Why I'm Done with Whole Foods

(Note: A version of this post originally appeared at PinkoMag.com.

Whole Foods CEO John Mackey has struck a nerve with his op-ed for the Wall Street Journal trashing President Obama's healthcare proposals. In his op-ed, Mackey writes that "the last thing our country needs ... is a massive new health-care entitlement that will create hundreds of billions of dollars of new unfunded deficits and move us much closer to a government takeover of our health-care system."

Well.

Whole Foods was already a big, big problem, especially on labor issues, where Mackey has been a leading opponent of the Employee Free Choice Act and compared unionization to "herpes." But on health care he's just lying. His op-ed propagates several lies and half-truths about the health care plan:

• It's not an entitlement, like what social security is. That's a lie.


• This is not a government takeover of health care. It's not even close. I wish it was! All the plan does is reform the insurance industry and create a public insurance option (if we're lucky) that will enroll a small percentage of Americans. Anyone who tells you this is a "government takeover" is lying, Mackey included.


• The budget estimates are hundreds of billions over a decade. That's a lot, but it's not "unfunded" and it's minimal in the context of costs from the War in Iraq, Bush tax cuts, etc. The cost argument is a scare tactic that works because the numbers sound big, but in reality they are a small fraction of the massive federal budget.

Mackey's solutions are a deeply, deeply conservative platform that are right out of the George Bush "ownership society" playbook, and have all been proven ineffective in other industries: Deregulation. Tax cuts. Ending "mandates" of quality care levels for insurance companies. And the favorite right-wing straw-man, personal responsibility. If we all just took better care of ourselves (which of course includes shopping at Whole Foods) we wouldn't get sick.

That argument ignores countless realities of our society, from pollution to food/drink additives to a (still) severe lack of access to healthy, affordable food for many Americans. It's odd that the lifestyle Mackey espouses and his Whole Foods brand embodies -- organic, natural, healthy, sustainable -- is repeatedly undercut by the political platform he embraces: antagonism towards environmental regulation; a failure to confront the dominance of mass-scale factory farming and agriculture; and an unwillingness to confront urban poverty, where the problem of "food access" is the worst.

Mackey argues vigorously against the "health care as a human right" or moral case for health care, which I imagine puts him at odds with 80% of his customers.

Some people today have argued that what's really galling is how dramatically Mackey's op-ed betrayed and antagonized his own customers. That he doesn't understand his brand, and he's swatting at a hornets nest by being so vocal against health care. DailyKos had a useful piece; the great blog Fair Food Fight is all over this.

I also saw several posts that went into more detail about whether or not Whole Foods is bad for workers, and how the health care proposals Mackey is espousing are bad for the employees he claims to be taking good care of. That is up for debate; I've seen arguments for both sides of the issue, and I'll try to do a followup that goes into more detail this week.

To me, it's pretty basic: Mackey is working to oppose things I believe in, so I should stop giving him money. That's not easy: I spend a lot of money on food. I also spend a lot of money at Whole Foods. Being inside Whole Foods comforts me, and I'm susceptible to the (false) idea that just by shopping there, whatever I buy, I'll be healthier. I'm that guy. I could eat the their prepared chicken salad and those slabs of pizza all day. I worship those free sample prosciutto slices.

But now that Mackey has confirmed for me that my money is going to support deregulation of the insurance industry, lies about the current health care proposal, and a crusade to lecture people who can't access or can't afford healthy food, I'm just not going to go there. I'll have to take my Nation tote bag somewhere else, and then binge eat someone else's prepared flank steak instead.

The bottom line for me, reading Mackey's op-ed, is that by shopping at Whole Foods I'm supporting by proxy a donation to the RNC and to health-scare front groups like Patients First. I don't give money to anyone who injects misleading right-wing talking points into the public debate, so I won't be giving money to Whole Foods.

