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Have you applied for your $2,000 Garden Grant yet?
by Vanessa Hassele, December 5, 2011 | Permalink
The School Garden Grants Program is a collaboration between the Whole Kids Foundation, Whole Foods Market, and FoodCorps. Thanks to the generosity of Whole Foods Market customers and other partners, the Whole Kids Foundation is able to provide grants of $2,000 to support school garden projects in the U.S., U.K. and Canada.
Why Gardens?
School gardens are a vital educational tool. Every seed planted sprouts a new opportunity for kids to cultivate healthy eating habits. Teaching kids to garden helps them learn about complex topics like sustainability and conservation, food systems and community awareness. Not to mention an appreciation for food from seed to plate.
About the Grant Program
Learning about the process of growing food helps children develop a deep understanding of the connection between healthy eating and a healthy body. School gardens offer an opportunity to integrate math, science and health curriculum into a dynamic, interactive setting. They also provide a base of knowledge that allows children to take an active role in healthy food choices.
Apply
School garden grant applications will be accepted through 5pm CST, December 31, 2011. Learn more about the application process and apply for a school garden grant.
Categories: Uncategorized
Shop to support Miami-Dade school teachers
by Vanessa Hassele, August 11, 2011 | Permalink
On Thursday, August 11th we will donate 5% of the days net sales to The Education Fund.
Our Community Giving Day helps kick off recruiting for The Education Fund’s Teach-a-Thon, a walk-a-thon with a twist. Instead of walking, running or climbing stairs, volunteers train for a “teaching day.” As part of the training process, participants learn to value the role of the classroom teacher.
Flautist, composer and Latin Grammy Award winner Nestor Torres has graciously accepted The Education Fund’s invitation to serve as a “Celebrity Bagger” from 7 pm to 9 pm. Miami-Dade School Board member Martin Karp, and a host of local teachers, will also work the checkout lines as part of the day-long fundraiser.
All proceeds from the day will support the 2011 Teach-A-Thon scheduled for the first week in December. That’s when hundreds of professionals will step into an elementary, middle or high school classroom and try their hand at teaching. The Education Fund has hosted the Teach-A-Thon for seven years, raising more than $300,000 for local teachers. The money is used to buy school supplies, underwrite field trips and support other classroom activities.
Watch a video about the event now at: http://www.youtube.com/user/educationfund?feature=mhee
For further information, phone Stacey de la Grana at The Education Fund 305-892-5099 ext. 23
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Celebrate Hemp History Week
by aventura, May 2, 2011 | Permalink
by Alexia Case, May 1st, 2011
The second annual Hemp History Week (May 2-8) is here and we couldn’t be more excited! I’m sure you’re waiting for the punch line but Hemp History Week actually has a pretty serious mission—educating the public, debunking myths and changing public policy—to support the industrial hemp industry. Here are some interesting facts from the Hemp History Week website:
- Hemp was a staple crop in the U.S. from the 1600s until the 1850s.
- Since 1937 American farmers have basically been banned from growing hemp. Hemp used in products sold in the U.S. is imported from other countries, such as Canada.
- Hemp fiber is one of the strongest natural fibers and hemp is often used to strengthen plastics, paper, textiles and even building materials.
- Hemp can be grown without any pesticides or agricultural chemicals and, if so, is a non-toxic source of fiber for clothing.
- As a food, hemp is loaded with digestible protein, omega essential fatty acids (EFAs) and naturally occurring minerals.
- Hemp is not marijuana. It has little to no measurable THC and has no drug value.
Although the hemp plant has been cultivated for decades, it seems to only recently be garnering the attention it truly deserves. I can remember going to camp as a little girl and making hemp bracelets and anklets tied into funky knots with all of my friends. Now I can find that same plant in many of the products I enjoy every day:
Nature’s Path Organic Sunny Hemp Granola Bars
- Packed with seeds and grains — a yummy option for breakfast, lunch or snacking on the fly
- Made with a nutritious blend of organic hemp seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, juicy raisins and whole grains
- Organic, Non-GMO Project verified, vegan and 140 calories
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap
- Softening soap made with stimulating peppermint and moisturizing hemp oil
- Organic and Fair Trade Certified through the Swiss IMO “Fair for Life” program
- Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
- Since 2001, the Bronner family has funded legal, media, grassroots and lobbying efforts to re-commercialize industrial hemp
Manitoba Harvest Organic Shelled Hemp Seeds
- With protein and omega essential fatty acids
- Raw with a soft texture
- Hemp seeds can be enjoyed as a garnish, in recipes or straight from the bag
Living Harvest Tempt Original Hempmilk
- A rich, smooth and creamy non-dairy beverage
- Includes omega essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals
- Vegan, soy free and gluten free
- Living Harvest is committed to bringing the goodness of hemp to everyone
Nutiva Organic Hemp Oil
- Add this deliciously nutty, light-tasting oil to salad dressings, smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods and more
- Cold pressed and bottled in small batches
- With omega-3s and vitamin E
- Nutiva donates 1% of sales to sustainable agriculture groups
You could also celebrate this week by cooking up some great-tasting recipes that highlight the light, nutty flavor of hemp:
Hemp and Blueberry Corn Muffins
These are just some of the great ways to incorporate hemp into your diet. Have you tried any of these hemp products or recipes recently? Click on the links above to rate them and share your comments. You can also tell us what your favorite hemp product is in the comments below.
