Weston’s Kerri Majors emphasizes that she loves Whole Foods, and frequents the Wellesley store. But that doesn’t mean Whole Foods is perfect in her eyes. She posted an open letter to the business on Facebook this week urging the health-focused supermarket to remove a TV recently installed on the wall of the Whole Kids Foundation children’s area stocked with books and toys — an area that previously served as a bit of a refuge from electronic screens. And as she notes, the TV somewhat ironically covers up a message about Health & Wellness.
While you might categorize this as something of a First World Problem, we did ask Whole Foods about the TV, and got this reply via Twitter: “It was added to provide a better experience for children when in the store.”
I have no doubt many kids would agree. Parents? Maybe not so much.
Here’s the letter from Majors in its entirety. She had had asked friends to share it, and they shared it with us. Majors gave us permission to repost it here.
An open letter to Whole Foods Market:
I should begin by saying I love your store. It’s a pleasure to shop in a well-lit place that’s colorfully stocked and soothingly designed. Your employees are always helpful and friendly, and a few even recognize me and my daughter and greet us by name. I constantly defend Whole Foods in general against the “whole paycheck” critique because I find many of your products to be better priced than those of your competitors. And the items for which I pay a premium are worth it.
I especially enjoy having lunch or sharing a snack with my daughter in your Wellesley store, and she is always asking me to to play in your children’s area because you stocked it with fun toys and books. But today, a TV broadcasting the Disney Channel made an appearance in that play area.
I think it says it all that the “HEALTH AND WELLNESS” part of the sign has been all but eclipsed by the screen.
Please, take it down. I noted that you also restocked the area with new toys and books, and new picnic benches–let the kids who already enjoy that area continue to enjoy genuine health and wellness through play. Be true to your mission, and let the parents who enjoy shopping in your store because we value health and wellness be true to ours.
Many thanks,
Kerri Majors
We should all strive for healthy lifestyles but this seems a little out of line…
Do what you want at home with your own children but since when does that give you the right to tell local businesses what they should do? Does Whole Foods go into your house and tell your family that your eating habits should be healthier? If/when the TV is turned on, you have the choice to NOT sit in front of it…