Though Chicago’s West Side has not officially entered the organic foods market with independent shops, there are some early adapters in the more loosely defined natural foods sector. Maria Reyes, owner of Vida Sana, explains that organic items are too expensive for her neighborhood, and people don’t put a priority on health. She slowly chips away at what she calls "ignorance" through teaching seminars based on her training at Trinity School in Indiana. Her principal goal, to "change and correct health" can be achieved by a body cleanse "with herbs for three months." Vida Sana carries vitamins, herbs and teas. Spanish-speaking.

Centerstage Reviewer: Chris Benevich