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The "team members" who work at the 300-plus Whole Foods Markets in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom take their jobs very seriously. When your employer's motto is "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet," and its "core values" are essential to its everyday operation, you'd best be on close terms with food sourcing, and know what "natural" really means.
The chain's customers are equally as passionate about "America's Healthiest Grocery Store," as named by Health magazine. That's why it was nearly impossible to navigate the aisles at the opening of the Roseville store in November 2008, even without a shopping cart.
A similar scenario is expected Oct. 26 at the grand opening (after years of delays) of the area's third Whole Foods Market. It will be at 10 a.m. at 270 Palladio Parkway in Folsom (916-984-8500). The first 250 shoppers through the doors will be given reusable shopping bags filled with groceries.
On Oct. 22, a Street Market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the store's parking lot, where 60 local vendors will offer samples and sales. Plus, hands-on food-oriented workshops, live music, beer- and cider-tasting, hay maze, pumpkin patch, and "sneak peek" tours of the store.
With local sourcing in mind, the 45,000-square-foot supermarket will carry goods from more than 200 suppliers from neighboring counties. In spring 2012, the Foothill Farmers Market Association will open a year-round certified farmers market in the parking lot. It will be modeled after the farmers market now held Thursdays at the Roseville store.
For a schedule of upcoming events at the Folsom store, go to www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/folsom
The two other Whole Foods Markets in our area are at 4315 Arden Way, Sacramento (916-488-2800), and 1001 Galleria Blvd., Roseville (916-781-5300).
For the record, the chain rang up sales of more then $9 billion last year.
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