Market attracts local produce
Whether it's three boxes or 3,000, Whole Foods buys natural, organic foods from local growers

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Lee Arthur, notes Whole Foods Market is 'highly-selective' of what they purchase and sell, yet there are plenty of growers out there who can fit the bill. -- Staff photo by Taylor

May 8, 2003 -- Although Whole Foods Market is now the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, the owners and employees haven't forgotten that it all started with one small store in Austin.

During a recent interview with Lee Arthur, regional produce coordinator for Southwest Distributors, he emphasized the fact that even with 143 stores located across the country and eight distribution centers, and 23,000 employees, Whole Foods Market is always looking out for the "little man."

Known for its good, safely-produced produce and meats, Arthur said they (Whole Foods Market) are willing and able to purchase three boxes of product or 3,000, and according to needs, they never turn a producer away because of the size of his operation.

Arthur said they operate on the "Home Town Heroes" idea, and are always looking for good, local producers. Though "highly selective" of what they purchase and sell, the group is dedicated to very high goals and believe that humans and "Mother Earth" rely upon others "through a beautiful and delicate symbiosis."

What this means to the consumer is good, healthy, safe products that have met stringent requirements in order to be sold in Whole Foods Markets.

The procurement department at Southwest Distributors, headed by Cris Ramano, is always looking for local products, and local producers may contact him to get the requirements, in order to partner with Whole Foods Market.

Some products are bought from other countries or parts of the United States, according to what is available in a particular season.

"We strive to offer the highest quality, least processed, most flavorful and naturally preserved foods ... because food in its purest state - unadulterated by artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings and preservatives - is the best tasting and most nutritious food available," reads Whole Food Markets' literature.

One thing that sets the entire operation apart from other large stores is the philosophy that is practiced with its employees. Arthur said people are important ... all the way from management to the entry level positions.

Another big concern is for the children. Whole Kids Organic is the first organic food product line developed just for kids. The speciality line was developed with kids "beyond baby food" through mid-teens in mind, and they even developed kids' taste panels for each product produced, just to get it right.

Whole Foods Markets use the best fresh fruits, vegetables and meats available, and their product line includes around 400 items.

Big supporters of organic farming, they understand the special handling that is necessary to produce top products and believe they are helping to promote "sustainable agriculture and protecting the environment and the farm workers."

They are involved in the local communities and support local food banks, sponsor neighborhood events and "compensate team members for community service work, along with contributing at least 5 percent of total net profits to not-for-profit organizations."

A recent Associated Press article noted many smaller producers can no longer compete with the large grocery chains and are resorting to local farmers' markets and local delivery. While this may be true for some chains, it is not true of Whole Foods Market.

Arthur urged smaller producers to get in touch with Ramano if they believe they can meet the requirements for organically-grown produce, and said they always strive to use local products, first, if they are available.

Austin now has two stores with plans for an even larger store downtown. A trip through the aisles and immediately customers know they are not in just any store ... but rather in a place where people come first ... a place where children and their futures are the major concern ... a place where people are respectful and motivated to succeed ... and, a place where people are "passionate" about their food.

(Cris Ramano, procurement department, 512-385-3853.)