They appear to be doing the right thing. But the obesity problem in America is so widespread that a grocery store chain can't make much of a dent. Although insurers and employers are beginning to address it, reversing obesity requires coordinated national, state, and community public health policies. Around the world, only two countries (Canada and Finland) have had success.

And you're right: The costs associated with obesity are immense because it is a risk factor in asthma, cancer, depression, diabetes, and heart disease -- the chronic conditions that comprise 75% of the health dollars spent in the US. It's reached epidemic proportions in the western world, and will only get worse without concerted action.

Whole foods is a fantastic store, but it is so expensive that it is not in any way, shape, or form a solution to obesity in America. Poorer people are fatter because, guess what, fatty foods are cheaper! Wonder why a burger or taco are a buck when an organic healthy meal costs on average 10x that amount. I commend their efforts, but I am sick and tired of good, high quality food only being available to the wealthy. If Whole Foods really wants to make a difference, they need to get real with their prices.

The movie Food Inc. is a real eye opener. When I was a kid so many people had gardens and they planted fruit trees. They canned in the fall. I think we need to try to become more self sufficient as much as we can. I know it isn't a total solution but it can help provide us with healthier foods, and though it requires time and work, it is easier on the budget than some of the healthier grocery stores. And it is something we do as a family too. The kids have been more likely to eat vegetables that they helped to raise than something bought from the store too. But in saying that I believe a thumbs up in deserved by WF for getting on the health train.

Obesity is everywhere, but it unquestionably threatens poor people more than anyone else. As AH implies, their neighborhoods are simply underserved: Not only are fast and fatty foods cheaper, they are available. Whereas affluent areas often have literally dozens of choices among grocery stores, low income neighborhoods are often lucky to have one. Moreover, some relatively simple policy alternatives -- such as offering food stamp users incentives to buy healthy foods aren't used.

Citizen K. & American Historian,

You are truly amazing. You can turn anything into a rant against the wealthy.

It boils down personal responsibility, plain and simple. The knowledge that fruits and vegetables are more healthy than fast food has been clearly communicated for many years. It's a matter of choice and making the proper decision and no one can do that for anyone else.

I would not be surprised if you or others posting on the Vine will soon demand laws requiring grocery stores in poor neighborhoods and probably dictate the prices said stores can charge.

It's unfortunate that the poor do not eat more nutritiously but it is nothing that can be legislated.

FINALLY SOMEONE TO AGREE WITH!!! BRAVO TO YOUR JEFFERSONWASRIGHT!!!! When will people in this country start to become responsible for their own CHOICES!!! Come on people....it is not the Government's, your families and friends, or a VILLAGE's responsiblity to take care of you AT ALL!!!! It is so much easier to eat healthy than not to....you don't have to have a stove to eat an orange or apple, but you do to FRY food....I would say that, in my opinion, the poor should be healthier if they just chose fruits, vegetables, etc instead of fast food or hamburger helper...and by the way, it's CHEAPER...get off of the wagon of the Government taking care of you and leave the wealthy alone. How did they make their money, let's see, oh yeah, not by not being productive and waiting for others to take care of them....Leave them alone. By the way, I'm not wealthy, just an American that is sick and tired of the lame excuses...DO IT YOURSELF!!!!!

THANK YOU!

You dont need a WF to eat healthy. Low income people can eat just as healthy by shopping at any store. Its all about choice. The veggies at WF are not better for you than the ones at Wal-Mart.

I have always been one to buy the least expensive food I can. I would rather spend my money in other areas like travel. I watch what I eat and am in perfect health. Just had a blood screening and everything was good, I even had higher than normal good cholesterol.

They are big advocates of Consumer Driven Health Care. It works for them because their workforce is young. As the basis for a national health policy, CDHC is problematic for many reasons, although it has possibilities as a useful adjunct.

