Sometimes life’s most difficult challenges can lead to the biggest breakthroughs – and the story behind nutrition bar brand GoMacro® is proof that starting small and growing with intention has the power to make a big impact.

In 2003, GoMacro cofounder Amelia Kirchoff received a breast cancer diagnosis. With the support of her daughter, Jola, she began making lifestyle changes to help support her journey back to health. Along with a local lumpectomy, she committed to eating a plant-based macrobiotic diet – but it wasn’t always easy to find snacks that suited her new dietary needs and tasted great.

Inspired by this challenge, Amelia took to the kitchen on their family farm in Viola, Wisconsin. Using wholesome plant-based ingredients, she created the first batch of what became the MacroBar® recipe. In Amelia’s words, “After sharing it with the family, we agreed that it was something we needed to share with the world.”

Amelia won her battle with cancer, and it became her and Jola’s mission to spread the power of a balanced, plant-based lifestyle with the world. Since the brand’s launch in 2004, GoMacro has grown from selling MacroBars in small food co-ops and natural food stores to nationwide grocery chains. From the original MacroBar recipe, GoMacro’s lineup has grown to include 16 flavors, as well as a lineup of five Kids MacroBar flavors, including Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Double Chocolate Brownie.

What hasn’t changed is GoMacro’s commitment to using only the highest quality, carefully sourced ingredients. The company is still headquartered in Viola, Wisconsin, where MacroBars are produced using 100% renewable energy. Jola leads the organization as CEO, and when Amelia is not tending to the farm, she is working with the innovations team to help develop the newest GoMacro recipes. They remain passionate about creating delicious and healthy snacks with the best possible ingredients, making a positive impact on the planet, and giving back to the community.

To experience the power of delicious, plant-based living, grab a MacroBar on your next visit to Mother’s Market!