Whole Foods Market

"In 2007, I was a full-time college student, a young mom and a Grocery Team Member at our Columbus Circle store in New York City. I had no idea that job would turn into the career and purpose of a lifetime. That store challenged me at every level and built the foundation for the leader I am today. From there, I grew into a Backup Order Writer and later helped open the 97th Street store as a Grocery Order Writer, deepening my understanding of the financial side of the business. My journey brought me to the White Plains, NY, store as an Associate Grocery Team Leader, before earning my first Team Leader role at the Edgewater, NJ, store. Over the years, I led teams across stores in Florida and Massachusetts, learning from incredible leaders and Team Members. After being accepted into the CDASTL (Career Development Associate Store Team Leader) program, I stepped into my first Assistant Store Team Leader role at our Biscayne store in Florida, gaining the experience that prepared me to become a Store Team Leader. Today, I have the privilege of serving as Store Team Leader at our Dadeland store in Miami, leading an amazing team focused on retail excellence, financial accountability and building a culture of empowerment and resilience. Throughout this journey, I've been fortunate to work alongside leaders who believed in me, challenged me and supported my growth. Their mentorship shaped who I am today, and I take pride in paying that forward by developing the next generation of leaders. Now, I have the incredible opportunity to help open a new store and build something truly special from the ground up — creating a culture where team members feel supported, leaders grow and people discover opportunities they never imagined. Whole Foods has been more than a workplace for me. It's been a place where I could lead with pride, feel supported and truly be myself. It has shown me the power of inclusion, acceptance and creating spaces where people feel valued for who they are. For that, I am grateful every day. I'm incredibly excited for what's ahead and honored to help build something special with this team." 💚 — Lidia Torres, Store Team Leader #NourishPurpose #TeamWFM

In April, a group of our Culture Champions journeyed to Peru with our CEO, Jason Buechel, for our first In The Field With Jason trip of the year! Over the course of the week, our Team Members visited suppliers across the Sacred Valley, explored Machu Picchu and cooked alongside Whole Foods Market Foundation partners — getting a firsthand look at the regenerative agriculture, ancient traditions and community-driven businesses behind the products on our shelves. Highlights from the trip: 🌱 Harvesting quinoa alongside women farmers in the highlands outside Cusco with SIMPLi while learning about their Regenerative Pathway Program 🧂 Walking the ancient Maras Salt Flats — family-owned plots passed down for generations, all hand-harvested during the dry season ☕ Visiting COCLA, a cooperative representing 800 families that works with our Allegro Coffee Company and has practiced regenerative agriculture for 50+ years   🏭 Touring the KUSKA Coffee Dry Mill, where five high-power machines sort beans for imperfections   🏔️ Exploring Machu Picchu with local guides sharing the history of the Inca Empire   🥘 A cooking class at Nuna Raymi with Whole Foods Market Foundation partners, celebrating local ingredients and culinary traditions   Thank you to every supplier, farmer and community who welcomed us and reminded us why this work matters. This trip renewed our commitment to sourcing with intention and honoring the people behind our food. 💚 #Peru #InTheField #TeamWFM 

"What started back in 2006 as a part-time Team Member role while at university turned into a career journey across different stores and roles, working with some incredible people. Most recently, I was the Store Team Leader for our Clapham Junction store and, prior to that, the Associate Store Team Leader at our U.K. flagship in High Street Kensington. As a company, Whole Foods Market is always at the forefront of what is happening in the food world, and our teams have set a high bar for who we are and what we do. You are allowed to be yourself, and everyone is genuinely happy to help you reach your full potential. That has given me a sense of ownership and purpose to continue pushing myself and taking on new challenges. Yesterday, I was reminded just how rewarding taking on those challenges can be when my team and I welcomed friends, guests and new neighbors to the newly opened Monument store in the City of London. New store openings bring a sense of togetherness and drive toward a common goal for the entire store team, and I am really excited about this one. It features a food venue with fresh food offerings unique to Whole Foods and brings a curated range of products to 'The Square Mile': the financial centre of London with an incredible history of trade and commerce. Our new store adds a unique option for the people in the local area, providing the Whole Foods Market standard of quality and service. I hope to see you all in our new space!" — Nevin Jayan, Store Team Leader #NSO #London #NourishGrowth #TeamWFM

Low prices. Broader reach. Stronger standards. Deeper community roots. More skilled Team Members. Greater impact. This is what happens when purpose meets scale. In the article below, Jason Buechel reflects on why we're in the best position in our 45-year history.

