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Staying Local

by Joseph Xu on March 27, 2024

Staying Local

Every product starts in the hands of one person and potentially makes its way into the hands of millions. Along that journey, our Local and Emerging Brands team is behind the scenes, building the pathway to connect these products and the growing communities they serve. 

Whole Foods Market has a commitment toward local and emerging brands that has grown and evolved. In this Whole Story, meet two members of the Local and Emerging Brands Team who are helping us evolve to nourish people and the planet.  



“Team members are the ambassadors for these brands when they’re in store. We need them to help tell that story with us.”  

Casey Gaston, Executive Leader of Local and Emerging Brands

Dustin Kennedy, Senior Forager  

At the core of the relationships in the Carolinas and Southern regions is Dustin Kennedy. Born and raised in North Carolina, Kennedy continues the tradition and heritage of the South while helping it evolve as Whole Foods Market evolves. 


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Filed Under: Communities, Experts, Local, New Story, Perishables, Quality Standards, Sustainability, Team Members Tagged With: core values, local, regen, regenag, regenerative, regenerative agriculture, standards, sustainable

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