Whole Foods Market Nonprofit Foundations Raise $658,787 to Support Local and Global Communities

Whole Foods Market's three philanthropic foundations combined forces in a Communities Campaign in October to raise awareness and funds, enabling shoppers to join the retailer in efforts to alleviate global poverty, improve children’s nutrition and increase healthy food access in communities facing barriers. 

The $658,787 generously donated by shoppers and corporate partners will support each Foundation's mission. Whole Foods Market covers 100 percent of operating costs for the Foundations, creating a unique opportunity for shoppers to give with confidence that their donation goes directly to these causes during this global pandemic when the need is even greater.

Amplifying the Communities Campaign, Whole Foods Market’s corporate partner NCR Corporation joined with a $25,000 donation and UNFI, one of North America’s largest grocery distributors, donated $10,000.  Suppliers added their support to contribute $2,350,000 to the Foundations to carry out their missions in local and global communities. 

Suppliers donating to Whole Planet Foundation at the top giving level of $100,000 include Allegro Coffee Company, Naked Juice, Papyrus-Recycled Greetings and Wallaby Organic; and those donating $50,000 as members of the Supplier Alliance for Microcredit include Chobani, Frontier Co-Op, Hain Celestial, Hi-Ball Energy, Honest, KeVita, LÄRABAR, Peet’s Coffee, Sambazon, Seventh Generation, Stacy’s, Topo Chico and Traditional Medicinals. This $1,050,000 will alleviate poverty in the United States and around the globe.

Whole Kids Foundation is honored to have supplier support from Lead Sponsors: Honest Kids, Horizon Organic, Seeds of Change, Stonyfield Organic, Rainier Fruit and Tom’s of Maine as well as support from Core Sponsors: 88 Acres, Annie’s, Barbara’s Bakery, Clif Kid, Happy Family Organics, Kettle Brand, KIND Snacks, LÄRABAR, Late July, Orgain, Organic Valley, RXBAR and Spindrift Sparkling Water. The $1,300,000 raised will be invested in programs to improve nutrition for kids.

The Foundations are grateful to cashiers across Whole Foods Market stores who supported the Communities Campaign and to shoppers for their generosity.  The commitment from Whole Foods Market stakeholders to support local and global communities is stronger than ever. Thank you.

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About Whole Planet Foundation

Whole Planet Foundation's mission is to empower the world’s poorest people with microcredit and the chance to create or expand a business, mostly home-based, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. As of September 2020, the foundation is alleviating poverty through microfinance partners in the United States and 76 other countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America. To date, the nonprofit has disbursed $89 million through microlending partners worldwide, funding 4.5 million microloans and 24 million opportunities for a better life for microentrepreneurs and their family members. See the latest impact and learn more at wholeplanetfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Planet Foundation’s blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Whole Kids Foundation

Whole Kids Foundation supports schools and inspires families to improve children’s nutrition and wellness. Founded by Whole Foods Market in 2011, the independent, nonprofit organization is based in Austin, Texas, and serves schools and organizations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. For more information on the foundation’s school programs, including school gardens, salad bars, beehives and nutrition education for teachers, visit wholekidsfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Kids Foundation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About Whole Cities Foundation

Whole Cities Foundation works alongside community-based organizations to improve neighborhood health through collaborative partnerships, nutrition education, and broader access to fresh, healthy food. Founded by Whole Foods Market in 2014, the independent, nonprofit organization is based in Austin, Texas and has partnered with more than 190 community organizations in 100 cities across the U.S. to build thriving local food systems and improve health. Through vibrant grant programs, Whole Cities Foundation supports community gardens, urban farms, pop-up produce stands, agriculture skills development, farmers’ markets, mobile markets, healthy cooking classes and other community-directed initiatives. The Foundation’s signature medical nutrition program Let’s Talk Food is offered in Detroit, Newark, NJ and Chicago’s Greater Englewood neighborhood. For more information on the Foundation and its programs, visit wholecitiesfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Cities Foundation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.