Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

The last time the Whole Foods Market in Wynnewood was buzzing like this was three summers ago when movie star Reese Witherspoon and then-flame Jake Gyllenhaal shopped for groceries on a Sunday afternoon.This time, the buzz is literal. Last week, store manager Adam Squire lugged a bee hive — about 20,000 bees encased in a wooden box slightly larger than a cat carrier — up a narrow staircase to a spot on the roof. About 30 feet above ground, it overlooks the Amtrak and SEPTA train tracks and the store's chronically congested parking lot.

Squire, whose hobby is beekeeping, is taking Whole Foods' holistic approach to the food chain to heart — and to work. Honeybees are crucial to the food supply, yet their numbers are rapidly diminishing, in part, because of pesticides. Whole Foods stores throughout the country are working with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. Locally, the store has partnered with Urban Tree Connection to support efforts to expand its community gardens in West Philadelphia and add three hives. The store also will join the annual beekeeping and honey festival at Harriton House in Bryn Mawr.

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Whole Foods Wynnewood