Like so many of my budget-conscious friends and clients, sticker shock has limited this nutritionist's trips to the natural food mecca to 'every now and then' for those specialty items you just can't find elsewhere. I am a firm believer that we don't have to shop at a health food store to create health.
It almost feels like blasphemy to write these words, but the truth is, we all have to make the best decisions we can with what we have. The purpose of this blog is to help you, the reader, determine what those decisions will be and how best to carry them out.
So with that in mind, I am writing today to share with you some of the things I have learned about Whole Foods Market, from my tour-guide, Jennifer.
First, is quality. You can be sure that the foods you purchase at WFM are held to extremely high standards. They choose their foods wisely, making sure to avoid foods with artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners. Even the colors on the freshly decorated birthday cakes come from foods like beets and blueberries (no more red food color taste on my kids cakes!!!).
Second, they are committed to customer service and offer services traditional grocery stores do not. In our new store in Franklin, TN, an entire section is devoted to help you become a better cook. The IPad station allows you to search a database of recipes from professional chefs and customers alike. You can upload your recipes to share, and get answers to your cooking questions sent directly to your email.
They also have designated staff available forty hours a week to help you with your cooking or nutrition questions.
Third, WFM establishes partnerships with food suppliers that promote sustainable farming practices, and provides customers the tools they need to make informed decisions about their purchases. WFM's seafood rating program provides information about the sustainability of the fish offered in their cases. The Whole Trade program is designed to make sure that the suppliers also receive a fair price for their products, much like the 'Fair Trade' coffee offered at Starbucks. These products are marked with a Whole Trade Guarantee symbol.
Of these things I have always been aware, and I have admired WFM for their commitment to high quality food. My epiphany today is not how good the products at WFM are, but rather, how affordable. Yes, I said it, affordable.
WFM has their own store brand, 365 Everyday Value- which maintains the high quality standards of WFM, at fractions of the cost. In my swag bag, for instance, I received a 16 ounce jar of 365 Roasted Chipotle Salsa, a great deal at just $3 a jar. As you can see, it's already half-gone!
To find more great deals at Whole Foods Market, log onto www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wholedeal, You can sign up for their e-newsletter, download printable cupons, and find specials for your store.
And no, I do not work for WFM, nor do I receive any kind of financial gain from this post. But my experience has brought about a new perspective of the food giant. While I still may not purchase all of my families food at WFM, I will visit more often, and make a point to do the best I can with what I have.
For ideas on how to stretch your food dollar, find great deals on good food, and recipes for super healthy, super yummy, budget friendly food, visit the ultimate resource to Eat Well and Spend Less, www.sickofspaghetti.com.
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