@ Desktop123

I agree with most of what you said, but get real, have you been to a Whole Foods lately (or any organic store)? They are filled with limousine liberals, liberal college students, and liberal hippies, not Republicans "trying to avoid taxes." To not recognize that glaring fact sheds doubt upon your credibility.

I'm not sure where I fall in that list, but my local Whole Foods reflects the demographics of the general area: Affluent, ethnically diverse, and family-oriented. No one has ever taken a poll, but I can't imagine that political persuasions of the shoppers is any different than that of the broader area, which is essentially centrist. There may be a slight lean to the liberal side, but that's because a lot of families shop at WF, and in this region of the state the Democratic policy toward public education reflects mainstream views.

I agree with most of what you said and yes, you will never find a whole foods in a poor neighborhood, but I have found that some of their prices are good and others don't. You can also use food stamps at whole food too, which is good. I have noticed lately (since that is the only place that seems to sell the apples my mother in law likes honeycrisp) that some of their sales are good, the meat is reasonable priced (compared to walmart) and at least they tell you where their meat comes from. Also, I have noticed their gluten free section has grown since lots of folks have problems with that. I have a young cousin who will come here, and she is allergic to dairy and wheat product (gluten) so I treat her to some products from there that most grocery stores don't have.

Another thing I wanted to mention is that I have noticed that since the gluten free condition is a problem in this country, I see more gluten free bread that is fresh and not frozen. Two years ago, that is all they had in the store, but now there is a lot of fresh bread. I also do like the fact that if I want a little peanut butter, I can just grind it up myself.

This is a misinformed comment. My family of 6 is living on only my husbands moderate income. We have made health a priority and therefore go with out a lot of the extras. We don't have expensive clothes, phones, flat screen t.v. 's, and my husband drives a van that is 15 years old. Yep, we paid for it and still drive it. We are the only people I know that still have a regular t.v. that we bought for 15 dollars at a garage sale 4 years ago. If you want to eat healthy, it is possible to do so if you make sacrifices. It is not Whole Foods responsibility to make sure you put your health first, its yours!

you're wrong on both points. Prices are not high-gallon of water for 89cents, 32oz. of soymilk for $1.67/ gallons of milk for $2.50. Owners are passionate about people taking responsibility for their own health, whole foods provides solutions and education to consumers. you should check it out

I totally agree with Rachel. We are a two-income family but we definitely aren’t upper middle class. Our food budget is simply a priority. We can cut cable, put off cosmetic updates to our house, skip vacation this year and so on and still get by just fine, but the same can’t be said if we sacrifice our health.

Simply not eating in restaurants on a regular basis can be enough to allow you to feed your family well. My husband and I can easily spend $40-50 on one dinner out, vs the fact that we buy a week’s worth of healthy food for our family for $100 or less. Guess what? We eat out less than once per month. I’d honestly rather know what’s in my food and make it the way I want it anyway.

@Rachel-2899994 Perhaps if you would have had had less kids, you would be less poor. While material items don't make you happy, driving an old beater van, having no cell phone and watching old tube TVs sounds like a pretty crappy existence, particularly when you know significantly better qualities of life exist. Not only that, but you and the hubby sound like the type that will be working 'till you die, or will certainly have a late retirement. I suppose that will be your punishment for overpopulating the planet.

Drak, my wife -- who shops at more than one grocery to get the best prices -- says that Whole Foods branded items are priced competitively and are often the best deal she can get. I'm talking about the Whole Foods 365 brand only; she tells me that other brands generally cost more. This is strictly FYI and not a commercial.

Citizen K, I agree with you about the Whole Foods 365 brand. It is good, but to be honest, I like going there for the bulk section. I like the idea of buying only the amount I need which is good when I am baking stuff or for treats for myself (read gummy bears, garlic seasame sticks are really good, nuts, etc.) I also like buying the small italian boule or french boule for 99 cents. That is what I like about the store.