Categories: Uncategorized
Make a global impact!
by Vanessa Hassele, February 7, 2011 | Permalink
Whole Planet Foundation Fundraiser
Wednesday, February 23rd – Thursday, March 31st
2011 Prosperity Campaign
Want to make a difference in the world but do not know where to start?
Throughout late February and all of March, Whole Foods Market cashiers will be taking register donations for the Whole Planet Foundation. 100% of the donations generated will go directly to the micro-lending programs in 25 countries around the world.
The Whole Planet Foundation seeks to unleash the energy and creativity of every human being they work with in order to create wealth and prosperity in emerging economies. Help us reach our 2011 goal of $2.5 million and be a part of this global solution to eradicate poverty. Stay tuned for special in-store events and for more information on the Whole Planet Foundation visit www.wholeplanetfoundation.org.
Categories: Uncategorized
Recipe Contest: Win a $400 Whole Foods Market Gift Card
by Vanessa Hassele, December 3, 2010 | Permalink
Earth Balance, a line of all-natural healthy buttery spreads, shortenings and nut butters has joined forces with Whole Foods Market to launch the first-ever Earth Balance Holiday Bakeoff on the company’s new online community.
From November 29 to December 26, Earth Balance invites home bakers to submit their original holiday recipes on its new website for a chance to win a $400 Whole Foods Market gift card, a year’s supply of Earth Balance products and an opportunity to have their recipe featured on WholeFoodsMarket.com.
“We’re excited to provide a platform where health enthusiasts, foodies and home cooks alike can showcase recipes, swap photos and baking tips and share their love for delicious, wholesome food, including all-natural vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free dishes,” said TJ McIntyre, general manager of Earth Balance. “We can’t wait to see and taste the delicious treats our at-home bakers have to share.”
Each week, Earth Balance will debut a new dessert category for entry submissions including: pies, dessert bars, cookies and cakes. To qualify, all recipe submissions must fit the weekly category, be made with all-natural ingredients, contain at least one Earth Balance product including spreads, sticks, nut butters and soy milk, and be entered with a photo of the final culinary creation.
A team of culinary experts which includes representatives from Whole Foods and Earth Balance will select two winning recipes each week based on culinary appeal, ease of preparation and creativity for a total of eight bakeoff winners.
“We are excited to be part of this competition and to support innovation in the kitchen using all-natural and organic ingredients,” said Errol Schweizer, senior global grocery coordinator for Whole Foods Market. “Earth Balance products taste awesome and are a great vegan option, so it will be cool to see what our customers come up with.”
For more information on the Earth Balance Holiday bakeoff, please visit: MadeJustRight.com, WholeFoodsMarket.com, Alicia Silverstone’s TheKindLife.com or AlisonSweeney.com.
Categories: Uncategorized
Support the Cure, Locally
by Vanessa Hassele, October 3, 2010 | Permalink
The Mitzvah Chapter of Hadassah has partnered with Olympia Gym and Whole Foods market of Aventura to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness with a day of fundraising called “Fit for Pink”.
On Sunday, October 10th from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm the gym will be holding special classes with some of the finest instructors in South Florida, including Yoga with Ganipati, Spinning with Billy Garcia, Body Forging with Kevin Philion and Zumba with Armando and his Dancers.
When Debbie Miller, President of the Chapter first approached Olympia to host this she had a vision but the response has far exceeded her expectations.
Not only were Olympia Gym and Whole Foods Market on board, but the contributing sponsors for the raffles consist of Celebrity Cruises, renowned artist Romero Britto, The Forge, Lucky Strike Lanes, Sher Galleries, Broadway Across America, Prime 112, Gables Stage, Zen Zen Salon, Phillips Frankel, Fendi, Contour Day Spa, Maui Jim, City Bikes, Massage Envy, Big Pink, Sage Bistro, to name a few.
