Berkeley Organic Market: Business for the Community
“I would like all the neighborhood to know that this is their store and their kitchen”
— Abdul Waheed Alsaidi, Founder
Waheed and his lovely family in Berkeley, California
As an immigrant from the Al Kamh village in Yemen, Waheed grew up in a farming family that valued natural produce. He grew crop on his terrace, raised farm animals for resources, and overall lived a lifestyle of zero waste. Hence, he is a strong believer in the importance of trusting the quality of the food consumed. Upon witnessing the inaccessibility of fresh produce for the Berkeley community, particularly the elderly, he knew something needed to be done. He wanted something better for his family, and his community. With this mission in mind, Waheed founded Berkeley Organic Market in 2019.
What’s Your Story?
Founder Abdul Waheed Alsaidi grew up in a house where everything is organic and they produced zero waste. Everything from the land, they used. His family cooked with the wood from the forests, collected produce from the mountain, and made plates from the clay. Everything was organic and natural. He grew everything from corn, grain, beans, and coffee, and all produce in his store — he knows how to grow.
Why Did You Open Your Store?
Everything is organic, from fruits to wheat. Waheed ensures that all sold produce are organic and healthy. With a forty plus hour work week, most people do not have the time to research the best produce to buy, so he prides himself on opening a store where people can trust in the food they are buying.
Behind Berkeley Organic Market’s success is Waheed’s wonderful family who supports his mission of bringing quality produce to the local community. According to Waheed “Everyone does something and does their own part,” and though they get exhausted at times, they are rejuvenated by the support of their customer.
How Have You Adapted Since the Pandemic?
The highlight of Waheed’s day is when customers show their support for his business in a variety of manners. Whether it’s suggesting inventory, referring friends, or having a simple conversation, Waheed is empowered by the community that he serves.
At the start of the Corona Virus Pandemic, Waheed mentioned that “Everything disappeared from the market.” His customers would come to him seeking basic necessities such as bread or even yeast, but the unpredictable nature of the market limited him from attaining produce.
Fueled by the desire to support his customers, Waheed called his sister and mother to learn the family recipe of bread-making from when they lived in the village. He taught his customers how to make bread from simple ingredients and his customers were overjoyed. Though the beginning of the pandemic was stressful, Waheed was able to build a stronger bond with his community and learn new skills that he never though he would need to know.
Check Out the Store on Butterbuy!
The Berkeley Organic Market doors are always wide open. Berkeley Organic Market is located just a few blocks from the UC Berkeley Campus. Waheed and his family cannot wait to meet you!
Berkeley Organic Market & Deli on Butterbuy
Address: 2642 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
- post by Arya Anand