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Community Description

Area Description

Columbia, located on the Congaree River, is the capitol of South Carolina and its largest city.  One-third of its people are employed by local, state and federal government, and there are over 22,000 students at the University of South Carolina campus.  The metropolitan area population is 453,330.  

Municipalities With Macrobiotic Services Or Activities

Columbia, West Columbia  

Summary and Impressions of the Community

Columbia's macrobiotic history is rich with experience, sparked significantly by Norman Arnold's incredible recovery. When Norman, a well known businessman, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in the early 1980's, he invited Marsha Halprin, a macrobiotic cooking teacher, to move to Columbia. Marsha taught cooking, gave lectures and prepared up to a 100 takeout meals a day at her house. After Marsha passed away in 1992, Trena Barnes took over the macrobiotic cooking classes and also hosted paid dinners at her home. Trena is still active in the community, and hosts Lino and Jane Stanchich when they come to Columbia every 2-3 months. Monthly potluck dinners have been going on for 20 years. Two macrobiotic restaurants in Columbia indicate the continuing support local residents provide to maintain macrobiotic activity. 

Macrobiotic Community Assessment

Moderate Services: Visiting counselor and cooking teacher.  Healthy Activities: Monthly pot luck dinners; 2 macro restaurants; macro activity started in 1982

Professional Services

Resident Counselors

None

Resident Cooking Teachers

None

Visiting Counselors and Cooking Teachers

Lino Stanchich and Jane Quincannon.  

Professional Cooks or Caterers

None

Support System

Paid or Potluck Dinners

Education Centers

None

Seminars

None

Newsletter

None

Support Groups

Only at the monthly pot luck dinners.  

Work Study Program

None

Publications, Books, Cassettes

At Earthfare, Rosewood Health Stores  

Web Sites

http://www.macrobiotics.sph.sc.edu/

Natural Food Sources

Macrobiotic Restaurants

The Basil Pot, Rosewood Market; 3 other restaurants with vegan options.  

Natural Food Chain Stores

Earthfare  

Independent Natural Food Stores

14 Carrot (2 stores), Rosewood Market  

Natural Food Coops

None

Mail Order Buying Clubs

Macrobiotic Food Co op MCOA managed by Laura Rich.

Cottage Industries

None