Whole Foods Market U.K. store #5 just opened in Monument, London! 🇬🇧 Situated in the City of London where the historic financial district meets the creative East End — a short walk from Bank, Monument tube and Cannon Street station — this neighbourhood blends modern office towers with the Victorian charm of Spitalfields Market. Highlights from the day included: 👋 Welcoming early customers in the queue with a custom Monument tote bag 🌱 Over 143 local products from suppliers and producers across England 🤝 Donations to FareShare UK, The Cabin, Plan Zheroes - The Zero Food Waste Heroes and the Independent Food Aid Network 🛒 10,200+ square feet of fresh produce, prepared foods and customer favourites 🧀 A speciality department celebrating cheesemakers and artisan producers with local and premium beers, wines and spirits 🥐 Fresh bakery daily, including our Viennoiserie, brown butter cookies and a wide variety of special diet items 💚 Congratulations to all 35 Monument Team Members and Store Team Leader Nevin Jayan on a beautiful opening! #NSO #London #TeamWFM

If food is your love language, you'll be in great company. We've partnered with Cherry Bombe to launch an exclusive Supper Club series: intimate dinners celebrating the people, ingredients and stories shaping how we eat today. 🌴 Our first stop is Miami, June 23. Guided in conversation by an esteemed panel, we'll dine and discuss health, wellness and nourishing our bodies from the inside out. Seats are limited! Tickets are available now through Cherry Bombe. → https://lnkd.in/eVkZqrcu Rachel Bukowski, Ph.D. Kim Perell Alexandra Snodgrass Samah Dada

“Hopefully you feel our mission through a day like today — that is ultimately the goal. It’s about Team Member experience, but it’s also about embracing our communities and our environment. Getting out and meeting some of our vendors and our nonprofit partners really makes a difference.”  — Matt Ray, SVP of Southeast Operations Take a minute (or three) to head on a Field Day with us in Miami! Our deepest appreciation to the teams at Zak The Baker and Health in the Hood for their time, teachings and the many gifts they sent us home with. #FieldDay #Miami #NourishConnection #TeamWFM

"Is LEAP the only pathway to submit my brand for potential launch at Whole Foods Market?" "If I've applied in the past and been rejected, should I apply again?" "Do I have to meet Whole Foods Market requirements in order to participate?" "What are you looking for?"  ——— If you've ever asked one (or all four) of the questions above about our LEAP: Early Growth program, do we have a webinar for you! Next Tuesday, June 9, join our Senior Category Merchant Manager of Local and Emerging Brands, Kelly Landrieu, for a live session where we'll walk through the 2026 Local and Emerging Accelerator Program — what it offers, who it's for and how to put your best application forward. LEAP was built for innovative brands that aren't yet on our shelves. Since launching in 2022, the program has helped a select group of emerging founders navigate early retail growth through mentorship, education and the potential for meaningful financial support — including the opportunity to land on our store shelves. What we'll cover: → Program structure: the 14-week curriculum designed for business growth and retail readiness   → Mentorship: what it looks like to work alongside Whole Foods Market and industry experts   → Store placement: how completing the program positions your brand for consideration in Whole Foods Market stores in your home city or region   → Application tips: how to stand out among 1,600+ applicants    The session will be co-hosted by Category Leadership Director (and Emerging Brand fan!), Nichele Lindstrom. Eligible categories include Dry Grocery, Frozen, Chill Grocery, Body Care, Supplements & Vitamins and Lifestyle. Applications are open now through July 6 on RangeMe.  → https://lnkd.in/eMUZvRsf Whether you're refining your pitch or just exploring the opportunity, this session will give you the clarity to decide if LEAP is the right next step! #NourishGrowth #NourishConnection #TeamWFM 

Ever wonder about the journey behind those beautiful olives in your jar? 🫒 For this #NationalOliveDay, journey with us as we explore the passion, history and artistry of premium olive sourcing with Divina. Divina didn't just join the specialty food revolution, they helped create it. This is where ancient meets modern, and family legacy meets innovation. Every olive tells a story that started thousands of years ago and lands in your kitchen today. Experience the timeless tradition unchanged for 2,000+ years — because when you understand where your food comes from, every bite means something more. #NourishPeople #NourishPurpose #WholeStory #TeamWFM

Happy #NationalVinegarMonth 🎉 In honor, we're revisiting this conversation between our Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, and Kosterina founder Katerina (Katina) Mountanos. In this episode, Katina — a certified olive oil sommelier — shares what actually makes olive oil exceptional, before pivoting to one of our Top 2026 Food Trends, "Very Vinegar," and what's exciting her about this new exploration of flavor and wellness. 🎧 Give this one a listen (or a re-listen!) via the link below or wherever you stream your podcasts. #BeyondTheBoard #VeryVinegar #TeamWFM