Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Boycott Whole Foods

My pal Emily just informed me of yet another example of how big grocery store chains are trying to put smaller, local producers out of business. This time its Whole Foods, also known as "Whole Paycheck," who is actively working to undermine local and regional food systems.

I enjoy shopping for many of the products that Whole Foods sells, but they are not my only option, and so I plan to move all of my patronage somewhere else. In Ann Arbor that is usually Buschs (where we do most of our shopping now), but it could also be Plum Market, the Peoples Food Coop, Sparrow Market, or the Produce Station - all locally owned businesses.

Emily's Link: http://newseasonsmarket.blogspot.com/

Below is my letter to whole foods, submitted on their Customer Service website.

To Whom It May Concern:

I recently learned of your attempts to get information about the New Seasons Market in Portland, OR. While I no longer live in Portland, I admire New Season's attempts at creating a regional food system, and I support local producers whenever possible. Your company has improved on some of its policies, most notably when embarrassed by bad publicity or legal problems, yet you seem intent on harming local communities with your aggressive business tactics, particularly in acquiring smaller companies like Wild Oats. Your actions threaten to undermine regional production and distribution systems by discouraging competition.

In virtue of your aggressive attempts to get information about New Seasons, I feel I am forced to reconsider my patronage of your stores. Moreover, I wonder how you might justify such unfair attacks against such a "small fish in a large pond." Was it not so long ago that your company was that size?

We live in a world where "moral" considerations are poorly valued in the marketplace. So I intend to voice my displeasure where I can, with my shopping dollars. Whole Foods is now becoming synonymous with unfair business practices, and embarrassing behavior by its leadership.

I plan to spread the word among my family and friends that Whole Foods is no longer a company with a conscience, no longer a company that I can trust.

Tyler Cornelius
Ann Arbor, MI