Margaret Isely

Margaret Isely (August 13, 1921 – July 23, 1997) was an American businesswoman, organic food activist, nutritionist, political activist and peace activist. She is best known for founding the health food chain Natural Grocers in 1955 along with her husband Philip Isely. She was co-founder of the World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA) and Global Ratification and Elections Network (GREN) along with her husband Philip Isely. She worked as a waitress.

In 1946, while pursuing a business degree at Antioch College, Margaret met Henry Philip Isely, who had previously served prison time as a conscientious objector during World War II. They married June 12, 1948. Embracing this regimen, her health improved significantly. Margaret and her husband, Philip, recognized the potential health benefits of natural eating. They began distributing nutrition books and taking supplement orders door-to-door, laying the foundation for their business. Their dedication and perseverance paid off, and by 1958, they opened their first health food store called the Builder’s Foundation in Lakewood, Colorado. In 1963, the Iselys converted a cottage-style house into their new store, inspiring the name change to Vitamin Cottage.

Now it is run by the second-generation siblings Zephyr, Kemper, and Heather with more than 160 retail grocery stores in around 20 states of US.

Political career

In 1958, Margaret ran for the State Senate as independent for the "Conservation of Life". She served as executive member and treasurer of WCPA. Their home was picketed after a local newspaper, the Jefferson Sentinel, accused them of being communists. "One of our neighbors had us investigated because we passed out literature for the Peoples World Parliament," said Margaret, "but the FBI gave us a clean slate as harmless pacifists." President - Rocky Mountain Nutritional Foods Association

Death

Margaret Isely died on July 23, 1997.

Legacy The Margaret Ann Isely Foundation was established by her family and friends to fund projects that were important to Margaret. This included the establishment of a nonprofit alternative health clinic in Colorado and a phytoplankton growing project aimed at mitigating global climate change.