Support profits and fairness
Connect with growers and ranchers, shop at a farmers market:
http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/
Weekly deliveries of farm fresh foods, join a CSA:
http://www.localharvest.org/csa/
Join a member-owned store, find a food co-op near you:
http://www.coopdirectory.org/directory.htm
Support other local businesses, search for other organic food stores:
http://www.organicstorelocator.com/
Comments section
Please help us create a master list of wholefoods communities and alternative stores where Whole Foods customers can take their dollar.
1. Please comment below your alternatives to Whole Foods Markets. Your first line should be in the format “YOUR STATE, YOUR COMMUNITY”.
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Steven M
Kristen
Sally
Joel A. Harrison, PhD, MPH
August 19, 2009 at 12:50 am
Albuquerque, New Mexico
La Montanita COOP (http://lamontanita.coop/)
Sunflower Market
Trader Joes
August 30, 2009 at 8:29 am
Santa Fe, New Mexico has two Whole Foods Market stores, the old popular Wild Oats ( now own by Whole Foods ) and the store across from the Railyard Park. There are many alternative locations to shop in Santa Fe including the 3 above Steven sent:
La Montanita COOP (http://lamontanita.coop/)
Sunflower Market
Trader Joes
As well as the Natural Groceres across from Home Depot on Cerillos Road. The El Dorado Market at the Agora Shopping Center in El Dorado. And the Farmer’s Market building downtown at the Railyard has the best produce Tuesday and Saturdays!
August 31, 2009 at 8:16 pm
What next, I’m only allowed to shop at state-sponsored democratic-party stores? Enough already. This is nutty.
September 1, 2009 at 10:52 am
Yeah, sticking up for my own opinions and making my own purchasing decisions is real ‘nutty.’ Also sticking up for the healthcare of Americans and calling attention to how the private sector is limiting our choices and telling us what we can and cannot ask for is ‘nutty.’ And calling out Mr. Mackey’s radical disconnection from reality is cookoo too. No one is telling/forcing YOU where or where not to shop. If you believe in the cause of healthcare for all Americans, then you boycott. If not, then move on. Peace.
August 19, 2009 at 6:29 am
Here in NYC, one of the best places to go is Chelsea Market. Manhattan Fruit Exchange has more variety than Whole Foods, plus has a great mushroom, cheese, spice section. In the wintertime it’s a great alternative when the greenmarkets are not working. Also there is a great bakery and an Italian market there. If you haven’t checked it out before, I highly recommend you go.
August 19, 2009 at 11:45 am
For those of us who live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including surrounding suburbs, we have no reason or excuse to shop at Whole Foods. Our fantastic network of food co-ops is extensive and geographically far-reaching. We are also fortunate to have a plethora of farmers’ markets and CSAs from which to choose, many of which are organic or moving toward becoming organic, and are at least pesticide free.
August 19, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Try Stop and Shop and Giant Supermarkets. They have a huge selection of organic items.
August 19, 2009 at 7:38 pm
kings red and white,corner club blvd/roxboro rd,durham,n.c….local produce/meats/fresh.small local owned appox 60 yrs.good personal like a country store
August 19, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco is a co-op employee owned market, and pays a living wage.
August 20, 2009 at 1:18 am
Across the Pacific Northwest… Fred Meyer’s Grocery
In King County, Washington… PCC Natural Markets (www.pccnaturalmarkets.com)
In Kent, Washington… Nature’s Market
In Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington… Marlene’s Natural Market and Deli
In Renton, Washington… Minkler’s Green Earth Market
In Seattle, Washington… Madison Market
August 20, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Other options are:
Ballard Market
Central Market (several locations)
Any of the almost 100 farmer’s markets in the state- several year round in Seattle (Ballard and U District)
Fresh Fish Company
Any CSA that uses local food
August 20, 2009 at 5:54 am
IN the NorthWest Atlanta/Marietta/Smyrna area of Georgia, I have found that the Cobb International Farmer’s Market on Spring Road (Off Cobb Parkway) offers a pretty complete seafood and artisan meat selection, as well as a tremendous exotic vegetable selection.
