Not only friendly…vegan friendly (Publix)

Josh & his "go to guy" ChuckWhen I find a product or an organization that is truly vegan friendly...it just makes my day!  And, when I find one that is substantial in size, it pleases me even more.

With 1046 stores in 5 southern states, Publix is one of them…As one of the largest-volume supermarket chains in the US, with sales of 25.1 billion dollars (in 2010) and over 151,500 employees, Publix is showing their commitment to providing options for everyone's lifestyle.

When I first returned to Florida about 17-months ago, we were fortunate to find a new Publix store in our town.  It was clean, well laid out, and had a fairly good size selection of options which fit our vegan lifestyle. While shopping there, you can't help but notice the unbelievable commitment they have to customer service…from their incredibly friendly attitude to their offering to carry your bags to your car (every single time you check out). As many retailers have adopted the high end customer service model…my recent experiences with Publix were truly over the top…

A few months ago, I inquired with the dairy manager about getting coconut milk for me…they did it in a few days.  Then just prior to Thanksgiving, I was sent in by family to procure two Tourkey's.  To my surprise, they were sold out!  It was then that I met one of my new best friends…Chuck, the store manager of my local Publix.  Chuck told me that he would somehow find them, they wouldn't let our Thanksgiving go without, and to leave my number.  I wasn't a 1/2 mile away from the store before my phone rang…it was Chuck.  Not only did he find two for me…he was going to have an employee go to their other location to pick them up and have them waiting for me at my store the next morning….wow!  

With such a result to my previous request, dare I spin the wheel again?  Oh yeah, I did.  Next I asked if he could find a certain type of European Sourdough bread we used to get up in Chicago.  Before I made it out of the produce section, Chuck had located me to let me know he found a vendor, and informed me I would get a call when it came in…this time it arrived in two days!  A few weeks passed and my family and I had travelled up north for the holidays.  While there, my family had purchased some vegan shredded cheese for one of our meals (in my opinion one of the hardest items to substitute in the vegan diet).  It was such a treat for us to have, and upon our return home, my wife said…"do you think your new friend at Publix can get it"?  Chuck had become the go to guy…

About 4 hours after I visited and made my most recent request, I received a call from Publix about the vegan cheese…They were sorry to say that they did not currently have a resource to obtain that product for us…Now, I was disappointed, yet I can't expect them to be able to get every single item I desire…Then I heard the following…"We did call all around the area and located two stores that stocked both of the varieties I had inquired about" (not Publix stores).  As if their willingness to find what I was looking for and send me to another store wasn't enough...they then asked "Mr Neimark, do you know where those stores are located, or would you like us to get you directions"!

In one of my recent conversations with Chuck, I thanked him again for all they had done…he responded with a few simple words…"That's what we do here".

All I can say, is thank you Chuck and thank you Publix!  You take service to a level that is hard to match.  And, the fact that you are not only willing, but anxious to accommodate my vegan lifestyle…I wish there were more like you.  Now…the only thing I do wish, is that they'd start sampling more vegetarian/vegan options at their demo station…I just might have to talk to Chuck about that:)

J

Publix has stores in the following 5 states:

Florida
Georgia
Alabama
South Carolina
Tennessee

Some of Your Questions Answered

A message from Patricia
Subject: Costco Connection article

Message: Hello Josh - I  just read the article in Costco Connection talking about products they stock. (Life-changer with your picture)  It referred me to your site here, but I don't see anything talking about specific products at Costco.  I'm very interested in what these products are.   Is it possible for you to send me a list of them or???  My granddaughter is a vegan and has shared some of her diet information with me - I'm ready to begin eliminating all white flour, sugar etc. from my diet and whatever other information you have to give me a jump start, I would so appreciate.  Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment - thank you for sharing it.

Hi Patricia,

I will be posting more information on specific products in the future, so look out for that information.  As far as getting a "jump start"…you said you are ready to begin eliminating all white flour, sugar etc.  That's a great place to begin!  There are so many wonderful and healthful alternatives out there today, particularly in the bread, pasta and rice areas.  I would suggest avoiding anything that is "enriched" (i.e something was added to it) and look for whole grain based ingredients.  I'm a big fan of Sprouted Wheat, and one of my favorites when I choose breads are from the Food for Life line.  On the sugar front…I would definitely avoid the white varieties…look for raw organic sugars (many are brown), as well as alternatives for sweetening that are natural.  Although I rarely use sweeteners (I generally get my fix from fruits), when I choose to make something that requires it. I use things like Raw Agave Nectar, Organic Maple Syrup and Coconut Palm Sugar (although that one is hard to find).  Thank you for writing in and keep me posted on how your doing.

A message from Ursula
Subject: Vegan Recipes

Just read your article in Costco and it was truly amazing.  I would like to know what are a few of your favorite vegan meals and if you have any recipes?

