We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series. Read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Fig Food makes delicious soup. If you’ve tasted it, you may already know this — but did you know that in every batch of organic, kosher soup, someone has thought about how to pack in the most organic plants possible? “The choices we made around being kosher, being organic, using a new package; it all comes from my own personal passion and wanting to leave a legacy of making the world a better place,” says Joel Henry, founder and owner of Fig Food.
Every choice that Henry has made can be traced to this philosophy, from the seasoning of their soup, the decision to go organic to naming the soups after the areas from which they draw flavor inspiration. (Tuscan White Bean, Yucatan Black Bean and Umbrian Lentil are a few examples.) “Part of making the world a better place is about reconnection; connecting to the farmer, connecting to other people,” says Henry. “I thought if we named the soups with cool names, people would explore the regions to see what they stood for.”
When Henry made the decision to go organic, he asked himself, “ ‘Is it more important to get more people access to plant-based foods and be conventional, or be organic?’ To me, organic growing practices are all about a better environment, and so if I have healthier people in an environment that’s declining, that didn’t sit well.” And so it was. Their lightly salted soups are organic, plant-based and tasty.
Have you ever considered all of the thought that goes into the soup you’re eating? Let us know about your thoughts on Henry’s soup philosophy. Watch the slideshow above and leave a comment with your answer by October 25th. One comment will be chosen at random to win a $50 gift card to our stores.
I think it is so inspiring that businesses are looking to farmers market for produce when creating packaged foods. I hope this is the future of our food industries.
10/13/2011 10:36:01 AM CDT
lo says ...
I totally agree - “Part of making the world a better place is about reconnection; connecting to the farmer, connecting to other people,” says Henry.
10/13/2011 10:37:01 AM CDT
Heather says ...
Henry's philosophy is great! I love his thoughts on how reconnection is the key to making the world a better place. Couldn't agree more!
10/13/2011 10:45:13 AM CDT
Erica says ...
"Making the world a better place" should be everyone's philosophy! Just think of how wonderful the world would be!
10/13/2011 10:45:16 AM CDT
Kim says ...
It's great to see a soup that is organic and low in sodium! I haven't tried Fig Food's tomato soup yet but will pick it up next time I'm in WF. I've been making my own soup with organic produce from my garden this summer and it would be very nice to have a healthy replacement for the winter months.
10/13/2011 10:46:49 AM CDT
Caroli says ...
I am now so hungry for some of this soup! Needless to say, my next shopping trip will definitely include some Fig Food Co. soup. It's a rainy day outside today and I wish I had some of this soup right now!!! Sounds so yummy!!
10/13/2011 10:52:46 AM CDT
Arlene Pappalardo says ...
I want to try Fig Food soups. I need to start cooking better and tastier.
10/13/2011 10:53:07 AM CDT
Delsha L. says ...
I like Henry's practices of using what is already in the cabinets, and using whatever looks good at the farmers market. Recognizable organic ingredients means something I can trust. I also like that he has found his passion and his own small way to feel good about what he is doing while making the world a better place.
10/13/2011 11:05:13 AM CDT
Rose says ...
I was not familair with these soups and after reading I am very anxious to try.... Thanks so much for sharing and for caring!!!
10/13/2011 11:07:18 AM CDT
Michelle says ...
Henry sounds like a smart guy!
10/13/2011 11:08:07 AM CDT
Cheryl Foster says ...
Hi "FIG" Food Family!
I love learning about where a product comes from, seeing the creation process, and knowing the integrity of the ingredients will give life giving nutrients to all who enjoy "FIG" foods. We need more healthy food like this on the market.
Thanks for your contribution to our natural, and delicious lives.
In Joy, Cheryl
10/13/2011 11:09:23 AM CDT
Mary says ...
After lstening and reading this,can't wait to go to whole foods and buy some.
10/13/2011 11:14:54 AM CDT
gerberdaisy says ...
I have not seen Fig Foods at my Whole Foods, but I will be looking for it now :) I love that they give so much credit to the farmers and put so much care into the preparation of the soup. I can't wait to try them all!
10/13/2011 11:15:43 AM CDT
Kathy says ...
Halelujah for healthy good-tasting soup!!
10/13/2011 11:21:50 AM CDT
Elsie says ...
I agree with him organic may not be the easiest route to go but it is certainly the healthiest.
10/13/2011 11:31:53 AM CDT
Gwen McGill says ...
I am thrilled that he cares enough to produce a product using all organic ingredients. I will willingly pay a bit more or even some times a lot more for a pure, safe, healthy food. I want that for my own health but more importantly for my husband, my kids and my grandchildren. Thank you Joel!
10/13/2011 11:38:14 AM CDT
sarah says ...
I love that they care about packaging - I hate seeing otherwise awesome products in nonsensically wasteful packaging.
10/13/2011 11:43:18 AM CDT
Kristine says ...
Wow, I love the photos. I can't wait to try one of Fig's soups. Btw, is that the farmer's market in Union Square NYC? I've spent HOURS at that farmer's market.
10/13/2011 12:06:56 PM CDT
Deb Inde says ...
My thoughts about food are the same as Joel Henry. I grow some of my own food in a little organic garden, and everything else I cook with/eat, is organic, healthy, etc. I like Fig soups because they are organic, kosher, healthy, tasty, filling, and in easy to open cartons. I've also bought them for my mom for all these reasons, since she can't easily prepare food anymore.
Good luck with your business, keep it coming!
10/13/2011 12:09:31 PM CDT
Catherine says ...
Great to hear about the organic ingredients. Can't wait until more companies follow his lead!
10/13/2011 12:12:42 PM CDT
Catherine M. says ...
Love the low sodium aspect! Everything is too salty for me.
10/13/2011 12:36:28 PM CDT
Ken D. says ...
I love soup! I will be trying these out.
10/13/2011 12:36:57 PM CDT
Kris Hiller says ...
I love Henry's philosophy! I appreciate his respect for farmers and the food that they produce as well as his emphasis on using real, plant-based foods (nothing that your grandmother wouldn't recognize!) in his soups. I have never tried Fig soups, but I will now look for them at my Whole Foods store!
10/13/2011 12:38:19 PM CDT
leah cooper says ...
henry's philosophy should be everyones. We all need to connect and helping eah other through creating natural soups is agreat place to begin.
10/13/2011 12:41:25 PM CDT
leah cooper says ...
henry's philosophy should be everyones. We all need to connect and helping eah other through creating natural soups is agreat place to begin.
Welcome to Whole Story, the official blog of Whole Foods Market. Don't know us? In a nutshell, we are the world’s leading natural and organic grocer and we’re passionate about healthy food and a healthy planet. Learn more about us.
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