Ummah Market brings healthy food to Culmore

Local officials, religious leaders, and community members celebrated the Grand Opening of Ummah Market in Culmore Feb. 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The grocery store, at 6053 Leesburg Pike, specializes in products from the Middle East. Bakery items and prepared foods are made in-house. There’s a wide selection of imported pantry items, as well as halal meats, fresh produce, and dairy products.

“Our vision is very simple at the Ummah Market – making healthier food available to people, contributing to education, and contributing to a healthier practice of eating food,” said co-owner Jawad Yousufi, who is originally from Afghanistan.

“Ummah is not just a grocery market,” Yousufi said. It’s a place that recognizes the importance of food to the quality of life. “Making conscious food choices can help individuals prevent disease, boost energy, and enjoy a more vital and fulfilling life.”

That attitude is highlighted in a quote from Steve Jobs on the store’s wall: “Eat your food as your medicine. Otherwise, you have to eat medicine as your food.”

“Mason District is the cultural hub of Fairfax County. So what better place to have Ummah Market than right here,” said Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez. “Food and community are a part of this cultural hub, along with family and the arts.”

Mason District is “a place where a rich tapestry of cultures comes together,” Jimenez said. “It’s our diversity and our culture that makes us stronger as a community.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. They create jobs, stimulate our local economy, and keep our cultural traditions alive,” he said. “Ummah Market is a shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit in Mason District.”