Dear Customer Relations:
We the undersigned have been a loyal and grateful customer of Whole Foods and its 365 products. We have applauded Whole Foods efforts to offer locally-grown fresh produce. We welcomed the absolution of plastic bags. However, we are disappointed to have recently noticed that your 365 frozen vegetables are produced in China.
Having noted on the packaging that the frozen organic produce are imported from China, we then noted the July 30, 2008 Chicago Times expose about this issue. We are concerned about Whole Food's stance on supporting the local economy while importing produce from China. Will Betts, executive coordinator in charge of perishables for Whole Foods in the Midwest region, is quoted in the article as stating via email,"We import food from Asia due to issues involving availability of supply, cost, quality and flavor . . . a Whole Foods Market core value is to satisfy and delight our customers and our products from Asia help to fulfill this core value."
Unfortunately, we are neither delighted nor satisfied with this revelation. Furthermore, we will no longer purchase produce grown in China that could be grown here in the United States. Our U.S. farmers need our support and business. Additionally, we do not want to contribute to a global economy that depends upon shipping foods and goods that can be made readily available in a strong and productive U.S. economy.
Sincerely,
