want to live, work, and raise their families in a thriving community. “It’s all about giving healthy food choices to the community,” says Lisa.

UP Market is a project of United People Community Organization and Beacon of Light Ministries.

The next day they are open is Sunday, March 19th at 12pm. It’s behind Greater St. Mark Family Church at 9950 Glen Owen Drive 63136. They are starting with twice a month. To join the co-op, contact Lisa Smith at 314-688-5748 or lisarena29@gmail.com.