It is cheaper and easier to stay healthy by paying more for organic healthy foods and living a healthy lifestyle than it is to pay for all the prescriptions you will need if you do not. Diabetes medecine can run you $800 a month. I bet your monthly fast food bill could make up the difference and you would feel better, lose weight and improve your relationships as a result. People love to throw out the term 'whole paycheck.' But, the truth is, I sacrifice a lot to purchase these foods for myself and my family because they are more nutritious and will increase our life span. That is priceless.

Just like in any supermarket if you watch for specials you can shop Whole foods without spending an arm and a leg. They frequently have their wonderful pizzas on sale for $10 each (and they are huge!) or their prepared foods at a great bargain. Check with your local store, they are more than willing to let you know what days they will be running specials.

ccinok:

I agree 100% with your comments!!

You can't put a price on health, and even IF the products are more expensive, the cost difference is made up by not having to buy prescriptions and being healthier over time. Healthy will always a bit more, but it is well worth the small price for it.

Think about what your future health issues will end up costing you down the line!

The nearest Whole foods from us is about 200 miles away, but we go down there whenever we get the chance. Like Valhallaarwen, I particularly like their bulk foods section, and I find the 365 brand very affordable. My husband and I are far from rich, but we have found that honestly, our food dollar goes farther at Whole foods than at other stores by careful shopping, and my husband is so crazy about their peanut butter than I swear he would make the trip for that alone! Because he is diabetic, we work very hard to maintain a healthy diet, and because of this he has been off meds for over a year now, and doing great! Cooking mostly from scratch, using very little prepared foods, has helped tremendously, and the bulk food section at Whole foods has been a godsend for us. I only wish thye would open one closer to us. I would do all my grocery shopping there if it were not so far away. But until they do, we will continue to make the trip 2 or 3 times a year to stock up.

Sorry the nearest WF is 200 miles away. We have two in the New Orleans metro area. As I stated, you can find things there at a reasonable price, but then other things you can't. And as for shopping, you do have to check and compare prices. Sometimes it is cheaper, other times it's not.

Congrats on having your hubby off the meds. I am sure that can be expensive. As I stated I have a cousin who is allergic to gluten and dairy, so it works out great when she comes to town. I bake for her from scratch. I have also converted some in my family, I get soy milk for one of my older sisters who was having weight problems, one of my nieces was having a problem with dairy as a young kid, so I got her on soy milk. Also when I was having an issue with ground meat, I started eating organic and realized that it works better.

If you like peanut butter, there is a recipe for peanut butter granola on food tv from emeril. I make it, but I change a few things. I make it chewy (i.e. double the butter, peanut butter (for the record, please use the stuff in the jar, not fresh ground, had a problem with it), honey and corn syrup. I also don't use the raisins in it, but I use almonds, walnuts, pecans (if they are on sale), soy nuts, and most of the other nuts in it. I have a following of folks who love it when I make it. Oh, and the best thing is that you precook it before you form it, therefore you don't have to bake it at the end. I am sure you can use the granola as cereal as well. oh another thing, I use wheat flakes, wheat germ, and another flake that whole foods sell and oatmeal. The peanut butter granola bars last a long time, and you only need to eat a little to get full. It is like the perfect diet food. I like to think of it as lembas (from LOTR).

I'm in Washington state. WF is the only grocery I've shopped at where almost all of the cash registers are manned.

Bill, I agree wholeheartedly with your comment. We love Whole foods but also comparison shop around at other markets for organics!

Check the 365 branded items. My wife swears they are cheaper, and she can definitely squeeze a nickel.

Bill, I agree too, but I must say that I am going to the local famers' markets which have sprung up a lot more since the hurricane (Katrina). I have a choice of where to go. For the past month, I have purchased fresh eggs, milk, butter, creole cream cheese, greens, fresh baked breads, jellies, jams, half and half and strawberries.

That's funny.. the baked goods that I make with ingredients bought from WF are absolutely delicious!

