Meetup.com is an online planning and organizing service. It is used by many groups, like boycott supporters, to coordinate local events in the real world. The service is free and independent from the boycott. Reasons for other boycott supporters to use this service includes promoting a coherent online presence where information between supporters can be exchanged timely and correctly.
By creating a personal account for yourself at Meetup and providing your zipcode, you can see if other organizers have events scheduled within a 100 mile radius. If you are located near a Whole Foods market where no events have been scheduled, please take the initiative to form one yourself and tell your friends.While online, join other boycott Whole Foods meetup groups to learn how others are making a difference and learn about other organizing/boycott techniques.
Below is a list of communities where meetup groups have been established. WholeBoycott admins will add your community to the list, if you send us an email with the subject line: meetup group community. It may take us a few days to make the needed changes here.Please be patient.
Email us at boycott.whole.foods.market[at]gmail.com
- New York, New York
- Austin, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Portland, Oregon
- Dallas, Texas
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Steven M
Kristen
Sally
Joel A. Harrison, PhD, MPH
August 25, 2009 at 9:40 am
Are you guys aware that a new Whole Foods is scheduled to
open on August 27 on the upper west side of Manhattan at
97th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Is there a boycott-related event planned for this? Seems like a great opportunity, no?
Nina
August 25, 2009 at 5:10 pm
It amazes me how many backstabbing individuals this country deals with and how casually we let them slide. Insurance in America is the biggest scam of all. You have to have it, yet it covers nothing! So many of us are dying because we lack the “authorization” to receive the preventive health care we so desperately need. Most Americans cannot afford medical bills, especially in this economic crisis, so we wait until something IS wrong to seek treatment. As long as we feel fine, we keep on working and keep on moving. Usually by the time we get in there, we are past the “early” stage of what is ailing us. It is my belief that the boycott is definitely justified. I know that organic is better, however there are plenty of other organic farmers who need our support. America no longer needs to buy organic from an owner who’s heart is not.
August 25, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Are there any pre-made flyers or pamphlets for anti-WF actions? I can’t find any on this site. Trying to organize an action around this at a WF-sponsored food event.
Thanks!
PS: Best to ignore right-wing troll above.
August 25, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Yeow! I guess I’m the personification of the jerk you described. Mackey has been wacky for the last few years. Maybe a chemical imbalance or something, I don’t know, but there is clearly something wrong (read: SEC investigation because of a Yahoo posting?). Nobody is interested in penalizing the entire crew because of “one individual”. The man is the co-founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. He’s just not “one individual”. Goofball. Now I don’t know of a single “greedy” progressive who wants someone to lose their job at Whole Foods and put their family into poverty, because frankly, there’s a certain subset that would be the last ones extend a helping hand (this would be where you look in a mirror). Sorry friend, you can’t have it both ways. Blame it on me or accept the blame for yourself. I also don’t know a single progressive who is against capitalism. The problem arises when the money divide between executives and workers gets so big that the vast majority can never have an opportunity smash through into the money making ranks. I thought that was what capitalism was supposed to be about: Teaching and training people to make money. Sadly it has become something else. And ironically, that something else is exactly what you chose to label those that you disagree with: GREEDY. Keep on burning up that gas. And for the record, I’ve shopped at Whole Foods for several years as my primary food provider. I work 70-80hrs a week and I’m there multiple times weekly for my food, wine and $20/lb cheese. I’ve calculated the yearly total to be btw $7-9K, and I am a single man, not a family of four. But no more as long as he’s there. Jeez.
August 26, 2009 at 2:13 am
I must respectfully disagree with the Insensitive Greedy American. First, your argument that Sensible American must either blame you or take the blame himself is incomprehensible. What blame is being taken? Is it the blame for the loss of Whole Foods employees’ job loss? Or is it the blame for not helping the employees that lose their job? That statement does not make sense. Second, you state that progressives are not against capitalism and I have no doubt that you believe that, however, I think that you hold an incorrect view on what capitalism really is. You claim that capitalism is teaching and training people to make money. In fact, capitalism is about individuals making money through personal achievements and innovation. No one can teach you how to make money, you have to go out and earn money using your own skills, talents, and innovation. Now certainly, we are often taught many things, and many go to school for a long time to learn, but knowledge and skill does not guarantee that you will or should make money. Instead, you must find a way to make money using your abilities. The fact that one possesses abilities does not and should not guarantee income. In true capitalism, money will not be given to you. Recently, I heard a news story where recent graduates are suing their universities because they cannot find jobs. How ludicrous! Clearly a university is not responsible for whether or not you can find employment or find your own way to make money. Thus, not even a college degree can guarantee that you will make money. I think we must all accept that there are no guarantees in life and remove this sort of entitlement mentality from our thinking.
Furthermore, you state that a problem arises when there is too large a gap between executives and workers from which I infer that you want some sort of regulation to prevent this gap from becoming too large. Any sort of regulation that would do this is anti-capitalistic by definition. No one is preventing the worker from becoming an executive, but if the worker does not possess the ability or drive to become an executive, then they should not be compensated like one. To level the playing field is to take a step towards a socialistic state, which as I already stated, is anti-capitalism.
The bottom line is that I tend to agree with John Mackey’s recommendations regardless of his past transgressions. I also think that it is close-minded of the public to write them off as rantings of someone who is “wacky.” In his article, he clearly laid out several good points backed by some facts. I do not see any original suggestions for the improvement of the healthcare system nor any counterarguments on this site.
I think everyone agrees that health care is in need of reform, and now we must entertain a constructive debate to accomplish the task at hand. We should have a long and lively debate before acting because these changes will affect the face of our healthcare system for years to come and swift actions often result in poor outcomes.
