• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
The Whole Story

The Whole Story

  • Home
  • Newsroom
  • News
  • Media Library
  • Experts
  • About
  • Contact Us

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. 


Regenerative Evolution – SIMPLi
A Love Letter to Ruby Jean
Fueling Small-Scale Beekeeper Incomes
A Noble Plant: Coffee Sourcing at Whole Foods Market

Related Posts:

  • 000086170021 Large
    A Noble Plant: Coffee Sourcing at Whole Foods Market
  • 000071090006 Large
    Regenerative Evolution - SIMPLi
  • 20220714_065844
    Farm to Tablet
  • 357709677_651765596989280_764034408400352746_n
    It Starts At The Farm

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

Copyright © 2025 · Whole Foods Market · Privacy Policy