September 25, 2009
To: John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Inc.
The Board of Directors of Whole Foods Market, Inc.
Fr: Former loyal customer of Whole Foods Market, Inc
Re: How Whole Foods Could Regain My Business
Dear Mr. Mackey and the Board,
I am a boycotter of your organization. My personal decision to boycott
your store is based on multiple factors, and your position on health
care reform was merely the catalyst for this decision.
For many years, I faithfully visited your Hadley, MA store to purchase
grocery and health & beauty items; but above that, I came to your
store because I believed in "enlightened capitalism." I have held the
notion for many years that good products can be sold at a profit not
only without harm, but in the nexus of mutually beneficial exchange.
Is this notion not at the basis of the traditional community bazaar:
where village members came to exchange value for value, share
community news and information, and promote the common weal? I was
willing to believe that Whole Foods was truly dedicated to these
beliefs; that it shared in the values of community, health, and
progress.
Many who are more knowledgeable and articulate than me have given
point by point responses to the WSJ op-ed; I can't say it any better.
Neither am I interested in looking backwards (President Obama's wisdom
there). So, let's look forward: what would your organization need to
do to regain my business? Let me outline some suggestions:
- Unions: Allow open meetings with union reps to which all
non-management employees would be invited and could attend free from
any threat of retaliation. No management involvement in these
union-to-worker information sessions. Once they have taken place, let
the workers democratically (by majority rule) decide whether they
should be unionized, and then accept that decision whichever way it
goes and work with it equitably. - Health Care In America: You as CEO and your Board agree to an
extended Board meeting to which you invite persons to speak who have
been victimized or excluded from the current health care system in
America. These would be listening sessions that would hopefully result
in a deeper and more personal understanding of why the term "health
care crisis" exists in this country. - Working Families and Whole Foods Marketing: You establish a
designated area in each Whole Foods store where you deliver on the
promise of affordable, healthy meals for working families. This area
would need to include, yes, grains, pasta, beans, etc., but also fresh
"colorful" fruits and vegetables from local organic sources that are
affordable on a limited income. Given Whole Foods' volume buying
power, I believe this would be possible for some selected seasonal
products.
I am very open to hearing any response to these suggestions. In my
heart, I still want to believe that Whole Foods can both make a profit
and serve the betterment of US society as "enlightened capitalists."
Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Dori Digenti