How a little goes a long way; The Whole Planet Foundation

by Poplar, February 17, 2010 | Permalink

The prosperity campaign to benefit The Whole Planet Foundation started today at all Whole Foods Markets in the U.S. It’s our annual drive to generate funds for microcredit loans throughout the world.

If you’re like me, you always say yes to adding the dollar to your bill at any store for almost any charity. And you hope that a dollar can really make a difference and do some good, but sometimes you feel like you just put a tiny drop in the bucket.

What resonates with me about The Whole Planet foundation is that A) Whole Foods Market pays all of the operational costs and overhead for the organization, so every dollar donated is lent to someone in need, and B) that it’s 100% proven that a little bit can make a big difference.

Want to see it yourself? Check out some of the really amazing stories at www.wholeplanetfoundation.org 

Microloans are generally less then $200, and they are given to the poorest of the poor in developing countries. In the case of The Whole Planet Foundation, they are currently distributed in 18 countries, and 98% of the loans are given to women. This is because in many of these countries, women are the most severely impoverished and often without any means of providing for themselves or their families.

So here is the life of a $200 microloan-

It is lent to a woman who wants to start a business. Perhaps it is used to buy a dairy cow for milk, or the supplies needed to weave baskets. It is repaid to the foundation lender by the entrepreneur, once they are up and running. 97% of the loans are paid in full.

That microloan is then lent again to another entrepreneur in that same community, who will start another business and repay the loan. So imagine giving a $200 donation that in one loan, creates the means for a woman to sustain herself (and generally up to 4 others) for a lifetime. Then that same donation is lent in the same community over and over again, building several small businesses, establishing definitive means to combat poverty and create sustainability. It’s like a single loan could change a whole community.

I know when I step back and put that in perspective, I think of all the little things I spend money on, how fast $200 can leave my bank account, and moreover, how none of those transactions helped pull a community out of poverty. So I’m giving up the fancy coffees and the weekend restaurants and becoming a full loan donor during this years campaign.

A full loan donation is $200 to the Whole Planet Foundation (tax-deductable; bonus points), and at the Poplar store, full loan donors get a nifty T-shirt, a goody bag full of products from the companies that also support the Whole Planet Foundation, and an invite to a VIP dinner in April. In addition, the first 5 full loan donors in Memphis get a copy of Muhammad Yunus’ Banker to The Poor.  He’s considered the father of microlending, and it’s a pretty amazing read.

But being a full loan donor isn’t the only way to give. Every little bit helps, even the change jingling around in the depths of your purse or pocket. Or you can always utilize this campaign to do some group fundraising! It’s a great excuse to have some friends over for a potluck fundraiser, and really feel good about it when you’re done.

There are also some pretty exciting events lined up to raise funds and awareness at the store. Local chefs have very generously donated their time and talent to give cooking classes in March and all proceeds will benefit The Whole Planet Foundation! So you can give AND receive! We will have chefs from Fuel Cafe, Interim and Napa Cafe, as well as the Editor of Edible Memphis in the store giving some great classes. There is also a dessert tasting lined up for March 14th! For a small donation, you can judge the team member dessert cookoff featuring ingredients from the companies that support The Whole Planet Foundation via the Suppliers Alliance for Microcredit. So you get to taste a bunch of desserts, vote for your favorite, (which enters you to win some yummy prizes), and all for a really good cause. Sounds like a pretty good Sunday, right?

Make sure you check out the website, grab some info at the store, or talk to some team members about the foundation. I think you will be inspired! I know I am.

www.wholeplanetfoundation.org

Time for LOVE

by Poplar, February 10, 2010 | Permalink

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s time to show some love!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Sure diamonds are nice, but sometimes the best gift is a little effort and a lot of romance. I don’t know about you, but good food is always an essential ingredient in the perfect Valentine’s Day. It can be a candlelit dinner for two at the dining table, or a festive dinner for all your loves, be it spouse, kiddies, family or best friends. Either way, we can make it easy and affordable, and still let you feel like you got a table at the best restaurant in town. We have delicious pre-made meals (that you can take ALL the credit for, we don’t mind), adorable little chocolate ganache cakes, and for the cooks, we have a pretty amazing surf & turf deal going on the 12th-14th in the meat & seafood department.

