Whole Foods Tries Local Outreach

An outreach effort to South Fork food producers was visible at Whole Foods' new location in Wainscott last week, with the names of farms and vendors whose produce the chain is selling displayed indoors, and some of the vendors themselves setting up for a day in the parking lot of the former Ford dealership on Montauk Highway.

Mark Stewart, the general manager of Eli's Bread, which now runs the Amagansett Farmers Market, said that Whole Foods was "trying to show support and get the summer started on a good note. They also want to sell some bread," he added, smiling. Mr. Stewart was on site last Thursday to do just that, as well as brings soups, pies, pecan crisps, and cookies to the site.

Taking advantage of the fresh bread from the Eli's booth was Lovella Beres of Sagaponack, who said she was happy to see local vendors at the market, and hopes Whole Foods decides to stay put. The food chain opened the Wainscott location as a trial site, though the property owner's plans apparently lean more toward a chain drug store there once the season ends.

Tatiana Monteiro Teixeira, the founder and co-owner of Plain-T of Southampton, said Whole Foods will sell its iced teas at the site. Other vendors bustling around the place last week said the same, and a representative of Whole Foods said that everyone there should be in the market shortly.

Ellenka Baumrind, the president of Ellie's Country Delights of East Hampton, said her jarred stews are  sold in Whole Food's Mid-Atlantic region.

Lisa Tremblay of Joe and Liza's ice cream, which is based in Sag Harbor, was pleased that her frozen goods will be in the Wainscott store shortly, as was Anke Albert, whose Amagansett company, Anke's Fit Bakery, will soon be supplying flour-free cookies, cakes, and breads.

Other East End food makers whose wares are on the shelves are FatAss Fudge of Springs, Open Minded Organics of Bridgehampton, Posh Pies of Water Mill, and Spy Coast Bee Farm in Setauket.