When Jonathan Leal started Milo’s Whole World Gourmet in 2003, it was a natural extension of his love for food and his entrepreneurial spirit. A big part of what made Milo’s possible was the support of the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet). “ACEnet is a food business incubator that allows small food businesses to get off the ground without much capital investment,” says Jonathan. “We wouldn’t be here without ACEnet.”
Locally-grown
Milo’s makes a line of wine-based pasta sauces and salad dressings that are carried in more than 1,000 stores across the US, Canada and Japan—all produced and packaged in Athens County. Unlike many products you’ll find on grocery store shelves, everything Milo’s makes is still made by hand using fresh ingredients. Up to 95% of the ingredients used in Milo’s products are sourced right here in Ohio.
Food and Community
In addition to hosting “the best farmer’s market in the state,” Jonathan says that Athens County supports local businesses and their products. “You really feel like everyone’s your neighbor.” Jonathan sees many of the people he buys ingredients from weekly at the farmer’s market. Milo’s sauces and salad dressings are carried at dozens of local stores, where there’s an excitement about buying local products.
Soul of Athens
Students from Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication and E.W. Scripps School of Journalism created the video story featured on this page as part of the Soul of Athens project — an annual online publication that presents the stories of people living and working in Athens County.