On Saturday, from 1pm-3pm, there is a smart sweetheart event, so that you can come in and taste some of the amazing options, see the great gift ideas, and leave knowing you will be a smart sweetheart this year. No doghouse for you. Some suggestions? How about 2 dozen roses for $19.99. Seriously, 24 roses. And they are beautiful too- from traditional red to antique purple to bright yellow and orange. We also have chocolates, oils, robes, bath sets, cards, and gifts for the kiddies too! Make it a one stop shopping trip.

Sunday, you can show your love what you would do to impress them! How about kiss a fish? Not an ordinary fish, mind you, a giant monkfish who has snarly teeth and whiskers. If you pucker up, you can get a free lobster tail for your valentine when you buy one for you. And a photo to share the moment

Starting tomorrow, we will have a giant tent in the parking lot. You can come in and grab flowers, arrangements, gifts, desserts and more. It will be fully staffed, so if you’re feeling undecided, trust me, we can help. We can give you recipes, romantic dinner ideas, great gift options, and best of all, the confidence that you are going to be a valentines success this year!

Health Starts Here * A sneak peek

by Poplar, January 15, 2010 | Permalink

Recently, Whole Foods Market adopted a 7th core value. “We believe in promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education and support.” If you know us, you know our core values aren’t just a sign on the wall or an interview tagline. Our core values are an integral part of who we are, how we act in our communities, and moreover, they are the underlying “consultant” for all company decisions and progress. So this new core value is pretty fundamental to us. Of course, I think it’s existed, but gone unspoken for quite some time. We have always been a good resource for healthy eating and high quality natural foods. But now we really want to put some power behind it and bring it to the forefront.

We all know that America has a staggering obesity epidemic. We know that current childhood obesity is unparralelled and that many diseases are associated with poor diet, from diabetes to heart disease. So as a country, and as a community, it just seems like the right thing to do. We all have to start somewhere, and we are happy to take the reigns.

So what does all this mean? It is definitely a work in progress with many new branches that are being actualized everyday. And it will be an ongoing effort- it’s not just a campiagn, as I said, it’s a core value- which to us means forever. But here are the basic four areas of focus for us; plant based foods, whole foods, low fat foods and nutrient dense foods. And that might seem like a no brainer to some folks, but it can be harder then it seems to decipher what is the best option. Moreover, it’s important to us that we dispell the misconception that healthy eating is bland and boring! Food should be the fuel that we need to function, but still be fun and enjoyable!

So to start, January 20th, you will see some info in the store that will help folks who are moving toward healthy eating. You might see ANDI scoring on products in the store. ANDI is the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index, and it scores food by it’s nutrient value. So when you’re shopping, you might grab the kale instead of spinach, knowing it is richer in nutrients. You might see some really great books availble like the Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn. In addition, we will host healthy eating events, and healthy cooking classes in the store throughout the year, and there will be lots of online support available via our website.

We’re also partnering with Eat Right America to educate people about the Nutrition Prescription, the nations only online personal nutrient assessment and eating plan, which is a 28-day getting started program! to check it out go to www.eatrightamerica.com/wfm or www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthstartshere

Are we wiping our isles clean of organic chips and natural cookies? Definitely not. We belive in enjoying food and celebrating indulgences in moderation. With our high quality standards, we know we have the best options available. But for those of us who want a fresh start, a lifestyle change, and need a little motivation, we’re here for you, and will continue to be throught the year.

This is My Year To…

by Poplar, December 29, 2009 | Permalink

This is my year to… That’s easy, get more involved in my community. It didn’t take me long to decide on that for my new year’s resolution, it’s something I’ve been wanting to do. I’ve never made a new year’s resolution before. If I have they’ve been silly – one year was giving up choclat and only eat healthy. Yep, misspelled on purpose.  My 8th grade teacher made us write it down. She wanted me to correct it, but there was no way I was giving up chocolate! I didn’t know what to do as a resolution. I could always do the usual generic be a better person, or do better in school. But I knew I wouldn’t stick with them. I get bored easy. And if I’m not getting anything out of doing something, I’ll find something else. That’s why this year is getting involved in my community. This way I can eat local, shop local, volunteer and who knows what else. Depends what I come up with. I’d like to pick something new each month. In my search to decide, (I wanted some reassurance I wasn’t the only one who didn’t stick with a resolution), I looked it up online, and there are some great ones I would like to share. They made me laugh, and I decided that is going to be my January goal. Laugh often.

Start buying lottery tickets at a luckier store.

I will keep an extra safe distance when driving behind police cars.

I will not bore my boss with the same excuse for taking leaves. I will think of some more excuses.

