Contributed by Gwyn Whittaker, CEO, GreenFare
"There is no money in health." These words, spoken in the early 1990s during the "War on Cancer," stuck with me as I witnessed the National Cancer Institute implement a $32 million supercomputer. Decades later, despite hundreds of billions spent on research and treatments, the cancer mortality rate has barely budged. While some treatments shrink tumors, they often fail to extend life. Unfortunately, the medical system has focused more on diagnosing symptoms and prescribing endless medications—heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical industry—than on teaching health and wellness.
Fifteen years ago, after losing a partner to heart disease, I found myself asking if anything could have prevented that loss. In 2013, I discovered the answer when I watched the documentary “Forks Over Knives.” The film revealed that the two most common chronic diseases in the U.S.—heart disease and cancer—are largely self-inflicted through lifestyle choices and are, in many cases, reversible. Inspired, I reached out to Dr. T. Colin Campbell, one of the key figures in the film, to learn how I could contribute. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into documentary filmmaking, starting with a donation to help complete the “PlantPure Nation” documentary.
As detailed in the film, I launched my own pilot program: a 10-Day Jumpstart. This initiative combined education, 10 days of whole-plant meals, and biometrics tracking (lipids, blood pressure, and weight) overseen by a nurse. Forty-five participants joined, watched the film, and engaged in a Q&A session with Dr. Campbell, who attended the kickoff. The results were transformative. In just 10 days, participants experienced an average 20% reduction in lipids (outperforming many statins), normalized blood pressure, and an average weight loss of 5.5 pounds—all through healthy, plant-based eating.
With a background in electrical engineering and 35 years of experience introducing new technology to the intelligence community, I recognized the competitive advantage this lifestyle change could offer. However, I also saw the challenges people face in adopting it. To address these obstacles, I founded GreenFare, an educational café designed not just to provide meals but to change lives. At GreenFare, we offer a structured 21-Day Kickstart program featuring 42 ready-to-heat organic plant-based meals, four educational classes, and optional blood testing. Now in its tenth year, the program has served more than 2,000 participants, including former Redskins star Darrell Green, who attended twice—once solo and later with his family. Remarkably, more than four dozen medical doctors have joined, often after seeing their patients reverse chronic diseases and eliminate the need for medications.
I’m thrilled to contribute a monthly column to the Reston Letter, a trusted local publication that highlights community news, businesses, events, and heroes. My columns will focus on health, the environment, and compassion, with the goal of inspiring a healthier and more connected community.
Gwyn Whittaker
CEO, GreenFare Organic Café, 408 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170
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