We never set out to start a grocery store. Our intent was to create a movement to help people think differently about their food. Our company’s purpose has always been to nourish people and the planet, and this has been central to our identity since opening our first store in 1980.
Over the years, we’ve not only grown in size but also impact, because of our amazing, passionate Team Members and our customers who also believed their food matters. We’re a company that’s little different and we think that’s just alright. It’s our one-of-a-kind Team Members who contribute to creating an amazing place to work and phenomenal place to shop. In their own unique way, every one of our Team Members contribute to their local community and makes the world a little better than they found it.
That’s why we firmly believe in bringing your whole self to work. Bring your passion, your personality, your interests. Bring it all to work, because you shouldn’t have to leave your authentic self at home. As our founder, John Mackey, once said, “Without our Team Members we’re just four walls and some food.”
Our Values
In 1980, we put pen to paper and decided what kind of company we would be. Our core values not only came to life, but they have served as a guide to drive every idea, decision and interaction we have at Whole Foods Market.
1. We sell the highest quality natural and organic foods. We appreciate and celebrate great food.
2. We satisfy and delight our customers. Our customers are the lifeblood of our business and our most important stakeholder.
3. We promote Team Member growth and happiness. Our success is dependent upon the collective passion and dedication of all our Team Members.
4. We practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers. We are part of an interdependent business ecosystem.
5. We create profits and prosperity. We earn profits every day through voluntary exchange with our customers.
6. We care about our community and the environment. We serve and support a local experience, and practice and advance environmental stewardship.