100% percent of the money collected will be donated to Hadassah earmarked for breast cancer research, treatment and education through Hadassah Hospital.
Hadassah is known for the extensive work and breakthroughs in the fight against Breast Cancer. This year for the first time, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has partnered with Hadassah and will be collaborating on events in Jerusalem, United States and worldwide with a week of outreach activities October 25-29th.
Join us Sunday, October 10 at Olympia Gym, 20335 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura from 11:30am – 5:00pm.
For more information about this amazing event, please contact Susan Jaffe c/o Susanjaffedesign@aol.com or Debbie Miller c/o Boxahpowah@aol.com.
Categories: Uncategorized
Winning recipe of the Week!
by Vanessa Hassele, May 29, 2010 | Permalink
Congratulations to Ellen Cohen Young who won a $50.00 Whole Foods Market gift card for her Summer recipe this week!
“Lite & Refreshing Grilled Chicken Salad”
Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of fresh lemon, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Grill, and cut into strips.
Toss with a mix of arugula, and watercress.
Add a small dice of red onion, and some grape tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts.
Drizzle with fresh lemon and …olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
Categories: Uncategorized
American Cheddar has never been the same …
by aventura, March 11, 2010 | Permalink
American cheddar has never been the same since the Kehler brothers finished the state-of-the-art aging cave in the rolling hillside of their Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, Vt. Just witness their unique collaboration with cheddar juggernaut Cabot, which ages 35-pound wheels there wrapped English-style in breathable cloth bandages rubbed in lard, not the typical wax. The result, after 10 to 12 months, is a far more artisanal creation than the typical Cabot supermarket brick. More akin to a British farmhouse style, this stunningly complex cheese is more earthy than “sharp,” with flavors of mushroom, nuts and toffee, with an occasional blue veining near the rind and tiny protein crystals in the center that add extra sparks to the densely creamy paste.
Cabot Clothbound cheddar by Jasper Hill, $23.99 a pound at local Whole Foods Markets.
– Craig LaBan, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Categories: Uncategorized
Can a banana a day keep depression away?
by aventura, January 25, 2010 | Permalink
Believe it or not, eating a banana every day facilitates both cross talk among your brain and the effect of certain neurotransmitters (like serotonin and its precursors). These two effects may mean that eating a banana a day helps keep the therapist away by preventing recurring minor depression. Plus, besides coffee, bananas are our largest source of anti-oxidants. You read that right!
Our Whole Trade Bananas are sourced from growers with a commitment to producing top quality bananas with transparent and responsible environmental and social practices. One of our primary suppliers is EARTH University, a nonprofit university in Costa Rica dedicated to advancing education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture in the tropics. EARTH University bananas are grown on a Rainforest Alliance certified farm.
At EARTH, students from around the world study a range of subjects related to sustainable development and environmental preservation. Graduates return to their home countries to share their knowledge of innovative agricultural techniques and ethical business practices.
For more than twenty years, EARTH’s farm managers, faculty, students, and graduates, have been experimenting on the on-campus banana farm. The result is commercial banana production that has a significantly reduced impact on the environment, and which strives to have a positive impact on the lives of its employees and their communities.
Ana Laurent Guzman lives in San Luis de Guácimo, Costa Rica and has worked at EARTH’s banana farm for 6 years. When asked what it means to work at EARTH, Ana answered: “It’s very important because the quality of life that this job gives us is very good. We have many benefits and advantages for us and for our families, and the treatment we receive as workers is very good. In brief I can say I’m proud to work at EARTH.”
All of EARTH’s profits from the sale of its bananas support the school and provide much needed student scholarships. For more information please visit www.earth-brand.org
Categories: Uncategorized
Liberty City Outreach: Feeding Those Most In Need
by aventura, December 1, 2009 | Permalink
Considering how streamlined our processes for receiving and distribution in a store are, you would think that coordinating a few daily donations would be a cake-walk. Far from it.
In spite of the numerous organizations in our surrounding areas in need of food donations, and the many food pantries that have seen their doors close the past year due to lack of funds; organizing an effective donation process remains a constant challenge.
Often the food pantries in greatest need have the least support. No trucks to pick-up goods, insufficient refrigeration to maintain perishables, and most frequently; not enough volunteers (or at least steady ones) to maintain consistency within the programs themselves.