Their “American” products tend to run a little expensive, but the aforementioned stuff is less expensive than Whole Foods. It’s a great place to find hispanic, Indian, and Asian cuisine and condiments. They even have thousand year old eggs!
Ironically, WalMart here has embraced a very progressive health care plan since their initial villification, and has instituted a lot of new programs that make it no more evil – and as it pertains to our current economy and government, far LESS evil than Whole Foods. They have one of the largest organic produce sections of any grocery store anywhere. And of course, the prices.
Yes, I will miss the upper-crust feeling from shopping at Whole Foods, and the yummy free snacks. But I like saving the wads of cash by going to other places.
I especially like sending a message to the terrorists who want the President to fail for their own nefarious anti-consumer ends.
Death Panels? We have those now. They are called insurance companies.
August 20, 2009 at 3:32 pm
West San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
Of course, there is always Trader Joe’s of which there are many here. But if you want an independent, mom and pop, health food store you cannot beat the experience of shopping and eating at “Follow Your Heart” in Canoga Park, CA. The restaurant is simply the best vegetarian food in L.A. with reasonable prices. The market is small, but well stocked, with an outstanding supplement section, and always has a knowledgeable helpful person on the floor. Although, the store my seem a bit pricey,(but so is Whole Foods) this is a fun shop that truly has a heart.
August 20, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Marin County, California.
United in San Rafael is an OK alternative for organic fruits/veggies – much less expensive. Also carries Clover dairy products which Safeway does not. Thursday and Sundays, everyone knows there is a year-round farmers market at the Civic Center in San Rafael. And Trader Joes carries organic and healthy products as well – new store will be opening soon in Larkspur.
August 20, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I posted earlier about buying bulk wholesale from Fowler’s Brothers in San Rafael, CA. If anyone out there would like to combine orders I would find it possible to purchase more items. Please let me know.
August 20, 2009 at 11:46 pm
In Las Vegas we have Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, Sunflower Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s. Another great alternative is the plethora of Asian markets. These offer great produce. We have Diho and Ranch 99, and another I can’t remember.
My wife and I are not going to have any trouble living without Whole Foods.
August 21, 2009 at 1:47 am
Los Angeles, CA (Mar Vista, Marina del Rey)
Rainbow Acres
13208 Washington Blvd.
310-306-8330
August 21, 2009 at 7:38 am
Erewhon on Beverly Blvd. just east of Fairfax in Los Angeles is a wonderful alternative to Whole Foods. They have a great tea bar as well. Rainbow Acres on Washington Blvd in Venice CA is a great store and their restaurant is great and reasonable too.
So glad to see that many people are leaving Whole Foods. A public option is an American Plan. Health care for all!
August 21, 2009 at 8:43 am
hey, if you talking “rights”, what about food, clothing and shelter. I can live (for a while anyway) without healthcare, but I need food, and some clothes (in winter, anyway) and shelter, most of the time. Doesn’t that make sense?
August 30, 2009 at 8:36 am
UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
http://www.hrweb.org/legal/udhr.html
Article 25
1. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
2. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
August 21, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Kansas City, MO.
Green Acres Market
4175 N Mulberry Dr
Kansas City, MO 64116-1638
(816) 746-0010
This is a great alternative to WF. I was able to buy the local eggs and milk I had got at WF, plus local chicken. Wasn’t able to get any WF brands of other things, of course, but that isn’t a problem. Also, weekly bill dropped from @$100 to $80. Plus, it is easier for me to get to, just across the river.
August 21, 2009 at 6:12 pm
In Southern California and other south west states, Sprouts Farmers Markets are a better, and even cheaper alternative to Whole Foods for organic items. They even carry a wide range of dietary supplements at very good prices.
I will definitely avoid Whole Foods, just because of the position taken by their CEO on health care reform!!
August 21, 2009 at 6:43 pm
In Santa Monica, California there is Trader Joes on Pico, One Life on Main Street, and the Coop on Broadway.