Two quick updates:

First, it's been pointed out that Mackey is a Libertarian. I have a lot of angry comments that I'm calling him a Republican when that's not his affiliation, and the only campaign contributions I found for him are to Libertarian candidates. My point, though, is that with his op-ed, Mackey is injecting in a high-profile way some of the very same half-truths and scare tactics that the R.N.C., leading Republicans and anti-reform lobbyists are using to mislead the public about health care reform.

Additionally, Mackey's "solution" hews very closely to the Republican health care plan presented in early August. His take varies, but the central tenant of deregulation is common to both his and Republican platforms. I don't think we should be deregulating the insurance industry or health care.

So whatever his affiliation at present, his role in this debate is parroting and advancing the current Republican lines of attack.

Second, I wanted to provide some links and resources:

Here is the Facebook group urging a boycott. There are over 10,000 members so far.

Here is a petition via Care2.com.

Here is a roundup of media coverage and information on boycott actions at local Whole Foods.

Here is some interesting perspective from Matthew Yglesias on the efficacy of a boycott.

Finally, you can call or write Whole Foods Corporate Offices at:
601 North Lamar St. Suite 300
Austin, TX 78703
512-477-4455
512-477-1069 Fax

Check Whole Foods website for more addresses: http://www.wholefoods.com/company/locations/body/offices.html

Follow Ben Wyskida on Twitter: www.twitter.com/wyskida

Comments

[princeza]

Mr. Mackey, like all Americans, have the right to free speech. Some of us think he's wrong, some agree with him. BTW, I don't, in fact I support a single-payer system. I just know America isn't ready for it. But Mr. Wyskida has the right to shop where he likes, based on his own values and needs. If he wants to boycott a store, it's his nickel, he can spend it where he likes. I consider myself lucky here, I don't have a WF to shop at or boycott. The nearest one's about 90 miles away in Hadley, MA. I'd rather get my food from local farmers and stores (okay, Hannafords is a chain store, but they're in my town).

[CatsRule1]

To say America is not ready for it is like when they said America is not ready for a black President, or gay marriage or whatever it is that conservatives are afraid of. I don't believe we are not ready. We have been trying to do this for almost 40 years now for goodness sakes.

I just realized something though, in reading this article and that is that shopping at Whole Foods became chic (like those big giant expensive sunglasses and SUV's). Sometimes if you believe in something, you have to let go. I am a true believer in that if a company's ideals go against my ideals, I have to cut ties (now that may mean I will have to start making my own clothes and growiing my own food), but I think this is an integrity issue. Yes I believe in free speech. It's just that now that I know what the belief system is, I'm not down.

[princeza]

With all of the posts and people on TV screaming about socialized medicine, the European systems don't work, etc, etc... that's what I base my belief on. But I'm also not in the US right now, so I'm not seeing things first hand. But if they brought a single-payer system to Vermont, I'd be all for it.

[StevePickering]

So, if Mr. Mackey disagrees with you or Mr. Obama, he's a liar? Whatever happened to free speech and the concept of debating and discussing issues before they become law?

Instead of labeling Mr. Mackey, wouldn't it be more informative to tell us why you disagree with him?

Is accusing him of agreeing with the RNC and Mr. Bush the best response you can muster?

If you want to disagree with Mr. Mackey's message, that's great. But attacking him, and his company, seems a lot closer to intolerance than enlightened discourse or good journalism.

[Joe Cartagena]

What is going here in the United States. Have we lost our First Amendment rights. The CEO of Wholesale Foods can't say he disagrees. This guy gives a lot money to charity an everyone chastises him and throws him under the bus. What is happening to America today? We can't disagree with this administration. Asking for our e-mails if we don't support his policies. Let me quote something from a important person:

Senate Speech 10 October 2002, by Hillary Clinton.

"I am sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration you're not patriotic. We should stand up and say, "We are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration!"

I'm an American and I have a right to debate and disagree with any administration just like Senator Clinton!

So for Russel Mokhiber, an attorney who is very angry and mad because a CEO doesn't agree with him is very childish in my opinion. And not every employee in Whole Foods agrees with him either. Not only is he is against people that disagree with him, but also embellishing the true facts as well.