Pair those difficulties with the on-site storage challenges our stores face and you can see why many donation programs fall apart. In order to effectively carry out a successful donation program a high level of communication and daily coordination is required between multiple departments. Factor in the sanitation requirements that need to be maintained, and the constant struggle for adequate space in smaller stores and you have quite a task ahead of you.
Fortunately, the team members at Whole Foods Market Aventura have found a way to overcome these obstacles and work together efficiently.
Last spring our Receiving TM, Stefania Sgarrini arrived each morning to the same disturbing scene. Rolling lugs and shopping carts filled to the brim with produce trimmings and bruised fruits and vegetables earmarked for donation, but rarely picked up by food banks. At the time our Aventura location had tried unsuccessfully to work with several local food pantries, but due to their dependence upon volunteers their pick-up times were often sporadic, frequently forcing us to dispose of perishables in order to maintain strict sanitation codes.
About the same time our Store Team Leader; Evan Schmiedehaus was approached by the food pantry at Liberty City Outreach. Established by the Apostolic Revival Center 39 years ago, this operation is currently spearheaded by Director Judy Holmes. Holmes, a former Carroll City Middle School teacher and Miami-Dade police officer who knew firsthand the desperate needs of many local families and was not above begging surrounding businesses to assist in her cause.
Funded by a small United Way grant and dependent mainly on USDA in-kind donations, Liberty City Outreach Center’s shoe-string budget often left them desperate and barely able to meet the needs of the locals constantly knocking on their doors. With more and more families out of work, and seniors unable to stretch their social security any further, they reached out to Whole Foods Market Aventura for help.
Knowing the challenges of working with food pantries, not to mention one staffed entirely by volunteers, we began small. We started by requesting a designated ‘staging area’ for donations. Being an older, smaller location, storage space is tough to find and highly coveted. Being persistent paid off though and we began with four small plastic bins stuck high on a shelf; labeled for cans, glass, boxes, and cleaning supplies. Little by little TM’s began to take notice and the boxes began to get filled with random items.
In the past six months, this program has grown exponentially. Internally our TL’s have been instrumental in designating space in their receiving areas for staging of these donated items. From our first set of four sad little boxes alone on a high shelf, we now have several U-boats picked up seven days a week, filled with fresh Produce, Dairy and Dry Goods.
On average, we currently donate between 4K – 5K lbs per week to Liberty City Outreach. In addition to canned goods, shelf stable items and toiletries; their donations usually includes up to 3 U-Boats per week of Dairy items, including fresh milk and eggs which the FDA does not currently provide them with.
The response from Liberty City Outreach has been tremendous. Judy Holmes says “We are now able to feed between 1,900 and 2,000 families per month with a higher quality of food than we have ever received before. Families are now receiving fresh vegetables and fruits twice per week”- dietary components that many would be forced to go without otherwise.
Although originally started as a part of the Apostolic Revival Center; Dr. Gilbert S. Smith, Pastor and First Lady Geneva O. Smith have ensured that everyone in need is eligible to receive food. Director Judy Holmes explains; “As per USDA guidelines, there are no requirements for proof of income, we deny no one. It would be unfair to judge who should receive and who should not. If they are waiting on these lines, they need it.”
In spite of being officially ‘retired’ and not paid for her work at Liberty City Outreach, Judy often keeps a full-time schedule filled with coordinating, receiving and distributing donations. And while she will beg unabashedly for food donations, she is much more humble about any extra bells and whistles the center requires. A perfect illustration of this was her response to my question about a contact number and recorded info for anyone interested in their services. Accustomed to working frugally, Judy instantly responded ‘Oh no dear. We don’t have money for any extras like an answering machine’.
While she would never ask for them, those ‘extras’ Judy describes are needed, desperately. Short on refrigeration space, and working with broken-down rolling carts – Judy’s one ‘wish list’ request was an electric typewriter. I told her quite honestly that I wasn’t even sure I could find one, but what about a used computer and printer. Her response, “Oh my, this must be a dream”.
Recently several TM’s spent a day at Liberty City Outreach. Many spent the morning packing bags and boxes with fresh groceries and canned goods to be handed out that afternoon. Seeing the long line of people waiting in the heat, including many elderly recipients, Whole Body ATL Dawn Johnson was especially touched. “This was a very humbling experience, and made me realize how many people are in need and how much more I want to help out, especially the elderly.”
To find out more about how you can help, contact Judy Holmes at #305-696-3612 from 10am -5pm Mondays and Fridays, (or
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