Eating green could soon keep some green in the pockets of Whole Foods employees.
The Austin-based store already offers all employees, which the store calls "team members," a 20 percent discount.
It is now adding to that, offering up to an additional 10 percent off to staffers who don't smoke and meet certain health guidelines.
"It's really inspiring because you end up wanting to eat better and exercise," said Ann Fairfield, a team member in the Whole Body section of the Austin flagship store.
Discounts in the voluntary program range from the bronze level of 22 percent off for non-smokers with blood pressure of less than 140/90, cholesterol of less than 195 and a body mass index of less than 30.
The highest discount is 30 percent, for non-smokers with blood pressure of less than 110/70; cholesterol of less than 140 and a BMI of less than 24.
Some worry the discounts are weighted toward already-health employees, without much incentive for those who are badly out of shape or who have medical conditions that would prevent them from reaching those standards.
In response, Whole Foods points out the program is voluntary. A spokesman says the company will work with employees one-on-one to respond to any specific medical conditions.
