by Heidi Trilling

David and Anne Hinckle of Earthbeam Natural Foods in Burlingame. Photo: Heidi Trilling.

Before there was Whole Foods Market, New Leaf Community Markets or Wild Oats Markets, there was Earthbeam Natural Foods in Burlingame.

Founded by visionary philosopher, entrepreneur and all-around good person David Hinckle in 1971, Earthbeam is a family-run small business. David and his gracious wife Anne are at the helm. Local, organic, earth-friendly products are on the shelves. Long-time, dedicated employees are super-knowledgeable. And a growing community of devoted customers is streaming in, and writing passionate online reviews.

“Organics come first, here, and we support local businesses and farms,” David Hinckle says. “There’s also a  constant interchange with our customers and staff. A collaborative effort. Through them, we’re aware of the best natural products, and we respond.”

Anne Hinckle adds, “Earthbeam is value-driven because David started the store from a strong philosophical basis: to support health and well-being in our local community and in our larger earth community.”

Earthbeam's founding mamas and papas. From left: Katherine Revoir, owner David Hinckle, Chuck Egolf, Teresa Henfling, Jim Gravelle. Photo: Courtesy of Earthbeam Natural Foods.

Housed in the stately monolithic building anchoring the corner of Broadway and Capuchino Avenue, Earthbeam was nominated for a Burlingame Beautification Commission Award in recognition of its welcoming, lushly-landscaped storefront.

Even the name, Earthbeam — which refers to David Hinckle’s idea of seeing our planet from space, “no boundaries, no countries, just that view of the whole: all the beings and life and light” — is unifying and welcoming.

As is the store’s mantra. Stenciled above Earthbeam’s front door is a quote: May all who enter this space be nourished in body, mind, and spirit. “It’s subtle, you might miss it, but it’s there,” Anne Hinckle says.

Besides fresh, 100 percent organic local produce, seeds, and groceries, Earthbeam offers body care products, supplements, and ecological housewares. A bulletin board showcases information from like-minded small businesses, and a marvelous selection of health books, philosophy books and cookbooks is for sale.

Check Earthbeam’s Web site for monthly soup schedules, and information about Earthbeam’s ongoing first-of-the-month discounts and discounts for seniors. There’s also a “Thoughts” Web page with inspirational quotes from thinkers as diverse as Shakti Gawain, Charlie Parker and Plato.

So, how did this soulful community grocery evolve?

Gorgeous 100 percent organic produce at Earthbeam Natural Foods. Photo: Heidi Trilling.

Fresh from the Navy in the volatile 1960s, David Hinckle spent time in Southern California. A friend handed him a copy of Zen Macrobiotics by George Ohsawa — another visionary. Hinckle was fascinated.

“I began experimenting: cooking brown rice, eating differently. … I’m oversimplifying Ohsawa’s theory, but: War is the result of mental illness. If people were mentally fit, they probably wouldn’t fight. And mental illness is caused by poor diet.”

Hinckle continues: “I adopted that as part of my goal: not only to make a living selling good, clean food, and being environmentally friendly, but also maybe having some effect on world peace.”

Three decades later, Earthbeam is the embodiment of David Hinckle’s goal, and it shows.

“A lot of people get their first jobs with David,” says raw food chef Alicia Parnell. “He takes them under his wing, teaches them his core values. … He and Anne have inspired the lives of so many! The Hinckles are truly good people.”

Anne Hinckle says: “How each of us chooses to live our life and touch the lives that are within our care makes a difference. … For example, as soon as we found out about the possible link between parabens and breast cancer, we scoured the store, removing everything questionable. … For a period of time, we handed out information sheets to people. … This is our community, and we need to take care of one another.”

We need to take care as consumers, too.

A variety of health, philosophy, and cookbooks for sale at Earthbeam Natural Foods. Photo: Heidi Trilling.

David Hinckle says: “I’m trying to encourage more people to ask for local, wherever they go. Get that demand up, so our farmers can grow more, and we don’t lose that acreage. So, I make it a point of supporting Harley Farms, Jacobs Farm … and I encourage everyone to do the same. … Also, I want to encourage people to patronize small businesses of any kind. … You have to be so committed … but fresh, good food and good health are worth it!”

Earthbeam String Bean Salad

Recipe by Anne Hinckle

Blanch string beans in boiling salted water. Rinse in a cold water bath and dry thoroughly. Toss with a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, sea salt and minced shallots. Add lemon zest, Olives Noires de Nyons and either feta or goat cheese. Enjoy!

On the Web:

www.earthbeamfoods.com

www.earthbeamfoods.blogspot.com

Long-time employees Ross Wind (right) and Diego Torrelio (left) confer near a stand of complimentary herbal tea at Earthbeam. Photo credit: Heidi Trilling.

Customers try "Save Our World" organic bodycare samples at Earthbeam. Samples are set out on first-of-the-month discount days. Photo credit: Heidi Trilling.

100 per cent organic Seeds of Change, available at Earthbeam. Photo credit; Heidi Trilling.