I don’t always shop at Whole Foods–I go there about once every couple of months for some specialty foods or when a client sends me a big check. We’ve all heard the jokes about it really being named “Whole Paycheck” (same for HEB’s Central Market), but what I find is that when I want to buy good quality food, organically and locally grown, I’m going to pay more for it. I’ve had a growing need this past year to be more aware of what I’m putting in my body and those of my kids, and while I can’t always afford to do all my shopping there, I look forward to the trips I do make. Last month, I stopped off at the flagship Whole Foods at 6th and S. Lamar with my camera and notebook, and here’s what I found: 
Who could blame me for being enchanted by the outdoor display here? It totally drew me in, and I realized that the people at Whole Foods are geniuses: this store is in the heart of downtown Austin, and they created a very visible outdoor display that reminds you of a farmer’s market or a country roadside stand. You can’t help but feel all quaint and cozy. But, we’re smarter than that, right? Just because something looks good doesn’t mean they walk the walk. So I parked and walked up to take a look.
Who doesn’t love cacti and succulents? This is probably my favorite plant group, and when you live in Austin, Texas, you on some level probably have wrapped your mind around these xeric plants. These particular ones are from a place called Desert to Tropics just outside Austin. Cindy Arredondo from Desert to Tropics has been on the Central Texas Gardener a number of times with great info about these plants, so I was really glad that our local Whole Foods carries their stock.
Clay’s Greenhouse supplies many of the herbs that you’ll find at this store, and I was impressed.. These herbs looked really healthy and the varieties were numerous. I walked away with my favorite herb, lemon thyme, and a particularly beautiful trailing rosemary, which is difficult to find in a smaller size. These were all 4″ pots and I didn’t find the prices to be much higher than any other reputable place for fresh planting herbs.
Whole Foods in general seems committed to buying as much locally as possible. What does it mean to buy locally? You’ll find more information here, it basically means purchasing goods that travel less than a day (7 hours or less by truck or car) to reach the store. Many Whole Foods stores strive to tighten up that definition, so wherever “local” produce or goods is advertised, ask about what that particular store’s definition is. I don’t necessarily buy all my food from local suppliers–I”m focusing right now on buying more organic foods and cutting things like high fructose corn syrup out of my diet–but I can see that as a natural next step. To my mind, buying locally isn’t be provincial or isolating, it’s more about lessening the steps it takes for food to get from the field to our tables, thereby lessening the impact on our environment. I’m not an expert in any of this, but I’m probably like many of you in that regard–I’m becoming more aware and as I do, I will pass what I learn on to other people who want to hear it.
If this is your goal as well, there are so many ways to achieve it–ask your grocery store about their local vendors, shop at farmer’s markets, or better yet, grow your own if you have the room and adequate light requirements! As I encounter more places to report on, I certainly will, but I’d also appreciate any other Austinites to chime in with their favorite spots or vendors. Thanks in advance, and happy local shopping!
