Dear Whole Foods,
I shouldn’t have to introduce myself but hello, I’m Emily. To say I’m your biggest fan is an understatement and while you should be thanking me for my financial contributions, today I want to thank YOU. While you’ve been attacked in the media for your products and prices I’ve stood by you and been vocal in my support. Why? It’s not that I think your prices are the lowest (they aren’t) or that your staff is the most knowledgable (some don’t know what gluten-free means), it’s because for the last 3.5 years you have been a safe haven for me. Let me explain…
Two weeks from today I’m graduating from college, a college that just so happens to be right across the street from a Whole Foods store. I won’t go into detail on my deciding factors for schools, but the convenience of the store was a big plus. You might have figured this out but freshman year was a rough one for me. I was homesick every day, I felt out-of-place at a diverse, liberal school, I thought I was weird because I didn’t want to party and drink. There were more tears and sleepless nights than I want to remember. However, in the midst of all my emotions YOU were always there (along with my amazing cousin, to whom I owe my diploma. That’s a different post).
You were there on nights when I felt lonely and days when I had too much time on my hands. You were there for coconut water after runs and on Sunday mornings for breakfast when this early riser couldn’t wait until the dining hall opened at 10 a.m. for breakfast. You let me wander the aisles for hours, just killing time. You let me eat dinner at least 2x a week in a comfortable environment. You gave me access to delicious, nutritious and gluten-free food that dining services couldn’t provide. You let me cry, laugh, read, eat, people-watch and just breathe.
Even after freshman year you have remained a place of happiness and warmth. Yes, I know this is cheesy but living away from home has been tough and I’ll take any comfort I can get. The 17-year-old freshman who first walked through your doors has come a long way. You have seen her at her worst (read: all freshman year) and at her best (basking in a runner’s high after her first marathon).
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So, thank you. Thank you for being there for the highs and lows. Thank you for not judging me (to my face) for wearing yoga pants and t-shirts every.single.time. Thank you for having sushi, a smoothie bar, cut-up watermelon and ALL the salad bar options. Thank you (I think) for feeding my kombucha and expensive almond butter addiction.
As I get ready to leave school my days at this location are numbered. But don’t worry, your most loyal customer isn’t gone for food, just relocating a few hours north.
Peace, love and kale,
Emily
*Linking up to Thinking Out Loud. Thanks, Amanda!*
I love this post! <3 At first I thought it was just going to be a letter to Whole Foods about how much you love the food, but it was so much more than the food and it was great to see that had had a place that was always there for you- in the worst of times and in the best.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Honey Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I love it for much more than the food. Although, that does rank pretty high :)
So I’ve actually never shopped at Whole Foods, but I have tried their hot bar once, and I think this is such a sweet post! I’m glad you found somewhere that made you happy during a tough transitional period. And if their prices are high- so what!? If it keeps you sane, mentally and physically healthy, and HAPPY- it’s worth every penny.
That’s exactly what my parents said (and repeatedly told me during college). I would gripe about feeling guilty for the cost but my parents knew how happy it made me and never said a word.
I’ve only been in Whole Foods once or twice. The hot bar rocks…but my biggest gripe is just people EVERYWHERE. Guess that’s what I get for going on a Saturday morning.
I do love their bulk food section though. So nice to be able to buy exactly the amount I need.
Jessie M recently posted…Thinking out Loud #1: Let’s get it started
I try my hardest to avoid the busy hours but you’re so right…when it’s crowded, it’s CROWDED.
Man, this is just the cutest.
I love my Whole Foods so much. So much good.
Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. recently posted…Thankful Thursday: My Storyteller
It really is the best!
This is so sweet! I remember feeling the same way in college, but it took me a lot longer to start living like the person I am rather than who I thought I should be. If WF helped you get there faster, good for it!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…One Year of Blogging
Thanks, Alyssa! I often feel like the minority who doesn’t LOVE the college atmosphere so having a place to “get away from it all” really helped.
LOVE this. As I was reading it, I was thinking about the place near UChicago that parallels your Whole Foods for me. It’s so comforting to have somewhere you can just go and be and feel at home, even if it’s definitely not a typical “home”.
Also, Whole Foods is just awesome in general :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #36
I’m so happy that you have place that feels like home near your school. It made a huge difference for me and I’m grateful to have had a safe haven…even if it’s a bit unique!