I will avoid taking a bath whenever possible and conserve more water. (see, even threw another green tip in there for you!)

I will not ring the stewardess button on airplanes just to get her phone number.

If you have to have a serious resolution Whole Foods can help! We’ve got great tools that you can use to eat healthy and lose weight, learn how to cook, where to volunteer, how to shop on a budget and even how to get your kids involved. The new Whole Deal will be out Jan. 1 and has great ideas. Check out our store calendar for great cooking classes and healthy lifestyle classes. And I’ll be seeing you there – another goal of mine is to learn to cook! (This could get dangerous…)

I know our Whole Body team members love to see you and help you with whatever you need, but, what if you could know as much as them?! Watch our Whole Body podcasts, there’s a new one every month. Make it your goal to be as healthy as possible this year!

Remember, have fun with your resolution! Don’t stress, just pick something you’ve always wanted to do. Doesn’t matter how simple, if it makes you happy, go for it!

And we want to know what you’re doing! Check out our This Is My Year To… board in the store. Add your resolutions and see what our customers and team members are doing for the new year! I can’t wait to see what everyone’s plans are! (Anyone up for being Facebook friends with the mother in law?)

The perfect $2 gift

by Poplar, December 18, 2009 | Permalink

2010 is almost here! A really great gift or stocking stuffer idea is the new Whole Planet Foundation 2010 calendar. It features photographs of inspiring entrepreneurs from Peru, Bolivia, India, Haiti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Guatemala, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, the United States and East Timor. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill calendar! This one not only helps you keep track of your busy life but also helps you save on your favorite products with over $30 in coupons and all proceeds from the sale of these calendars benefit WPF microcredit clients. All that for $2. Seriously, $2!!! You can buy one for everyone in your office and they will think of how caring you are every single month. You can buy one for your kid’s school teachers, it’s useful and educational! And anyone who is a Whole Foods Market shopper will love it for the amazing coupons alone. It’s like giving a $32 present for $2!

Pick up your copy (or two or three!) of the WPF 2010 Calendar at our store now through January.  Tomorrow would be a great time, because from 1pm-3pm we have a gift giving event to help you with your last minute shopping needs!

If you don’t know what The Whole Planet Foundation is, feel free to do some reading here! http://wholeplanetfoundation.org It’s an amazing foundation that is helping to bring the world out of poverty one family at a time. You can support it by purchasing products that support The Whole Planet Foundation in our store, such as the delicious new drink craze CasCal, or the original founders including Allegro Coffee Company, Back to Nature, Balance Bar, Celestial Seasonings, Earth’s Best, Ito En, Naked Juice, New Chapter, Seventh Generation, Stacy’s, Teas’ Tea and Whole Foods Market. You can also purchase the song “Hear me now” on Itunes, and 50% of the proceeds will benefit the foundation! You can check out the video for free here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN3e7qdQaxY

It’s really wonderful to give gifts that give back, and this is gift that is great for anyone, and costs less then a latte. Hope to see you tomorrow!

Gifts that Give Back

by Poplar, November 29, 2009 | Permalink

Now that turkey time is over, we hardley have time to relax before we get to start all over again gearing up for December holidays. You might be gift giving, or entertaining, or attending an unusual amount of parties. With everything in high speed, we sometimes tend to drop some of our regular  “do good” convictions in trade for holiday convenience. Whether it’s bags of wrapping paper in the trash, or the fast food we pick up while shopping, it’s easy to let things slide this time of year! But we can help. On all fronts!

First, we can share tons of green tips for your holidays! Like using our adorable Better Bags as your gift bags this year. They cost less then the frilly gift bags, they are made from 80% recycled plastic, and they won’t go in the trash! They are a gift in a gift! A reusable shopping bag for your recipient. There will be green tips online and in the store all month long

Second, we can help with gift giving. We have an amazing selection of gifts priced under $15, under $10 and even under $5. And we encourage gifts that give back! You can buy local Baklava, local soaps and local candied nuts as the perfect holiday gift, and feel good that you are suppoting the local community and helping to save the environment! Gifts like FEED 100 Bags are only $10, the purchase of which feeds 100 school children in Rwanda. That’s a great gift. Or something simple, like a Green Bottle! Eco-friendly, adorable, and will stop the use of hundreds of plastic water bottles! Those are just a few- there are so many more. You can come in to our holiday event on Saturday, December 12th, 1pm-3pm and see tons of great gift ideas (including gifts from the kitchen!) and taste our December holiday items.

