New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar is urging Whole Foods Market to commit to local hiring, improved food access, and long-term community engagement as the grocery chain prepares to open a new store in her assembly district.
In a statement released ahead of the opening of the Ridgewood location, Rajkumar said the company should ensure its expansion delivers measurable benefits to neighborhood residents and small businesses, cautioning that economic growth should reinforce, rather than disrupt, the existing community.
“As Whole Foods prepares to open in Ridgewood in my district, I am calling on the company to show that it can be a responsible and engaged neighbor by taking concrete steps that benefit our community,” Rajkumar said.
Rajkumar identified local hiring as a key priority, pointing to Ridgewood’s diverse and skilled workforce. She also encouraged the retailer to support local businesses by featuring and selling locally sourced products in the store.
The assemblywoman further called on Whole Foods to accept benefit and assistance programs commonly used by New Yorkers, including SNAP/EBT, OTC cards, and other health and nutrition benefits, to ensure affordable access to healthy food for residents across income levels.
“It is important that the store serves the full spectrum of the community and makes nutritious food options accessible to as many people as possible,” she said.
Addressing food insecurity, Rajkumar also urged the company to donate surplus food to local pantries and food drives and to partner with existing food distribution initiatives throughout the district, saying such efforts could provide meaningful support to families struggling to obtain nutritious food.