Haha Emily, this is fantastic! I’m sure Whole Foods loves you too! I spend at least an hour reading labels every time I go. Grocery shopping is among my favorite hobbies especially in Whole Foods!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Guide to Your First Marathon
I consider it a hobby of mine too. A sometimes expensive hobby ;)
What I wouldn’t have given for a Whole Foods close to my school. As it stands, my city doesn’t even have one, BUT… we’re getting one next year, and I couldn’t be more excited :mrgreen:
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…thinking out loud #159
Let the countdown begin!!!
This was such a lovely post! I love Whole Foods and I wish there was one near the college I go to!
Kelly recently posted…The Ultimate Fit Girl Holiday Gift Guide 2015
The convenience of the store was a HUGE plus for me, especially having celiac.
Cute! <3
Believe it or not, my city got it's first WF this year! It truly is an awesome store. Perhaps I would've eaten healthier during college if we'd had one then.
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…How To Navigate (& Enjoy!) The Holidays
I wish my meal plan could have been used at WF. Unfortunately I had to pay for both even though they couldn’t give me GF meals.
Love this! I can definitely relate to finding solace in grocery stores. When I was in the city for a summer it was so stressful and overwhelming and sometimes I’d just wander the aisle to calm myself down. <3
Georgie recently posted…Healthy Almond Butter Blondies
I did the exact same thing this summer. It’s funny how at non-busy times I didn’t even feel like I was in NYC because it was relaxing.
LOVE THIS. It’s amazing what the most simple thing can be to make us feel right at home. Whole Foods is something that you can count on. I can’t think of my own example (maybe living on the water) but I know the exact feeling.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Thanksgiving 2015
Yes! Living on the water seems like your equal. It’s the familiarity and comfort of something that can make you forget (temporarily) the hard times.
Hahaha, I really do think you are Whole Foods biggest fan ;) Your second home!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
It’s definitely more than just a store for me :)
“I felt out-of-place at a diverse, liberal school, I thought I was weird because I didn’t want to party and drink.”
That was me freshman year. Coming from a conservative, private Christian school and then coming to San Diego, where it was 30,000 students who are all SO liberal.. it was terrifying. I had to grow up a lot during that year, and I sympathize with that isolation. I love that you found a way to cope with it all.
You’re so lovely, and I admire how you’re sticking up for a company you believe in, regardless of the media’s portrayal.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Currently: December 2015
That was exactly my experience too…all-girls Catholic, conservative school. It was a BIG change for me.
This is such an adorable post and so creative! Whole Foods is truly a dream come true , and I think I will purchase real estate based off of distance to a WF. Although,, they should offer some tips on how to not make my salad bar takeaways cost $18.00! ;)
Sarah @ BucketListTummy recently posted…Are you an abstainer or a moderator?
This summer I lived in NYC and lived 2 blocks from WF. It was a dream come true!
This is great! Loved reading this. It’s funny how a place so simple can mean so much. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never been in a Whole Foods.. thanks Iowa.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Winter Running Plans
Thank you so much. Next time you travel to a city try to find one :)
This is sweet and unique. Whole Foods is a really warm cozy store. It’s much more than just a normal grocery store. It has a unique homeyness about it that no other grocery store has.
Emily recently posted…Gooey Pumpkin Chocolate Bars (GF)
That’s exactly it! Especially my location. There are always candles and seasonal decorations that make it feel cozy.
I love this cute little letter! Even though whole foods is expensive as anything, it does deserve to be commended for being an amazing grocery store!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Pumpkin Eggnog Latte {Paleo + Vegan}
I’m curious what their new 365 store will be like! It’s supposed to be cheaper and targeted toward millennials.
I have such fond memories of this Whole Foods too (aka our favorite dinner/catch-up spot!) You really have come so far since freshman year, I’m proud of you! Enjoy the last two weeks in Miami, see you on the 17th!
CAN’T WAIT! xo
oh my gosh love this! I didn’t have a WholeFoods too close to me during college, unfortunately ,but there was an Eddie’s food market that’s similar, and I totally can relate!
Alyssa recently posted…Race Recap Turkey Trot 5K
Thanks, Alyssa! I’m glad you found a similar place of comfort :)
Such a sweet post! It’s probably a good thing a Whole Foods wasn’t across from my school because I would have gained a zillion pounds. Also, you’re not the only one who’s had trouble with Whole Foods staff’s knowledge of gluten free foods. ;)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…State of the Blog…November 2015
Yeah I was getting a smoothie flavor and I said “no rolled oats, I can’t have gluten.” Which spiraled into “what is gluten?” and “I’ve never heard of an oat-allergy.” Not my favorite visit!
