Whole Foods Expands Kosher Offerings

Whole Foods Market has added organic, kosher chicken broth from Pacific Natural Foods to its selection of kosher products in time for the upcoming holidays.

Developed especially for Whole Foods Market, the new organic broth meets the grocer’s strict quality standards, as it’s made from free-range, grain-fed chickens that are raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones, and are processed according to kosher standards.

"Many family and holiday traditions revolve around the dinner table, so we're excited to offer more natural and organic kosher products than ever," said Errol Schweizer, senior global grocery coordinator for Whole Foods. "We work with vendors who provide the highest quality, best-tasting kosher products on the market."

Additionally, Whole Foods offers an array of kosher products from Streit's, the only family-owned-and-operated matzo producer in the U.S. For shoppers who have special dietary needs, Whole Foods offers other Streit's kosher products, including vegetarian and gluten-free macaroons, and vegetarian cake and stuffing mixes that are free of hydrogenated oils, artificial preservatives, and MSG.

Select stores will also offer poultry options from Kosher Valley, including fresh and frozen whole young turkeys and chickens, ground turkey and chicken, and value-pack options for both. Certified by the Orthodox Union and the K'hal Adath Jeshurun, Kosher Valley's antibiotic-free kosher line is only available at Whole Foods.

In other news, Whole Foods -- as part of its "Be Good to Your Whole Body" campaign in its Whole Body departments throughout November -- will focus on raising awareness and support of Vitamin Angels, an organization that connects malnourished or undernourished children around the world with vital nutrients, like vitamin A, needed to survive and thrive.

"Whole Foods Market is calling on shoppers to learn about Vitamin Angels this month by listening to the 'Viva Vitamin Angels' blog podcast with founder Howard Schiffer, and we're highlighting products that support the cause," said Jeremiah McElwee, senior global Whole Body coordinator for Whole Foods. "This partnership is near and dear to the hearts of many Whole Body team members and supplier partners. We want our customers to see how easy it is to get involved and make a positive impact on children's health around the world."

From November 1-30, Whole Foods will donate $1 for the first 5,000 people who share their thoughts about Vitamin Angels in response to the Viva Vitamin Angels podcast on the Whole Story blog. A second podcast, by Susan Oelker, southwest regional supplement buyer for Whole Foods, will provide background on the company's relationship with Vitamin Angels.

Inside the store, supplement-makers Rainbow Light and Garden of Life are doubling their contributions to Vitamin Angels for November. Year-round, for every package of Whole Foods Market's 365 Everyday Value children's supplements sold, 50 cents will go to the organization.

Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods operates more than 280 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.