[JeanRR]

Who says he can't disagree? He can disagree to his little shriveled Republican heart's content. And I am also free to take my business elsewhere. How is that violating his first amendment rights?

[rip]

This outrage is, frankly, stupid and absurd. The idea of shopping at a particular supermarket or retailer based on political policy is absurd.

The reason to shop at WF vs. another chain is simple; improving personal health by purchasing and eating higher quality and "cleaner" foods. All off the other stuff is a bunch of extraneous junk marketed to champagne liberals. To think otherwise is simply a self-indulgent delusion, typical of post-hippie boomers. Feel free to file it with recycling bins, Lexus SUV hybrids, and bottled water. Additionally, just because a food is organic doesn't necessarily equate to healthy and nutritious. A donut is still a donut even when it's organic and locally sourced. You are just avoiding things like corn syrup.

Additionally, Mackey is a professed Libertarian and his views strongly represent that. Just because Republicans have co-opted some Libertarian concepts does not mean he is an obstructionist Republican. Whether or not you agree with his political views is your problem. He has his views. He believes in small government. You do not. Apparently, dissenting opinions have been disallowed now that Obama is here.

Frankly, there ARE serious problems with Obama's plan. It does little to address spiraling costs created by insurance, pharmaceuticals and litigation. WIthout reforms to address costs, a national healthcare plan will bankrupt the government. Though his solutions are debatable, Mackey raises valid points. The simple issue of Americans spending the most on healthcare and getting less should be at the forefront.

[Mindy Hopkins]

And now I find out this is not so. So THIS is what it feels like to see something you BELIEVED in crumble in front of your eyes. Oh. No wonder everybody is so jaded. This is a strangely uncomfortable position to be in. I received 4 different invitations to boycott. Which could have been funny, if it all wasn't just so darned sickening.

[Mindy Hopkins]

Hi,
I actually WORK at WF, and while I DO NOT AGREE one single bit with the article Mackey put out(he invalidated himself immediately by calling this reform socialism), I will tell you all that we actually do have our health care paid in full(If you have over 800 service hours with the company) which is a blessing. But for those who are planning to boycott, please remember that it is not Mackey you are hurting, it is us, the little people. The ones who make your latte in the morning, the ones who pack up your chicken salad in the afternoon, those are the ones you will be hurting. And most of my friends are on the same page, they believe in Health Care REFORM! In fact, we were just speaking of it today. At my store, I was, and still AM, the Obama lady. I campaigned for Obama with everything in me, so this Op-Ed piece from Mackey was sort of a giant slap in the face to me. I guess I am guilty of being ignorant and assuming(yup, I know what happens when we assume...)that the CEO of the company and myself held the same political views, because, in this case, health care for every American should be a right NOT a privilege. He cares about the Earth, so he must care about every American. Well, it made sense in my head, anyways. ...

[TurnToTheLeft]

Oh Crap! I didn't know all this about Mr. Mackey. Whole Foods stores which are taking over San Francisco set an environment which makes you feel like the company stands for very liberal progressive causes: Green, Recycling, donation credits for local charties at checkout for using canvas bags, organic local vegetables, local organic meats. Whole Foods slyly takes too much of my paycheck hiding under the deceptive cover that I am doing something good for the planet. LIE$. I didn't know they were abusing their hip looking workers. I prefer to make most of my purchases at the real progressive store - Rainbow Groceries which is an employee owned Coop which gives to local charity and only provides organic produce and products from other countries with good human rights records. Their soul focus is Vegan, Dairy, vitamins and non toxic household cleaning products. Rainbow Groceries is the real progressive store however they do not carry meats. I am not ready to go Vegan; so now I have to find an organic butcher because I refuse to give Mr. Mackey's Whole Foods another dollar. I feel like I just found out the guy I've been dating is a disingenuous Independent (really just a Republican hiding behind a label like a closet queen) who dressed like a progressive and said all the right things to get me to pick up the check - over and over again because the meals were good.

[CatsRule1]

That was very succint. That is exactly what it feels like.