I wrote a blog article responding to Whole Foods CEO Mackeys editoria in the Wall Street Journal point by point. See:
http://oceanpark.com/blog/2009/08/whole-foods-to-boycott-or-not-to-boycott-a-response-to-ceo-john-mackey/
August 22, 2009 at 12:40 am
Local alternatives to Whole Foods:
Good Health in Quincy and Hanover.
Trader Joe’s in Hanover.
Roche Bros., various locations, has their own brand of natural beef (Meyer Ranch), and carries Bell & Evans chicken.
Previte’s Market in Weymouth carries Bell & Evans chicken.
The Fruit Center in Hingham.
Stop & Shop for their Natural Choice items.
August 22, 2009 at 2:25 am
Greater Boston Area:
Trader Joe’s, there are a bunch here
City Feed and Supply in Jamaica Plain
Russo’s in Watertown
August 22, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Most people here already know about Trader Joe’s – right down the street from Whole Foods (take Washtenaw to Stadium and it’s right there on the left). There is also a small variety of Asian and organic food markets downtown. Just 10 mins out of town are some farm family owned markets. We shop at Alexander’s Farm Market on Whitmore Lake Rd (take 23 N to Territorial, then west about a half mile). All veggies, fruit, locally made breads, nuts, legumes, pastas, pies, and more. North in Brighton there is VG’s grocery, more of a typical grocery, but one that sells a good variety of organic, ethnic, and gourmet foods and the prices are quite reasonable. No reason to blow the wad at Whole Foods with so many good alternatives in and out of town.
August 22, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I forgot to say that the locations were near Weymouth, MA.
That would be:
Trader Joe’s
Roche Bros.
Good Health
Previte’s
The Fruit Center
Also, in Boston area:
City Feed and Supply
Harvest Co-op
Wild Harvest section of Shaw’s
August 22, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Munroe Dairy in East Providence, RI, home delivers milk in glass bottles all over Southern New England and they have a few brands I used to get at Whole Foods. They carry Stonyfield yogurts and Country Hen eggs. Home delivery saves time and gas, too.
August 23, 2009 at 3:11 pm
in the UK Waitrose & The Co-op, both very good alternatives as they only sell ethically & responsibly sourced food.
August 23, 2009 at 3:23 pm
DC Area:
I’ve just joined the Whole Foods boycott after 15 years as a regular customer, switching to MOM’s Organic Market, http://www.momsorganicmarket.com, which has approx. 5 MD and VA locations. I just had my first shopping experience at the Alexandria VA location, and was really impressed with the service and selection.
Our campaign should thank the DC organization Compassion Over Killing (COK) for their lists of vegan groceries in selected metropolitan areas! I used http://www.vegdc.com/groceries.php. COK has other sites for Baltimore, Austin TX, and Portland OR.
August 23, 2009 at 6:41 pm
St Paul, Minnesota
Mississippi Market Co-Op
http://www.msmarket.coop
2 Locations
On West 7th 2 blocks East of 35E
At 622 Selby Ave near Dale S
Minneapolis has a bunch of Co-Ops, too
August 24, 2009 at 12:21 am
California, Santa Barbara
Lazy Acres Market has all the health and specialty foods that wholefoods has, but excels in customer service and natural living selection and prices.
August 24, 2009 at 11:22 am
Milwaukee and Madison Wisconsin Alternatives to Whole Foods are:
Outpost Natural Foods:
http://www.outpostnaturalfoods.coop/location.html
Good Harvest Market:
http://www.goodharvestmarket.com/
Beans & Barley:
http://www.beansandbarley.com/
August 24, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Shame on Whole Foods Management. The concept was good but they destroyed it. Not only are they abusive to their employees but their prices got out-of-hand. They deserve what’s comming. Instead of doing things constructively for the well-being of all, they opted to simply pig-out . Screw them….there are numerous places to shop for food besides that greedy conglomerate……this is a wake-up call to all…..look around you……most all of the grocery stores are on the bandwagon to offer good, healthy products at reasonable prices………….as well as ensuring their employees receive adequate benefits……..that is, except Whole Foods. Let’s shop elsewhere!