Thanks so much for sharing your story.

Hi Ursula,

I am going to be developing an entire area devoted my favorite recipes (and some videos too)…but here is an easy one…and one of my favorites.  Note: I would look for all of these ingredients in "organic" and adjust amounts to your own taste.  I love wraps.  Here is one I make a lot.

1 Sprouted Wheat Tortilla (click here to see which one)
Big Spoonful of Hummus (flavor of your choice or homemade)
A few Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Some Red Onion
2 large pieces of Romaine (easily can substitute Spinach)
Some Alfalfa Sprouts
Sliced Cucumber
Some nice slices of vine ripe red tomatoes

Start by spreading the Hummus on the tortilla, then chop everything else to desired sizes…roll it up and enjoy…you may need a bib, or at least a few napkins:)

If you want more protein in your wrap, you can easily add a veggie or vegan burger sliced in half so it rolls up well...you could also add beans.

A message from Monika
Subject: Costco

Message: I read your article in Costco Connection. I was wondering if you have a grocery list that I can use at Costco, something like product recommendations. I feel whenever I shop at Costco I tend to pickup unhealthy items.

Hi Monika,

I have had an overwhelming amount of requests for a "list", and will be working on coming up some example lists that I will post.  I did want to address the last line of your message.  "I feel whenever I shop at Costco I tend to pickup unhealthy items."  YOU have control over that…so stop picking them up!  The first question I used to ask my clients, was do you brush your teeth everyday?  Their response (actually was often just a stare for a few seconds) was "of course".  I asked them why?  Their response was almost always, because "your supposed to, it's good for you".  It's all about choosing.  You must make the choice.  I'm not trying to be harsh…but like that big shoe company says…"Just Do It".

A message from Joy
Subject: Food at Costco

Message: Hi Josh, Saw the story about you in the Costco magazine. I live in a suburb of Phoenix AZ. Don't think it is likely you could "go to the store with me". I would like to find out about your shopping there, the right foods, what is healthy, and recipes etc. Is there a place in your blogs where I can find this information?

Hi Joy,

I was in Phoenix once…really liked it.  If I was there, I would be glad to meet up with you and go shopping!  As I mentioned in another response, I will be posting more and more on product choices and recipes in upcoming weeks, so stay tuned for those.  Costco is certainly one of the stores I would highly recommend.  What other options do you have where you live?  Are there any Natural/Organic groceries or Trader Joe's?  When I lived up North, I could find about 90% of what I was looking for at Costco and Trader Joes.  Let me know by commenting on this post or send me a message through the contact form and I'll try to help further.

A message from Marie
Subject: Your illness...

Message: What you have sounds similar to what Joe Cross suffered from in "Fat Sick & Nearly Dead"  Joe turned to juicing as a means of getting healthy, and, low and behold, all his symptoms disappeared as well.   If you've not seen this movie (documentary) I highly recommend it.  I'm just starting my second 30 day juice fast.  In between my last fast and this I've eaten primarily vegetarian and still juiced approx 1 time/day.   I wish you nothing but the very best of luck and health in the 2012 year!

Hi Marie,

Oh how many times I have heard that my life sounded like the Joe Cross documentary "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead".  In fact, at one point, I actually wrote Joe's "people" to share my story, but never heard back.  Since I don't know Joe, or all of the specifics of his illness, clearly the lifestyles we lived were similar, as were the ailments.  All of us our idiosyncratic, so it would be difficult to identify whether or not he and I shared in more than the hives…although we clearly shared in our previous behavior.  I was so elated when I first watched the film, that finally someone more "main stream" (i.e not backed by a company or food product) could demonstrate the power of juicing whole fruits and vegetables.  At times I do a juice cleanse, and then regularly integrate juicing into my regimen. I used to use a high speed juicer, similar to the Breville Joe used, but not long ago picked up the new Omega VRT lower RPM.  It produces juice with far less oxidation (and a bit more pulp as a result).  Even though there is no way around the "clean up" from juicing…I love it!

Starbucks Bitter Brew Banned by Vegan…

Dear Starbucks,

Why should I be charged more for my philosophical choices?  

Is it discrimination?  Corporate greed?  Something else?  Do you think it's acceptable to charge those afflicted with lactose intolerance more?  How about those with specific religious beliefs that dictate diet?  

I am Vegan…and I'm very proud of it.  My behavior impacts our world in a positive way.  It helps our planet, it helps animals and it helps us!

The majority of my life, I lived in big cities…and Starbucks became part of my routine, like so many others.  Why not, you're trendy, located on nearly every corner…and you make it easy for people to be lazy…what a great combo for success in today's world!

