“I started as a part-time Cashier for Whole Foods Market in Evanston, IL, during the age of coupon books. I would ferociously memorize the coupons for the month so I could surprise customers with extra discounts on their purchases, officially earning my “coupon cashier” title. After showing some interest in the Whole Body department, I worked some shifts and eventually moved to the team, diving deep into product knowledge. I later became a Buyer and then transferred to our Fullerton store as a Market Associate Team Leader. At the beginning of COVID, I moved to Baton Rouge as a Whole Body Team Trainer and finally settled in as a Store Trainer. I shuffled around a bit, but that's what's so exciting about working for Whole Foods: My path highlights my drive to know and do more, and I gratefully work somewhere I can exercise those curiosities.
It's one of the reasons I became a Culture Champion, and I'm equally grateful I did. I’ve always dreamed of visiting our suppliers and seeing the process of how we get the products on our shelves. So, I was thrilled to be chosen to join an 'In the Field with Jason' trip to North Carolina where we visited Gaia Herbs, a Certified B Corporation actively working to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. A little backstory: I had a hit-and-run bike accident and was really struggling with inflammation and sleeping; a customer suggested that I try Gaia’s Turmeric Supreme Pain P.M. formula. It became the driving force in my recovery and inflammation relief when I needed a solution. I felt overwhelming gratitude while creating that memory, stepping onto the property, knowing I could actually take that step partially thanks to the work they do.
When I first started at Whole Foods Market, I didn’t even know what ‘organic’ was. But since then, I’ve learned so much about ingredients, health and wellness, and the impact we can all create. I feel seen and appreciated for the skills and knowledge I bring to the table in a way I didn’t expect. I’ve experienced more than I ever thought I could by working at a grocery store.”
- Hailee Fourcade, Whole Body Team Trainer
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