Hi Guys,
I like certain items from Traders' too Rocky. Checking expiration dates is second nature for me too.
While I do not work for Whole Foods, I know a few suppliers who happily market products to them.
I recently read that Whole Foods' is rated in the top 10 (I think, if memory serves me correctly), for great companies to work for (Forbes).
They received excellent marks as an employer in 2007, especially their benefit packages, which also included promotions to top tier positions from inside their company, bi=lateral job changes and a creative, responsibly concerned cash fund for employees in need, as well as a choice of retirement packages, savings and credit plans, etc.
Their products seem expensive on one level, but if you think about the long-term health benefits, it is balanced for sure.
My guess in affording to shop there when budgets are tight would be that it's more doable if prioritizing consumption in a revised manner, like pre-planning meals so everything is utilized (no waste) and setting the standard higher with what we put into our bodies in the first place, which if that were eating the best possible nutrients, than we would have less yearly health care costs, and could use nutrition as a preventative health measure, like an alternative to medicine.
Seems a nice place to work for a semi-retired person, or anyone looking to build a career in the retail business.
Anyway, enjoy the fruits and veggies this season!
Oh, btw, have you ever gone to a 'raw' restaurant? They are popping up everywhere.
Be good to yourselves.