August 26, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Whole Foods used dishonest tactics to put Wild Oats out of business.
WF CEO was a big contributor to GeorgeBUSH.
WF CEO commented several years ago about exploiting sandal wearing hippies.
I don’t shop WF
WF image doesn’t match reality!!
August 26, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Join UFCW Local 5 and community allies to say we need Health Care Now!
What: Leafletting at Whole Foods to fight for health care for all
Where: Whole Foods Market, Telegraph and Ashby, Berkeley
When: 11AM-1PM Friday August 28
Don’t let Whole Foods steer the debate about health care, join us on Friday!
Questions? Call Mike Henneberry at UFCW Local 5 at 510 719-7691
August 28, 2009 at 6:22 pm
portland oregon boycotts are under way along with union actions(carpenters) against the forever cheap and irrascible john mackey and his ridiculously overpriced minnions at many whole foods locations. more help is neeeded however, so read the last weeks edition of the willamette week magazine and please join a boycott group. join with all of us including angry nurses, public employees, and the folks at jobs for justice to give ‘em a good black eye. NO WHOLE FOODS ARE NOT A DRUG: AND NO YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE THEM EVERY DAY!! there are plenty of options.
August 30, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I once worked at a whole foods over 14 years ago in San Antonio Texas. I am disabled and I disclosed my problems during the interview prior to being hired. Then after a couple months of employment in the kitchen I was a dishwasher and juice drink maker etc…One night a girl at the store was harrassing me due to my limitations and the manager of the store came up to me and was rude and agressive toward me. I told him I was just working sa hard and fast as I could and the other employee was harrassing me, he told me I was fired. I went to the EEOC and they said I had a case and could sue and could likely win but I was a week too late to file the complaint as I did not know to make a formal complaint until two months had passed. Whole food discriminated then and they still apearantly discriminate now. Whole foods does not care about the publics health and they are not sympathetic or caring toward anyone who has any kind of illness. They are Snobs of the arrogant superiority complex Im better than you becuase I am healthy. They have no tolerance for anyone who is not 100% healthy if you are not whole you are the enemy.
I believe this boycott should have started over 14 years ago, it took this long for thier hate to be discovered. I hope they all loose thier jobs, just like I lost mine for no fualt of my own. I have never shopped there in over 14 years, whole foods sucks.
August 30, 2009 at 7:46 pm
INDIVIDUAL BOYCOTT ACTION!
BE A BOYCOTT “MYSTERY SHOPPER!!”
Before you stop shopping at Whole Foods, visit one last time and shop as you always would. Fill the basket! Then, slip in your pre-written letter to Mr. Mackey letting him know that all the food in the basket is what you WOULD HAVE purchased were it not for his regressive policies. then, walk out of the store, after just parking your cart somewhere. This action will (1) Provide EXTRA WORK for Whole Foods EMPLOYEES (who get to put everything back; we are talking OVERTIME); (2) Costs the Corporation money for the re-stocking; (3) Allows Whole Foods to know EXACTLY what the Boycott is costing them. EVERYONE CAN BE A MYSTERY SHOPPER, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!!! (This tactic works very well during Union Strike and Picket actions in front of Union Supermarkets. SCABS love to re-stock melting food!) BE A MYSTERY BOYCOTT SHOPPER TODAY!
August 31, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I am British and I can assure you that Margaret Thatcher NEVER attempted to privatise our National Health Service. She did privatise the lower paid hospital employees jobs such cleaners and administrators. This resulted in dirty hospitals and administrators that had no emotional attachments to the hospitals. Things have improved immensely since the Labour Government took charge and passed a “Patients Bill of Rights” and I would attest that health care in GB is second to NONE. FYI: (1) British patients choose their own doctors. Just like America, if the doctor’s clinic is full then you would have to find your second choice. Just this morning I had to show identity before a hospital would perform a procedure on me here in the US. This is because many people are using other’s insurance to get treatment. I was totally shocked that Americans have to go to such lengths for healthcare . (2) The wait for elective procedures is no longer than in the US. As with the US, modern surgeries and medicines push people through the system far quicker. (3) There is a vibrant PRIVATE health insurance system running along side the NHS. The are many private hospitals, doctors and other medical facilities in Great Britain. It works very much like the American education system.
I can tell you this, the Brits and Canadians are little tired of the diatribes against their healthcare systems. Yes, they complain but resent right wing lies and mis-information.
August 31, 2009 at 3:35 pm
That’s all.
August 31, 2009 at 6:50 pm
SEPT. 15 MEETING in SANTA CRUZ, CA
Whole Foods, huge Safeways, national chains – learn how the David vs. Goliath legend plays out in Santa Cruz as local groceries function in the shadow of mega-chains. What are the effects of big box stores holding a portion of space for products which local growers and bakers provide? Join us Tuesday September 15th at 7 p.m. at the Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. (at the end of Morrissey) to hear representatives of local grocers discuss how they are standing firm in the face of corporate food giants – and how we can support those local businesses which are supporting our community.
September 2, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I want to participate in a boycott at any of the Washington, DC stores. Is anyone organizing one?
September 7, 2009 at 12:24 pm
BOYCOTT WHOLE FOOD. Noe Valley Action Alert.
New store “Grand” opening.
Wednesday. Sept 30th. 9.45AM.
3950 24th Street,
SAN FRANCISCO,
Ca. 94114.
Come one – Come all.
Raise a ruckus.
More info in Facebook group, same name as above.
Patrick Monk.RN. Noe Valley
September 8, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I am in Portland Maine. And looking to protest and hand out flyers in a boycott of the local whole foods store.If anyone in Portland Maine is going to set up dares and times please contact me at facebook whole foods boycott.Thanks Mike Mitchell