Baltimore Whole Foods criticized for feeding National Guard

Mary Bowerman | USA TODAY Network

Whole Foods faced backlash on social media after one of the Baltimore stores posted photos of National Guard members holding free food from the grocery chain.

People on Twitter and Facebook lashed out against Whole Foods and called the move tone deaf to the children in Baltimore public schools who were going without free lunch while schools were closed Tuesday over safety concerns.

According to the Baltimore City Public School District's website, 84% of its students receive free or reduced-price lunches.

One woman tweeted, "As Baltimore's poorest kids are left hungry due to school closure (no school lunch), @WholeFoods feed the oppressor."

Others pointed to a Five Guys restaurant that was also passing out free burgers to National Guard members.

Amid the criticism, Whole Foods Market Harbor East in Baltimore removed Instagram and Facebook posts that featured a picture of Guard members with the caption: "We teamed up with Whole Foods Mt. Washington to make sandwiches for the men and women keeping Baltimore safe. We are so thankful to have them here and they're pumped for Turkey & Cheese!"

Whole Foods issued a statement to ABC News that it is also providing "food and water to children across the city by partnering with rec centers and community organizations."

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