Sunflower may be less expensive, but the quality of their products is terrible at best. Shopped at several of their stores in Denver and they are all the same. Better consume what you purchase in the car ride home as they will spoil before you get home. WF is not that much more expensive, and the quality is much better.

Sunflower Markets might be less expensive, but the quality is terrible at best. I have shopped at several of their Denver locations and they are all the same. Just another version of Wild Oats Markets ( as the founder of Sunflower was the founder of Wild Oats). You better consume the perishable products on the car ride home as they are likely to spoil before you get home.

I LOVE the Sunflower. We have only one here near SLC...and we're getting another closer to me! I have found that they have a better, more cost-efficient product line with a variety of choices. It is the only place to get produce.

there is not one iota of nutritional difference in regular tomatoes vs. organic tomatoes or any other produce for that matter. you're paying 20-30% more for something that provides no superior benefit other than the anecdotal benefit you think you get. shop smart buy smart don't worry about organic its all a sham to get more money out of you as it's not any more expensive to make and provides nil as far as added health benefits. scientists have be trying to prove this for years and have come up empty handed. i scour peer reviewed journals for this for a research paper and was quite surprised to find nothing.

There is ABSOLUTELY scientific evidence to prove that organics are much more healthy. Check out studies that have been conducted by USC Davis, the Rodale Institute, a report from 2007 titled, "Still No Free Lunch" by Brian Halweil, etc. Organic produce contains upwards of 50% more of certain vitamins and minerals. It also contains many more phytochemicals and chemicals that science hasn't even uncovered what purpose they have yet. Phytochemicals, antioxidants, etc. are formed by a plant as its protection against disease and insects- (and in turn protect us when we eat them). If we spray the plants with chemicals, and use chemical fertilizer, instead of a rich, living ecosystem that real soil is, the plants are weakened and don't build up their defenses. It's the same with drugs in the human body. Antibiotics weaken the immune system, leaving us defenseless against disease. Also, the funny thing with nutrition is that for some reason everyone thinks science has figured out every part of every living thing. This is absolutely false. Studies that step away from reductionism (looking at only one nutrient) and focus on actual diets or foods, such as whole grains, show that there is a definite difference in the health effects, than when people are just given a diet of the supposed nutrients found in the whole grains. Think about baby formula, we may think we know the nutrients that we can combine into proper food for a baby, however, time and time, again breast milk is proven superior for health. Science does NOT know all of the components. Please read "Nutrients, Foods, and Dietary Patterns as Exposures in Research: A Framework for Food Synergy," from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003, as an example of what I am talking about.

both studies that you cite have been unable to be reproduced by other scientists. sorry you fail. also several of the researchers have severe biases that may cloud their thinking and might be why other scientists are unable to reproduce the results and come to the same conclusions. unlike some people i use aristotle's principles and look at where my research is coming from and understand the biases invovled.

save the environment and support gm food. gm food = less herbicide and pesticide and higher more nutritious crop yields.

If they opened up stores in lower income neighborhoods the stores would go out of business because poor people cannot afford WF. Duh.

The Whole Foods Market that is in Arlington, TX is right smack-dab in the middle of both low-income and high-income! It's amazing that this store is catering to both the low-income families and higher so I don't agree with the statement that WF is only in high-income areas even though I don't know where they all are; only Dallas & Arlington, they are placed in the areas of low and high income. I would like to see the $ a lil' lower but not to give up on the quality to do so. I do buy 365 Brand and that is fine!

i so agree, WF does nothing but rip people off and manufacturers. They have bankrupted many a small manufacturer with their demands for free fill and then their liberal return policy that they impose on the manufacturer for a full refund on items they never paid for in the first place. it isn't about the best product for the public or any safety issues it is about what can WF get for free and what reaps them the best profits.

Wow--a lot of anger in your post. The economy is terrible. Whole Foods is trying to stay profitable. You're just bitter because you lost your job. That's unfortunate. However I will continue to shop at my local Whole Foods because they offer service and healthy food that I can't get elsewhere.