August 26, 2009 at 5:56 am
Plum Market – Ann Arbor, Michigan.
http://www.plummarket.org/
August 26, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I posted before, (8/24), to show my support but I didn’t write the area from where I was/am at the present time. I am joining the boycott from afar – the Southeastern coast of North Carolina. There are no WFs in this area, although there are plenty which I have visited in the Piedmont region of this state. However, the good news is that there are plenty of Trader Joe’s there too – a whole slew of them and there’s the fabulous, A Southern Season, plus all the other speciality food stores in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill. Here, only about 2 hours away from there, we have, of course, the freshest fish money can buy, big supermarkets which have an ever-growing selection of organic foods, and a nice selection of ethnic food stores which offer a large variety of fresh foods, many exotic, and all at good prices. We also have countless farmer’s markets and roadside farm stores. So, when you think about it – we really don’t need a Whole Foods store unless we want to spend our whole paycheck.
August 27, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Like most people, I am quite shocked at Mackey’s article. But
most of the WF alternatives discussed here are regarding obtaining wholesome food and vegetables for the normal. I live in the Bay Area and have a son with heavy allergies to a host of things – soy, wheat, dairy, nuts, lentils, oats, etc. . Whole foods has had more choices in the area of allergy-free foods than most places, and has been a lifesaver in some ways.
Can you suggest other places in the Bay Area where one can get allergy-free foods including rice milk, rice based food, crackers, pizza crusts, ice cream, etc..
August 27, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Vijay, the boycott is sensitive to yours and other’s needs. I do not know the bay area, but I recommend that you get online to find some of your specialty products. If purchasing online is cost-prohibitive, then limit your purchases at wholefoods to the minimum required goods for your household. Thank you for wanting to support the boycott. We support this because we believe this is a right for all Americans.
-Steve Mikulencak, Wholeboycott.com admin
August 27, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Vijay – I forwarded your message to some friends of mine who have been living in Berkeley since the early 70s. I hope they’ll respond and give you the suggestions you need.
August 27, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Trader Joe’s is a GREAT alternative.
I’ve recently switched over, and I have to say that I love them!
Great, tasty products, awesome staff, and better prices.
Thank you, John Mackey!
August 31, 2009 at 10:30 am
We never used to have Whole Foods here in the Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR area. We had a great natural and organic food store called “Natures”. There were a couple stores and they had great produce, baked goods, herbal remedies, and such. The stores were very earthy, and employed by eccentric people, and had a wide variety of clientele. It was not “trendy.” Unfortunately, they were bought out a few years back by Wild Oats. It was still an okay place, but I went there less frequently. If people don’t remember, Whole Foods didn’t like the competition, and bought out all the Wild Oats, so now that is why we have one here in town. They don’t have the same cool seasonal items and fresh loaves of bread, and the prices are outrageous! I say buy from a union grocery store, or Trader Joes, or utilize places that have good bulk sections, and please support your local farmers and farmers markets, and learn how to can fresh produce for yourself!
August 31, 2009 at 7:25 pm
FOR Vijay – Berkeley Bowl Market – and even better, Berkeley Bowl West! Here’s the link: http://www.berkeleybowl.com The new store is right off the interstate 80, Ashby Ave. exit, and it’s fabulous!
Something to try: Mary’s Gone Crackers. They’re organic, wheat-free, gluten-free: marysgonecrackers.com
Cheryl Robertson
Berkeley, CA
September 1, 2009 at 11:43 am
WFM is a rips of the customers and employees. the health care provided WFM is not free. It cost me 1/3 of my pay for one person. the other issue in you take off sick you are liable to wind up out of a job. i worked through a bout with flu the eventual caused me to lose 30 lbs. Because I could not get time off to go to the doctor. There were 4 of us harassed until we quit of were fired because we outed the bosses buddy for sexual harassment. the old mange and the new manage were both get paid in favors by females employees.