[tonydon]

Yep over priced food that is taken from Farmers and growers struggling- how much does this CEO make. Bet he doesn't pay Health insurance to his employees.

[KarenM]

I had already, for budgetary reasons, severely curtailed my shopping at Whole Foods, where I only supplemented my regular shopping anyway.

I can't say I'll never shop there again (since I already have significant dietary restrictions), but I will only shop there for those items that I cannot find anywhere else... and those items are very few.

Finally... both on health care reform and the employee free choice act! How wrong can one unenlightened CEO be? Pretty damned wrong, apparently.

[Havnagudtim]

Whole Foods historically has been too expensive to be a viable option in my grocery lexicon. I would strongly recommend Sprouts, a smaller, farmers-market kind of food store, with terrific produce prices and very good meat prices as well. Eminently affordable, they provide many options for the clean-foods conscious consumer. I can pick up a meal ready to heat, fresh produce, delicious breads, excellent meats and fish, specialty cheeses, wines, as well as green household products, vegan meal options, and many more items essential to a balanced diet. I disagree with the WF CEO's views, but it will not change my shopping habits.

[prog]

By Mr. Whole Foods' logic, if only I ate your exorbitantly priced organic food, I would not have been hit by that bus, thus reducing my need for a public healthcare option.

The CEO of Whole Foods is an example of "I've got mine, why don't you go ahead and die and decrease the surplus population?" thinking.

[Nomiki Konst]

I find this debate fascinating. There are so many issues that need to be brought up with Health Care and food. I am a progressive and definitely not a Republican, and I would never knowingly donate or give my money to a company, organization or person who supports conservative views. Yet, I have one major issue with health care...the involvement of prescription drugs and furthermore, the lack of regualtion over the FDA/USDA.

I recently wrote a blog article about this and irradiation. While I don't support the views of the CEO of WHole Foods, I support their efforts to change the corporate model of food.....pushing local food and strong food labeling. Republican or not, he has a point. Healthy Care is being taken care of half assed. The bid for health care was won by the prescription drug companies and lost by health insurance companies. Is it that progressive, not really. Lets move to the next debate.

Read more at : www.TheYippie.com

"Let Food Sell THy Medicine" http://www.theyippie.com/TheYippie.com_/The_Yippie/Entries/2009/7/25_“Let_Food_Sell_Thy_Medicine”.htmll

[merryone]

Here is my very short follow-up article: Why I Never Started With Whole Foods.
This is a great chance to rethink the growth industry that is "whole foods." Ditto Trader Whoever He Is. Yes, that guy who is ripping off the grape growers and pickers. "Natural" and "organic" are being co-opted. I say keep it local, including your own local growers, your smaller food stores, your money. Find out where your food comes from. Do you like hearing that your "energy bar" comes from an uninspected food processing plant in China? Forget about conglomerates. They are robbers. The locals need your business.

[chrisincalif]

Mackey's talking points were summarized by Marie Antoinette: "Let them eat cake." By adding to the profits of Whole Foods, customers help Mackey pour funds into organizations that are working against our very lives. That's why it is reasonable to shop elsewhere.

[Eric8]

First off Whole Foods is not just white people thing; i have gone to four different whole foods in three different states and the people shopping there were of many ethnicities; black, Indian, Muslim, Jew, white, i even saw a buddhist in full garb occasionally. Isn't it ironic that white people are cynical about themselves, so that they can escape guilt, well that strategy has really led to nothing.

Second, Whole Foods is a grocery store people. A grocery store. Refusing to shop at a Grocery store will do nothing to change minds or to push people with political power towards health reform. While the liberals get angry at Whole Foods, the Democrats in Congress and the White House are busy removing the public option from health care reform. So whats your response now? Pretty lame, blame a conservative while liberals have majorities in Congress and the White House. And I bet all of you "liberal tea partiers" shop at stores that sell clothes and shoes from third world factories; buy kitchen products made in China; drive cars built in Mexico and Canada; but someone you have superior views.