I do too, they are allowing these people to blatantly lie to the public about the origin of their food, it needs a clear label that describes whether its cloned, organic or contains Genetically Modified food, or any other condition. The FDA and tose producers that dont want these labels are wrong. People have the right to choose and know whats in their food

To be fair, medical research typically takes 17-20 years to compile, synthesize, and disseminate. It will be a while before we know of the health benefits, if any. To me, organic foods taste better -- non-organic turkey tastes like cardboard and chews like rubber -- plus I fail to see how I'm doing myself any good by filling my body with chemicals.

Chemicals and hormones fed to livestock have yet to see their fair share of sunshine. Personally, I think they hold a major portion of responsibility for the unhealthful quality of our foods.

Fat, including human fat, holds hormones, including digested hormones.

bairdb2,

Wow, where did you get your information? True, it does cost more to produce organic foods. However, the proof is there that today's food has fewer 'food value' in it than even 20 years ago. The FDA has removed, little by little, most food value from everything we consume, and replaced it with man-made crap or simply not replaced it at all. GMO foods, that combine say a sea urchin with a tomato to make it less resistant to whatever (just an example, I don't actually know that those combinations are being done, but VERY similar hybrids ARE) You could be eating a vegetable that is only 25% vegetable and the other 75% could be chemicals and other animal based byproducts! Organic IS healthier, and better for you. Simple fact. Only the FDA and other chemical based businesses will tell you differently. Those who eat organic can tell you that a true tomato, grown without chemicals and not treated with Genetically modified stuff tastes MUCH BETTER. Eat organic for awhile and you will find that you feel better, eat less because there is more food value in what you eat, therefore you will loose weight and you will spend less on over the counter stuff and prescriptions. I know. I have done just that. As stated before, you will pay slightly more for organic, but the cost will be evened out by fewer doctor bills and prescriptions. I dare you to try it for 6 months.

No difference between organic and non-organic? You are wrong, friend. One comment: Richard Ray, M.D., who runs a detoxification clinic in Texas for people who have been gotten too many poisons from pesticides, silver-MERCURY dental fillings, arsenic-fed commercial chickens, etc., said at a seminar that of the many thousand of patients he had treated up to that point (a few years ago), about 5,000 of the people got well from just switching to a diet of ORGANIC foods!

Do you raise omnivore cows that are given antibiotics and hormones? Because, yes, that'd be a difference!

Glad you brought that up! ALL meats should have a listing.

Whole Foods doesn't allow any hormones or chemicals in its animal products. Ever. They have the strictest standards in the industry.

Whole Foods needs to shake it's "Whole Paycheck" image. As a WFM Team Member, I can tell you that it simply isn't true. Yes, there are expensive items in the store, but the same can be said for any grocery store. Ex: in our bulk dept, organic steel cut oatmeal is less than $1.50/lb. The same type oatmeal would be $5 lb at the local Kroger. The 365 (WFM private label brand) is right in line with other grocers' private label brands and is very affordable. Yes, organic produce as well as their meat and seafood tend to be a bit more expensive. However, even there (as an example), you can get two frozen 6oz swordfish steaks for 8 bucks. TRY to get a deal like that at other grocers. Lastly, to the former (and disgruntled) WFM Team Member, we have one of the lowest turnover rates in the grocery industry. My store has had less turnover than any company I've ever seen. You have to really TRY to get fired and most Team Members get several "screw ups" before they are let go. You sound, honestly, like a disgruntled former worker.

The 365 (WFM private label brand) is right in line with other grocers' private label brands and is very affordable

If you are going to buy 365 brand, be sure to check where it comes from. Some "organic" items come from China, which has very loose standards.

That said, not every 365 item is from China, and not every item lists where it is from. I'm left wondering where my 365 Organic skim milk is from; it's sitting in my refrigerator.

