Whole Foods on how a corporation can help build community

It’s been nearly two years since we opened our Whole Foods Market in Midtown Detroit, and we are grateful for, and impressed by, Detroit’s growing food economy, which has produced more fresh, healthy food options, greater community involvement and empowerment, thriving urban gardening programs, as well as jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that help fuel economic growth and development.

A 2014 study estimated that Detroit’s food economy produced $3.6 billion in revenue and employed more than 36,000 people. The report projected that growing the current food economy by just 30% would likely add $2.7 billion more to the regional economy ($1.3 billion inside Detroit) and generate 52,000 more jobs.

It has been rewarding to participate in this economic growth by collaborating with supplier partners, community organizations and local leaders to bring more food choices to residents and help grow Detroit’s food economy.

We met our goal to find 50 new suppliers for Whole Foods Market with the opening of our Midtown store, many of which we helped get started. As a result of our Local Supplier Fair, we carry products such as Sweet Potato Sensations, Nikki’s Tea, Bath Savvy Naturals and Water Station, and since opening, we’ve added 10 additional local suppliers.

We invest in promising, start-up food businesses through our Local Producer Loan Program (LPLP), which has committed $25 million in low-interest loans to producers and artisans across the country to help grow their businesses. Detroit’s own Avalon International Breads used its LPLP loans to buy equipment for a full-scale bake house to expand its wholesale operation.

Our store is a reflection of the community it serves because locals participated in the store’s creation. A community advisory group provided guidance throughout the process and we hired and continue to hire locally. Members from Focus: HOPE and other community organizations toured our Oakland County stores to provide feedback and suggestions on what they wanted to see in our Midtown location as well as what wouldn’t work. We employ 180 team members, 70% of whom are Detroit residents.

From conversations with the community, we learned early on that Detroiters wanted information to live healthier lives. We went out into the community to host free nutrition education classes before the store opened and we routinely see our classroom and teaching kitchen’s classes filled to capacity with people who bring their family, friends and even their own physicians. Most classes are led by local respected cooks, doctors and nutritionists.

Outside the store, we are pleased to support Detroit’s food entrepreneurs through Eastern Market’s Shed 5 community kitchen to incubate new ideas. Helping new businesses get off the ground adds to the strength and diversity of the local food economy, as well as to the variety of local offerings on our store shelves.

Whole Foods Market’s Detroit success story tells us three things.

First, a preference for quality foods, good nutrition and a pursuit of wellness isn’t an elitist thing — it’s an American thing.

Second, engaging respectfully and collaboratively with the community makes a good business. In fact, our experience here has influenced how we engage with other communities as we open new stores.

Lastly, it’s reaffirmed that food is a significant contributor to economic and community growth.

We hope that our story will encourage other businesses to join and invest in this exciting and vibrant part of Detroit’s economy.

Walter Robb is co-CEO of Whole Foods Market. He is to speak to the Mackinac Policy Conference this afternoon to discuss the collaborative approach necessary to build sustainable food economies.