Lastly, and often most overlooked this time of year, we can help you with food. Of course, we can help you with your holiday parties, entertaining on a budget, serving high quality delicious foods, and even preparing them for you. But, we can also help you during the late night shopping trips, between running the kids to their December programs, and when you simply don’t have the time to cook a meal for your family. Skip the fast food line and come see us. Our value meals are only $14.99 and feed up to 4 people, GOOD, QUALITY food! We have whole pizzas made with all natual ingredients, grab and go items that you simply heat and serve, and a fresh salad and hot bar every day. You can have value, convenience AND good food-it’s a win win situation.

So come in and see us. Feel free to ask for help and ideas! That’s what we’re here for. I highly reccomend checking out our holiday page www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays It’s packed with great info for this time of year including cooking videos, recipes, gift ideas, green tips and more!

Whole Foods Market & The Memphis Farmers Market

by Poplar, October 28, 2009 | Permalink

We were so happy to sponsor the Memphis Farmers Market 2009 Harvest Celebration! It is Sunday, November 8th, 4pm-7pm at Central Station downtown. Memphis Farmers Market will be closing out the season in style, and we will be there to help celebrate!

Premier Memphis restaurants will be offering tastings from their delicious menus- Food from Restaurant Iris, Cafe Society, Interim Restaurant, Majestic Grill and of course, Whole Foods Market- just to name a few. There will be an open bar, live music and live and silent auctions! All proceeds will benefit the 2010 operation of the Memphis Farmers Market- a worthy cause to say the least.

Whole Foods Market is donating a “stock your pantry” shopping spree of our exclusive brand 365 products worth $500! How great would that be right before the holidays? We are also donating a full Thanksgiving dinner for 10-12 featuring our fresh, all natural turkey and all the delicious sides. Other great prizes will be available from generous community businesses and services in both the live and silent auction.

Everyone will receive a FEED 100 bag from Whole Foods Market and the Memphis Farmers Market. This is a great reusable bag (perfect for shopping the store and the market)! Each of these bags fund 100 meals for school children in Rewanda. Whole Foods Market is happy to make that donation in honor of each ticket holder.

Tickets are available at our customer service desk! $45 a ticket, or $80 a pair

You don’t want to miss this fun fall eveing. Great food, great prizes, and great people, all to benefit a great attribute to our Memphis community- The Memphis Farmers Market! See you there!

Happy Birthday to us!

by Poplar, October 21, 2009 | Permalink

It seems like just yesterday we were hanging the Whole Foods Market sign on the sign of the building! We were diligently planning store upgrades and grand opening events, and eagerly anticipating jumping in to the Memphis community. It’s been such a fast year! This weekend, Whole Foods Market Memphis is officially one year old, and we plan to celebrate in Whole Foods Market style! WITH FOOD!

This Sunday from 1pm-4pm, come join us in our festivities. Of course, there will be cake! And we will be hosting a chili cooking contest in which you get to be the judge! Our team members will be fighting for the title of meanest Chili in Memphis, and they certainly aren’t holding back. Everything from no bean chili, to vegetarian chili, white chili to turkey chili- it definitely won’t be an easy call for the judges. But it sure will be fun to try. Tasters not only get to taste the great recipes, they get to take them home! And tasting cups will be randomly marked for fun Whole Foods Market prizes.

In addition, we will have birthday dancing, lots of sampling and birthday door prizes! Make sure you come see us.

Things that we are proud of in this, our first year…

*Working with over 25 local farmers and artisans to bring amazing products to our shelves while supporting the local community.

*Raising over $1800 in 10¢ bag refunds for local charities. That’s 18,000 refunds, and 18,000 bags you helped us keep out of landfills!

*Our full circle composting in which we send elligible food waste from the store and have it returned to us as rich, earth friendly compost.

*Our new Gimmie5 program that gives Memphians a way to recycle #5 plastic! (See last blog post)

*The amazing organizations that we have formed solid relationships with- from Edible Memphis, to the Memphis Farmers Market, to Shelby Farms Park Alliance to ArtsMemphis. Just to name a few

*Our 5-step animal welfare program in which the treatment of farm animals is as highly regarded as the fact that they aren’t treated with antibiotics or hormones, that they are fed vegetarian diets and the quality of the meat is unparalleled.

*MOSTLY, we’re proud that you support us. Proud that we have customers that aren’t just faces, they are friends! Proud that you look to us as a resource for natural and organic, for living green and being healthy, and of course, for amazing delicious food. And we hope to keep upping the bar- keep serving the Memphis community, and always keep true to our values.  So Happy Birthday to us! We thank you so much!