I moved to a small town about a year and half ago…and left all but the memories of your brand in the dust.  We have a small local coffee house here.  One that not only caters to everyone they can…but makes sure that I have choices as a Vegan.  They care about my beliefs, they accommodate them…and they don't charge me more because of them.  Aside from the fact that coffee and tea are one of most highly pesticide treated crops on the planet (and I have never seen you offer "organic fair trade" as your brew of the day)…the least you could do is give Vegans, or those who don't prefer dairy, an alternate choice that doesn't cost more.

I recently travelled back to the Chicago area for the holiday's.  During that trip, I visited Starbucks twice (at two different locations)…Ahhh, then the memories came back crystal clear.  In both locations, I was charged more for Soy Milk with my coffee (even though I would really prefer Almond Milk).  Regardless of my pleas to explain that I felt it was wrong to charge more to someone with a medical or philosophical aversion to dairy…if I was to have your bitter brew…I would have to pay more!  And with each sip, I grew a greater distaste for your coffee...and your brand.

Now, I am sure you are quite enamored with the fact you offer Soy, I bet you'll default to the cost issue…and I, and so many others could debate that Soy milk costs more…However, with your corporate presence and abiltiy to drive your vendor prices, it doesn't have to cost you any more.

For a corporate giant like yourself to maintain this position is so very disappointing.  So, your done, out, nixed, banned.  If you decide to change your ways, let me know.  I would be the first to drive to your nearest location and document the experience on video for all the other Vegans or individuals out there who don't take dairy with their coffee.  

PS…

Also, the fact that you don't offer your patrons the option of recycling at your locations…absolutely appalling! (click here for a piece I wrote in 2008 on this issue...never received a response)  Let me know if you would like me to come up with a strategy for you on that..I assure you it would increase your revenue…oh yeah…and help the planet too...Some Things Just Need to be Said.

Peace,

Josh

This letter was submitted to the Starbucks Media/Communications Department with a request for a response.

What we "put in" makes all the difference

Here is a message I received from Denise D.

Subject: Uplifting story

Message: Hi, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your story.  I have not struggled with any of the issues; but my first husband died from what I believe was his body shutting down from too many prescription drugs.  He had hepatitis C but that is not what killed him; his kidney shuts down.  I could see it happening and I tried to convince him to do something different so he could get off of all of the prescription drugs; he believed what the doctors were prescribing would help.  

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the story in the Costco Connection and how much I believe we are what we take into and put into our bodies.

Congratulations on your success.

Denise

My Good Friend Pam and I with Yummy Raw Vegan Treats...Now that's High Octane Fuel:)Hi Denise!

Thank you for writing in…and I completely agree with you!  We are what we put into our bodies.  Obviously as a Vegan, the choices of what I put into my own body do not include any animal products.  During the time period of my own illness, there was a point that I recall being on 9 different prescription medications…and although some were meant to combat specific ailments, in combination left me not only unimproved, but with other side effects and issues.  As I began to heal myself and migrated away from the drugs, I felt better and better.  10-months later, I was off of all the medication...and today, as a Vegan I get all of my nutrients from whole and healthful natural foods.  Even for those who come to me with the desire to improve their own health, yet aren't ready, or perhaps willing to try Veganism, my first suggestion is to cut out all artificial ingredients from their diet and begin to integrate whole foods as much as they can (i.e not processed).  Our bodies are amazing, and have the natural ability to heal themselves in a great many situations…However, our bodies are highly complex "machines", and just like any complex machine, they take the right fuel to perform optimally.  Essentially, we were all given Ferrari's as bodies, yet so many go and put the low octane fuel in…Fuel like high-fructose corn syrup (don't even get me started on that!), partially hydrogenated oils, chemicals of all sorts just to name a few.  For those who want to improve, start thinking in those terms…take care of your machine..and it will run much better and much longer:)

Best,

Josh

Costco Connection

Welcome to all those who have arrived here after reading the article in the January edition of the Costco Connection magazine!  It has certainly been busy the past few days since the new issue went out.  I can't begin to express how appreciative I am for the overwhelming number of emails and requests I have received.  I am reading all of your stories with great interest! I felt it would be best to let all of our new visitors know that I look forward to personally responding to each and every one of you directly.  However, it may take a little time, and I am answering them in the order they were received…

So, until I can get back to each of you, many of my upcoming posts will address some of the topics in which you have expressed interest.  There are a few ways you can make sure you are recieving this information:

1. Visit this site - www.joshneimark.com every couple days to see what's new.

2. Over to the right side of this page, you can enter your email address and sign up to recieve email notification each time I make a new post (don't forget you will need to activiate your subscription one time after signing up…you will get a confirm email).

3. You can also "friend me" on Facebook, or click on the Facebook icon to the right.

4. You can also subscribe to receive my posts by RSS feed (That would be the small icon right under the Facebook icon or you can simply click here.).

Again, thank you to all of you!  Your interest in my story and your interest in change truly means so much to me.  Keep the questions coming…

Josh