Whole Foods Trickling Down

Trendy Old Pasadena California now boasts the newest, hippest, and largest Whole Foods Market on the planet. With three levels of underground parking (including valet) and two stories holding over 75,000 square feet of merchandise it is a wonder to behold. Fruits, veggies, a fish market, vitamins and fragrances, a juice bar, wine, cheese, Asian and Tapas bistros, aisle upon aisle of health foods, sandwich carving, bakery, and on and on. This new Whole Foods is ground zero in the move towards organic nirvana. No doubt that the citizens of Pasadena will be feeling warm and snuggly after trying so many unique foodstuffs. Based on the opening week crowds, the hospitals and medical centers in the area will have to prepare to lay off workers as the health craze sweeps through the city.

In a prime location just blocks south of Colorado Blvd., one would think that the diverse Pasadena population will be thrilled with the new market. But a closer look at the store's operations would lead an observer to conclude that only an upper class clientele will be shopping at the modern marvel. The juicy fruits and crunchy locally grown organic vegetables are priced more than double what customers can expect to pay at traditional supermarkets. Except for some Whole Foods branded boxed and bottled items, the healthy offerings found on the store's shelves are destined to be purchased by the small percent of Pasadena's residents who make upwards of $100,000 and more in annual income.

Many of the Whole Food patrons are dedicated to a holistic lifestyle. These lucky souls can afford to buy the vitamin mixes, fresh meats and fish, and top quality wines that are available. But what about those who need and would like to partake of the Whole Food horn of plenty? By shopping at this high end gourmet extravaganza, the save the world bunch are really all about saving themselves and leaving the spoils for the less fortunate.

"Oh well, the poor only have themselves to blame. We worked hard and we are going to get the best of the food. We call for saving rain forests, ending global warming, and working for world peace. That poor nutrition is causing discomfort and sickness right here on our American streets is not really our concern. Hey, at least some of the locals can find employment sweeping the floors of the $1.89 muffin crumbs we have dropped on the store's second floor eating area. Thank God I'm rich and using my dollars so a few pennies and some farm raised fish can find their way to the wallets and dinner dishes of the underclass."