……And Many More…….

Recycle More Memphis! High 5!

by Poplar, October 11, 2009 | Permalink

We all know Memphis is- let’s say “slightly behind”- when it comes to living green. Many cities have recycling bins 3x the size of the trash recepticals for residential pick up, because that should be the proper ratio! Many cities recycle several plastics, mixed glass and even designate special “hazardous material” pick up days! Many cities offer cash incentives for recycling! We may not be there yet, but we’re getting there Memphis! Don’t give up!

As a city, Memphis doesn’t take #5 plastics for recycling. But so many things are packaged in #5 food-grade light weight plastic. Yogurt, medicine, detergent, butter- you name it. And if you’re anything like me, your heart sinks a little when you flip that container over and realize it’s going right in the trash. As a company, Whole Foods Market realized that we package in #5 plastic, but don’t offer a way to recycle it- and that just isn’t the way we operate. We believe in sustainability whole-heartedly.

BUT NOW THERE IS A WAY! Whole Foods Market was thrilled to partner with Preserve on the GIMMIE 5 program! If you aren’t familiar with Preserve- they make the most amazing things out of recycled plastic. Kitchenware, toothbrushes, razors etc. They are super stylie and more importantly, 100% recycled. And now you can turn your #5 plastic in to these super cool Preserve items!

Whole Foods Market now has a receptical in the dairy isle for your #5 plastic! You bring it in, we ship it to Preserve and they turn it in to all kinds of cool things! Which we sell in the store! And when your Preserve items are worn out- do it all over again! The Preserve items can be recycled too!

This program is sponsored by Stonyfield Farms and Organic Valley, because they understand the importance of being able to recycle the packaging their wonderful products come in. So help us spread the word and support the program! Check out the signs in the store for more details, or visit www.preserveproducts.com/gimmie5

Let’s get recycling!

Tailgating Touchdowns

by Poplar, September 10, 2009 | Permalink

Well sportsfans, it’s once again time to enjoy good food, good beer and good games. Whether it is heading to the game hours before kickoff to stake claim in the parkinglot, or serving a rowdy crowd at home on Sunday, we all know the competition extends far beyond the game itself. Everyone wants the title of best tailgater. Best Sunday grub. Most delicious beer selection.

So let us help you win this year! You can take all the credit- we won’t tell.

Our meat will set your grill apart. Our quality standards include no antibiotics, no growth hormones, and no byproducts in feed. We have a huge variety of meat and cuts, including sausages, grill ready kebobs and fresh regional beef. Your crowd will taste the difference! Our seafood is fresh, our crabcakes are amazing, and you know where everything comes from. No guessing games with us. Vegetarians, don’t sweat it! We have some delicious veggie friendly items too! Check out our weekly specials-you’re sure to find a great deal.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/poplar/

Let’s talk beer! We have an amazing selection of beer cornered in the back of the store by the community room. Yazoo is a Nashville favorite. Sierra Nevada Anniversary ale is on sale through Tuesday! For a lighter fruity beer, Pyramid Apricot Ale is quite delicious. Lefthand Sawtooth Ale from Colorado is a customer favorite that flies off the shelf. And just beacuse you have celiac disease doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good brew. Redbridge makes a Gluten Free beer that is quite tasty! If you want to mix it up, there are several ways- we have American Craft & European Brew variety packs that feature several different domestic or import beers. Or you can create your own 6-pack for $8.99. Flying Dog also has an amazing variety pack featuring 6 of their bottled brews. Beer-check.

Our produce department has fresh guacamole and heirloom tomato salsa! Our prepared food department has wings wings wings! And so many other favorites to compliment your grill. Don’t forget dessert! Our bakery has 2 bite cupcakes that are to die for! Order early and get them iced in your team color! And if you want to make things easy, we have a full catering menu featuring cheese trays, veggie platters, breakfast platters, shrimp cocktail, wing platters, dip platters and more.

So perhaps you aren’t 100% sold on Whole Foods Market being your one stop tailgating shop. But I know you will be if you give us a try. So come in September 19th, 1pm-3pm for our Tasty Tailgating Event! You can taste delcious tailgating foods from every department. Fill out our tailgating scorecard and you can win a $100 tote filled with all your party needs. The first 50 folks to show off their team jersey in the store get a prize! There will be recipes, lots of food, and good old fashioned gameday fun!