Emerging Black leaders in Massachusetts: Lorenzo D. Gaines

There are a lot of delicious foods that are also healthy. These include vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach and brussel sprouts), fruits and whole grains. Try adding a range of these to your diet along with eggs, beans, unsalted nuts and seeds and lean meats and fish.

As we approach the Juneteenth holiday on June 19, MassLive asked readers and staff to identify people who are emerging Black leaders throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.

These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Lorenzo D. Gaines

Age: 52

Community: Springfield

His story: Lorenzo Gaines founded Zo Lit Lifestyle, a boutique convenience store, to address the health disparities he saw in communities of color. Whether it’s raising awareness of farm-to-table programs or bringing more access to fresh fruits and produce, Gaines wants to provide healthy options to residents living in what are known as food deserts. These are urban areas where it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food.

Gaines started Zo Lit Lifestyle in Springfield as a health and wellness brand with a brick-and-mortar grocery store on Chestnut Street. The store emphasizes quality food, healthy recipes and merchandise that is culturally inclusive. Gaines is an advocate for food justice and increasing awareness about sustainability for future generations. Among the areas he wants to bring more attention to are who has access to healthy foods, what kinds of nutritious food are available and who owns the land where food comes from.

Unequal access to quality and healthy food is a form of systemic racism and has an impact on a population’s health and obesity rates, according to Gaines. Access to healthy food is a right, not a privilege, Gaines said. He hopes to have a measurable impact on Springfield with his mission to bring quality food and knowledge to the area.

The store is open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 414 Chestnut Street.

In his words: “My goal is to amplify the message and sound the alarm about pressing food and agricultural questions that affect the masses of people. My advice if you want to pursue this work is to put values before profits and find a purpose in your work that is bigger than you. Don’t be silent about food injustice and align yourself with those who are already doing the work.”

Each day, we will introduce more leaders, and we’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.

Source: masslive.com