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 haven't heard of this line of products before. It is inspiring to hear what other businesses are accomplishing. Too bad all food producers don't have the same ideas...
10/13/2011 1:10:53 PM CDT
Karen says ...
I like that Henry is trying to make the world a better place. I'm looking forward to trying the soup next time I'm in Whole Foods
10/13/2011 1:10:55 PM CDT
amykrazy says ...
i think it's a great philosophy, too bad everyone doesn't think similarly... can't wait to try out the soup!
10/13/2011 1:23:19 PM CDT
Michele says ...
My daughter loves their soups. Her favorite is the Tuscan White Bean soup. I usually use the tomato soup as the base for my vegetarian chilli.
10/13/2011 1:27:14 PM CDT
Yvette says ...
Naming them after regions was a great idea!
10/13/2011 1:28:49 PM CDT
Kathy says ...
Fig Food soup is fabulous!! I am thrilled to find a low-sodium soup that is healthy for everyone and has the added benefit of being packaged in a carton!! Thanks Fig Food!!!
10/13/2011 1:33:39 PM CDT
marian prochter says ...
love love the soups and so does family!
10/13/2011 1:46:57 PM CDT
Xmascook says ...
I think Joel Henry made the right decision. Organic foods are so much safer than the usual mass-produced foods and our whole world benefits. My favorite soup is tomato soup - goes with everything and reminds me of my childhood.
10/13/2011 1:54:40 PM CDT
Beth Nolton says ...
It is always important to buy local, fresh, and know what you are putting intoyour product.
10/13/2011 2:00:09 PM CDT
Lynn says ...
What a great story. Can't wait to try Fig Food soups.
10/13/2011 2:02:54 PM CDT
Ann K says ...
Organic soup with fresh wholesome vegetables are a staple in our diet!
10/13/2011 2:08:18 PM CDT
Amy Butcher says ...
I love the whole concept. Keeping the packaged food organic, low sodium, and sourcing from small, local farmers...minimal packaging, even the reason behind the name. I can't wait to try this product.
10/13/2011 2:12:04 PM CDT
Elilzabeth says ...
Wow, a new product to try! I am new to the healthier eating. cant wait to try!
10/13/2011 2:15:50 PM CDT
Katherine Garcia says ...
I never ever knew all of the thought that went into the soup. It is so nice to have people that care about putting good ingredients in our food....ingredients that are good for us and our planet. I will buy Fig Food products.
10/13/2011 2:29:53 PM CDT
Kamakshi R says ...
Waiting for Folsom Whole Foods to open up to try Fig Food soup!
10/13/2011 2:36:25 PM CDT
kristen says ...
Henry is a perfect example of how all meals should be made, with care and consideration, and putting that in a 'packaged' product, so good. What a role model
10/13/2011 2:43:32 PM CDT
Beth says ...
I bought some of your condensed split pea soup to try. Now that I hear your philosophy I'm glad I did.
10/13/2011 2:45:32 PM CDT
Jane K says ...
So nice to see/hear someone interested in quality and taste . Sounds like Henry is really concerned with what goes into his product. I like that.
10/13/2011 2:49:22 PM CDT
Renee W. says ...
Fig Food Co. I would be glad to try your food products! Do you have a website? I love to show my support to local companies!
10/13/2011 2:57:51 PM CDT
Kathleen Conner says ...
It's impressive that he is willing to put in so much "extra" work to produce a soup that is so higher in quality than you usually find.
10/13/2011 3:15:49 PM CDT
David Romportl says ...
You can't care about the environment and not be a vegetarian. That's what i've heard, and it's true. The amount of land, water, and food to raise a tiny bit of meat would create tons (literally) of plant food. No food shortages would ever exist if the world went vegetarian. And organic is a given: putting toxic chemicals on food: it's poison, and something only the very dumb or very foolish would do (or the suicidal). They create so much terrifying disease, it should be banned the same as all other poisoning murder!!
10/13/2011 3:22:47 PM CDT
Terry says ...
I'll definitely try this soup. I make my own as a rule, but it's always good to have a fall-back position.
10/13/2011 4:11:30 PM CDT
Jeanne W. says ...
It's so important to reconnect to our roots, since in today's society we often lose the farm to table connection. Horray for Henry for setting a positive example for the rest of the food industry. I hope others will take note!
10/13/2011 4:47:14 PM CDT
Michelle Orren says ...
Glad I read this story today. It is good to hear about good food corps. growing in a society where there is little interest in personal and global well being. I look forward to trying this soup on my next whole foods visit.
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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