ThePharce, do you know where the 365 Organic skim milk is produced?

If you buy it used, you can get a Mercedes for under 20k. How do you think so many ghetto black people have one?

Pre-certified brings in a different crowd, though.

Sandi:

I live in north San Diego county and I don't spend $150 on cable TV, I drive a 5 year old sub-compact car and am lucky to live in an area where I have a Trader Joe's available as well as Henry's Market, Jimbo's and Sprouts stores that carry the same quality of food as Whole Foods and the prices are much better compared to the only Whole Foods in the area. There is also a Fresh & Easy market nearby.

I would suggest that people research their area to see what markets are available in their area besides the big name grocers out there.

You don't have to shop at Whole Foods to be healthy. Buying produce and frozen veggies at the regular grocery store is perfectly fine, and you don't have to break the bank. Just make sure to wash the fresh produce.

Also, one can buy low-fat meat products from a regular grocery store, as well as beans.

I like to buy brown rice and mix in the veggies and beans, or meat, for a staple. One can easily buy onions or garlic and have inexpensive seasoning that isn't going to ruin your heart, as well.

Get a cookbook from the bookstore and learn how to cook staples like soups, stews, and freeze the leftovers. It'll be healthier than your cafeteria food at work.

My area grocery stores are a little farther away than that, but even if they weren't I'd be taking my life in my hands to walk to them. Suburban neighborhoods are hemmed in by arterials, few of which are designed to handle pedestrians. Addressing this issue -- which you are absolutely right about -- requires suburban redesign.

Be kibnd of hard to walk to my nearest WF, it's over 200 miles away!

Canyongal56-

Go for the Safeway or Albertsons or Krogers. Hopefully they are closer.

Have a good day.

The CEO of Whole Foods, John Mackey, makes 1 dollar a year. You wouldn't be making him any richer regardless.

What about STOCK OPTIONS? Bet he made a bundle!

I'm sure he has, but considering he started the company in his garage, I'd think he's entitled.

How funny !! When Whole Foods bought out the Mrs. Gooch's SoCal chain (the early 90's)..Whole Food buyers forced corporate changes to Gooch's standards,and now it seems that WFM has gone full circle-by adopting Sandy Gooch's quality standards. The deal with organic produce was a major hurdle for Gooch's(early on around 1983-84)...and their primary claim to fame was as a vitamin/herbal reseller...and Coleman meat retailer. Coleman had an incredible reputation at that time...and organic meat and produce became big sellers as people acquired taste from Deli/party sales. It's interesting that the retail food business has benefitted as quality standards improve because of consumer expectations(U.S. produce)...but many chains still buy from vendors (of cheaper Mexico produce)with questionable growing practices. Gooch's was never a cheap stop(like WFM)and probably equal to Von's price-wise....but customers enjoyed the"ambience". Nowadays...a careful trip to the .99 cent store will yield similiar foods for far,far less.

he didn't start the company in his garage, he did have a vegetarian store out of his garage in Austin but not Whole Foods, the $1 thing don't kid yourself he received compensation totaling $710,077 along with the $1. He loves Walmart and thinks it is a great business model. WEll sure if you think raking manufactureres over the coals and squeezing them for the smallest price so Whole foods can make the biggest profits. Remember he blogged about how bad Wild Oats was and then bought them out. He battled the FTC over it, all and all i wouldn't say he is a wonderful loving man.

just think how much cheaper your bills would be if you bought from some supplier that has a decent amount of leverage like say safeway or albertson's. that's what i do and i save a bundle. for instance i just picked up 10 minneola's for $10 you're not gonna find that at a co-op. as for 'organic' the science is still out on that one which is why i don't pay attention to that labeling. what i mean is there is no consensus in scientific studies demonstrating that foods labeled 'organic' are any more or less healthy for you than normal foods. i've looked too for every study showing 'organic' as being better and more healthy i can find one that shows no discernible difference.