Dear Whole Foods: Chicago mom gets a few things off her chest

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Selena Kohng
ChiTown Parent

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Dear Whole Foods,

I like you. I really do. Between your grass-fed beef, HFCS-free snacks, and organic triple milled soaps, you make everyone in our family happy. And healthy, too, which is really the heart of the matter, isn't it? Because when it comes down to it, I am willing to pay the price to make sure my loved ones aren't chowing down on chemicals or slathering their bodies with toxins. I can always count on you to carry only the best quality, and for that I thank you.

But I have to confess: every time I walk in, I feel like a minor in a liquor store … surrounded by stuff I shouldn't have access to, and trying to act like I know what I'm doing.

Let's face it: You're not a cheap date. And neither are your clientele, but I try to blend in because I believe in you so much. I believe in better choices. I believe in conscious living. And I believe that anyone should be able to walk in and, more importantly, walk out with an armful of whatever they need to live a better life.

To be honest, I don't think that's the case with you. Sure, you've got some deals, and there was that Tribune article last year about how it's possible to subsist on $31 a week and still eat your products. I get that high quality comes with a high sticker price; makes total sense for things like cars. Handbags. Art. But something as basic as food? Shouldn't everyone have a right to honest food, not just those who can afford it?

I'm not trying to pick a fight here; I just wanted to share what's been heavy on my heart. And my wallet. I hope we can work this out.

Yours truly,

Selena

P.S. Please re-stock Angie's Kettle Corn at your Peterson and Cicero location. I cleared out their stock during that 2/$5 promo not too long ago. Thanks.