By Cory Clarke
Hello, my name is Cory Clarke, founder of BodyMore Health. I envision a Baltimore where everyone has equal access to healthy, affordable food — where wellness isn’t a privilege, but a right.
Through my own experience walking through different neighborhoods, I noticed a clear divide: in some areas, fresh food is just a few minutes away; in others, it’s miles out of reach. That difference isn’t by accident — and I don’t believe it’s fair.
As a community-driven entrepreneur, I’m working to change that. BodyMore Health was built from a simple but powerful idea: that business can be both profitable and purposeful. My goal is to create a sustainable model that brings nutrient-rich foods back into neighborhoods that have gone too long without them — while also building pathways for local ownership and entrepreneurship.
This work isn’t just about food. It’s about empowerment, health, and equity. I’m committed to turning everyday community challenges into self-sustaining opportunities — proving that when we invest in our own neighborhoods, we can redefine what “healthy” and “wealthy” mean for Baltimore.
BodyMore Health: When Health Is Determined by a ZIP Code, We Change the Code
A community-first plan to bring affordable, nutritious food within reach—backed by data, built with neighbors, and focused on long-term health.
The Problem: Structural Food Inequality
In Baltimore, health outcomes are shaped by access. In 21215, 21216, and 21217, too many families live in food priority areas—places with few full-service groceries and an abundance of carryouts. For households without a vehicle, a 1–1.5 mile trip to buy produce is not a quick errand; it’s a barrier.
Over time, neighborhoods with fewer healthy options see higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These are not failures of willpower—this is the predictable result of unequal access.
“My kids think dinner is whatever’s closest. If the bus is late, it’s chips and a soda.” — Liberty Heights parent
What the data shows
- 25% of households in parts of West Baltimore report food insecurity.
- 30% of households in target ZIPs lack a car—turning distance into a health barrier.
- rates are 40–60 higher than city average in impacted neighborhoods.
- Life expectancy varies by **~20 years** across Baltimore neighborhoods.
What This Feels Like Day to Day
Parents juggle shifts and buses. Seniors stretch budgets. Kids learn that the fastest food is the only food. This is the human story behind the numbers. When healthy options are far away or overpriced, families make the best choice they can in the moment—often from a corner store or carryout. The result compounds over years.
Our Solution: BodyMore Health
We bring healthy, affordable options within walking distance—starting around Liberty Heights & Gwynn Oak. Our approach blends community entrepreneurship with measurable health impact.
- Accessible Nutrition: Fresh smoothies, juices, bowls, and ready-to-eat meals priced to compete with fast food.
- Corner Store Conversions: Partner with local shop owners to stock 70% BodyMore healthy items—no lecture, just better choices at eye level.
- Education & Youth: Short, practical workshops on smart shopping, quick cooking, and label reading—run with schools, churches, and rec centers.
- Local Hiring: Train and hire from the neighborhood; create vendor pathways for micro-entrepreneurs.
Near-Term Targets (Year 1)
- Launch central hub + 3 corner store conversions
- Offer 20 affordable, nutrient-dense SKUs every day
- Run monthly nutrition demos with local partners
- Track outcomes: sales mix, repeat visits, SNAP/WIC usage
Why This Works
- Proximity matters: When healthy options are close and affordable, families choose them more often.
- Price parity: Competing with carryout pricing removes a key barrier to adoption.
- Cultural fit: Recipes and flavors shaped by Baltimore—not copied from elsewhere.
- Data feedback loop: We measure what’s bought and what’s taught to improve every month.
How we’ll measure impact
- How many Baltimore residence will buy our none food items?
- How many Baltimore residense will take our survey?
- How many people will donate in phase 1?
- How many much fubnding will we access?
Help Us Turn BodyMore into BodyMore Health
Whether you’re a neighbor, educator, store owner, or investor—you can be part of the change. Let’s bring healthy options home.