WFM is just a chrome plated sweat shop.
I have meet Mackey and found him to be arrogant and self involved. a young employee the had attained a minor supervisory role in a short time told Mackey during one of his store visits he really loved wholes foods and was proud to work there. Mackey told the kid well why are you still working here. The kid quit shortly after. he has told employees if they do not like store policy to quit.
At a personal level he has nothing but contempt for his employees. however he has a very good PR department.
many markets has as good a product and often better than whole foods. organics product in common to day. Costco carries the same organic produce and WFM for a better price
September 1, 2009 at 4:55 pm
whole foods was fine then the investment bankers got their finger in the mix and WFM got greedy.
How about some alternatives in the Philadelphia area. I am interested in mostly bulk, and good quality produce. I am shopping at the local farms right now but that will not last much longer.
peace
September 2, 2009 at 9:29 am
WHERE WOULD I FIND A COMPEITIVE ORGANIC FOOD MARKET IN SOUTH FLORIDA UNTILL THEY REPLACE THIER CEO.
September 3, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I live in Chicago Illinois. These are the alternatives to Whole Foods in Chicago:
There are several organic or veganic urban farms in Chicago and suburbs. Contact Stay Environmentally Focus’d for southside locations: 773-577-6583, Green Growers for northside locations,
Grocers/Health and natural food stores:
Trader Joe’s – 3 stores in Chicago, 1 store in Evanston, limited organic produce, cheaper grocery prices (ie.e wild rice may be $13.99-17 elsewhere. It is $5 for a pound or 12 ounces (if no price increase yet). Chicago locations are:
1840 N. Clybourn, 3745 N. Lincoln and 44 E. Ontario
Stanley’s Market 15 N. Elston, subssidized organic produce
Newleaf- 1261 W. Loyola Chicago 60626, all produce is organic 773-743-0400
True Nature 6034 N. Broadway Chicago 60660 773-465-6400 – all produce is organic and has a farmers market on Saturdays, have bulk herbs both organic and commercial
Morse Fresh Market – store at 1430 W. Morse Ave. Chicago 60626 (also Caribbean and Mexican produce, groceries, spices, herbs) former produce stand) Morse Ave and Greenview – cheap prices for organic produce, not extensive, sell out a lot on certain organic crops)
A Natural Harvest 7122 S. Jeffery Chicago 60649 773-363-3939
Bonne Sante 1512 E. 53rd St. Chicago 60615 773-667-5700 (same owners as Kramer’s)
Kramer’s 230 S. Wabash (near Jackson) Chicago 60604 312-922-0077
Heal Thyself 2455 E. 79th St. Chicago (juice, alkaline water, vegetarian meals)
Elnora’s Health Unltd 10844 S. Halsted Chicago 60643 773-995-0162
LifeSpring 3178 N. Clark 773-327-1023 ( health foods, no produce), but juice bar; 1463 W. Webster 773-832-0000
Maple Street Market and Cafe 22 W, Maple Chicago 60610 312-397-1501
Kudus Health Foods 8513 S. Cottage Grove Chicago 60619 773-994-1754
SouthTown Health Foods 2100 W. 95th St. 60620 866-233-1977
All the Best Health Foods 3008 W. Devon 773-274-9478
Farm Market E. Randolph (approximately 66 East – between Wabash and Michigan (upscale prices, reduced prices on wilted farm crops)
Dominick – all stores have organic section
Jewel – some stores have organic section, but not an extensive organic produce section at all stores
Treasure Island – selected and limited organic groceries and produce, not at all stores. Try ones in Chicago at 680 N. Lakeshore Drive, one in Old Town on Wells near North Avenue, 3460 N. Broadway or 2121 N. Clybourn.
September 3, 2009 at 7:45 pm
OOPS! Stanley’s address is incomplete. It should be 1500 something north– It is just south of North Avenue (1600 N.) on Elston. It is a fresh Produce market that sells organic produce, most at cheap prices.