I can relate to so much of this- when I first moved to London and didn’t know anyone, WF was (and still is) a safe place for me to wander around and try to get a handle on my thoughts. I’m glad it made your uni years more bearable and I’m excited for you that graduation is only a fortnight away!
Your response to my comment on your previous post also made my day :) We would have been such good roommates and if you ever come to London- it would be wonderful to meet you (we can even go to WholeFoods!) x
I want to visit London just to meet you :) And I’m so glad WF is a safe place for you too. It’s just so homey and comforting.
This is such a cute tribute to Whole Foods! I wish there was one across the street from my school. Luckily once I go home next week for Christmas break I’ll be 5 minutes from one! Hooray!
sarah recently posted…A New Protein Source Reviewed
I still haven’t been to the new one in Clearwater! Is that it?
Yes :) It is a bit smaller than most because it is attached to the mall.
sarah recently posted…A New Protein Source Reviewed
So cute Emily. I don’t have a Whole Foods close by, sadly enough. One won’t even be coming near me until 2017!! I went into my first one last year on a work trip near Boston and I was instantly overjoyed. It was a good thing I had an equally odd individual traveling with me, and she was amused by my excitement. I actually picked the same show to travel to this past fall, mainly because I knew I could eat at Whole Foods everyday :-D
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…Whole Wheat Snickerdoodles
Thanks, Ashley! When I travel, I make it a mission to find the closest Whole Foods. I don’t think I’ve been to the Boston one though. One day I’ll visit them all ;)
Could not love this more. Even though I don’t have a Whole Foods to call my own (tear), I still share your love for it! I am happy you were able to find a place of comfort in the midst of the chaos of college! :)
[email protected] recently posted…Double Chocolate Coconut Fudge Bars [vegan + gluten-free]
Thanks, Kaila :) I’m so grateful I was able to find a “home away from home.”
This is the best. I understand this soooo much. I’m a lot like you and although I’m only a sophomore in college, I do not fit the stereotype at all (i.e. last night was the biggest party night of the semester and I went to bed early to be ready for my race this morning). Unfortunately, the closest Whole Foods to my school is 30 mins away but I will make that drive anytime because it’s so worth it :)
Sami recently posted…I’m Running a Marathon
Hi Sami! Thanks for your comment. To say I can relate is an understatement! I remember many nights when I went to bed early when all the girls in my dorm were getting ready to go out. I much prefer movie nights with a few close friends rather than a big, crazy party.
I LIVED IN WHOLE FOODS WHEN I WAS IN COLLEGE IN COLORADO….. AND UM… THE WHOLE FOODS I LIVED IN STARTED GETTING RENOVATED A FEW MONTHS BEFORE I LEFT… AND THEN I LEFT… AND ITS BRAND-NEW SELF OPENED AND APPARENTLY IT’S THE BEST WHOLE FOODS ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET. SOOOO pissed, but of course that would happen! LOL! That being said, it was THE BEST THING ever for me, and it made me feel so comfortable at college. Now I am happy to report that I live sandwiched between 2… 1 mile North of me… and 2 miles South of me! HA HA AH!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Supplying Power On The Set Of A Movie
Ummm so it’s safe to say you live in the best location then. I want to be sandwiched in between stores. I have a bucket list of Whole Foods stores I need to visit. Just added that Colorado one to my list!!!
As a former WFM employee, I think this is so sweet. I always thought of the store as more than a place for expensive eats. It truly gives a lot of people with food allergies/sensitivities HOPE and a sense of normalcy. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! So happy for you!
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Let’s Talk Cents: Saving Through the Holidays
Thanks, Pragati! You nailed it…being there makes me feel normal, accepted and just plain happy.
Love Love Love this. Like you, I had/am having a really tough time in college. My freshman year was an absolute nightmare, and I tried transferring my sophomore year, but came back after a semester (but that’s another story haha), but where I went, I was just a 15 minute drive away from a Whole Foods! It was a Godsend. Like you, I felt like I could eat much better, walk the “hallways” of a familiar space, sit and work, sit and people watch, where there were other people like “me”.
We’re not alone :)