Food, farm and garden activist, Michael Pollan has weighed in on the Whole Foods controversy and boycott saying he disagrees with Whole Foods CEO John Mackey’s views on health care reform but still supports Whole Foods and the company’s attempt at building an alternative food system by supporting organic and local farmers.
Photo credit: from Michael Pollan’s web site and Ken Light Photography
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I hope I haven’t ruffled feathers here, because I am a fiscal conservative, but I do shop at Whole Foods/Fresh Market. It’s your right to run a business no matter your politics and cater to whom you please. Despite the price, I shop there to find greater selection of produce and cheeses than Wal-Mart and the customer service is better. Greater service means more appreciative customers.
You are correct that anyone has a right to run their business anyway they see fit.
However, he must not know or care about his customer base since the vast majority of his base customers, as seen in the numbers of people who are boycotting, are progressive liberals who are in favor of universal health care for all. If he has the right to spout his mouth off about his right wing nut philosophies and beliefs, customers also have a right to not shop there anymore.
In my opinion, Whole Foods is overpriced. Trader Joe’s is much more down to earth in their pricing. And Trader Joe’s is also supporting organic farmers by stocking a lot of organic foods. We have a food co-op that has two stores in Corvallis. And Trader Joe’s is coming in early 2010.
“right wing nut philosophies”
Come on, let’s not resort to name calling and emotion. The Free Market will sort it out faster than any boycotts or town halls will.