Whole Foods Finds Itself in Whole Controversy in Baltimore
— -- Whole Foods is facing anger from some social media users after a photo showed members of the National Guard, which is patrolling the streets of Baltimore, holding food from the grocery chain.
One Twitter user wrote, "Dear @WholeFoods: The National Guard already has a supply system for food. The citizens of #Baltimore could probably use your help more."
A spokeswoman for Whole Foods said in a statement to ABC News, “We’re all Baltimoreans and have supported community organizations for many years to improve lives around our city. Currently, we are providing food and water to children across our city by partnering with rec centers and community organizations, and have been doing so in parallel with providing food and water to first responders.”
Whole Foods said it removed Facebook and Instagram posts from Whole Foods Market Harbor East in Baltimore, which stated: "We teamed up with Whole Foods Mt. Washington to make sandwiches for the men and women keeping Baltimore safe. We are so thankful to have them here and they're pumped for Turkey & Cheese!"
A spokeswoman for the chain explained why.
"We removed the post because it did not accurately reflect all our local stores are doing to feed people across this city, especially children," Whole Foods spokesperson Katie Malloy said. "Again, we love our community, and will continue to support our city in the days to come, as we always do, and extend our heartfelt sympathy to those affected."
Meanwhile, some Twitter users expressed disappointment at Whole Foods.
A spokesman for the National Guard told ABC News, "Essentially, we are all 'Baltimoreans,'" and "neighbors helping neighbors."
"We are a community based organization with our Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen living and working here in the state," Major Rick Breitenfeldt told ABC News.
