About Us
Our Mission
Food at the Center is a lifestyle company that uses food to promote health and well-being. Food at the Center’s courses and materials draws upon the legacy and diversity of Black women’s lived experiences, Caribbean and African culinary heritage, mindfulness practices, and radical self-care.
Our Story
Food at the Center was created by Michelle Beadle Holder, Ph.D., a medical sociologist, mindfulness practitioner, and Jamaican-born food enthusiast. In 2018 she left a promising yet unfulfilling academic career to follow her passion for growing, cooking, and eating delicious food. Along the way, Michelle discovered hidden aspects of herself and her cultural heritage that shifted her mindset around food, health, success, and happiness.
Food at the Center is also inspired by Michelle’s mother, Clover Beadle. Clover is a self-identified strong Black woman who loves to cook and eat delicious food.
In the face of chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, Clover took steps to reclaim her health, beginning with her plate. Through her healthy cooking, eating, gardening, exercise, and self-care practices, Clover dramatically reduced her sodium intake and reversed her prediabetes diagnosis.
Clover’s decision to put her health first helped to redefine her view of strength and served as an inspiration for self-care for her family and friends.
In 2018, Michelle combined her own experiences with that of her mother to form Food at the Center. Today the organization provides resources and support to help others on their health and wellness journey, beginning with the plate.