Annually, we dedicate a full week of appreciating our Team Members in all of the stores.  This week can consist of fun, food, activities, anything depending on what the team members want.  To celebrate our Boca team members, we had a week’s worth of events, Monday through Sunday consisting of sharing delicious food, giveaways, a carwash, a grill out with lawn games, an evening at Boomers to ride go carts and have fun, a free lunch day if they donated a canned good for a local charity, and so much more. 

Providing education, growth opportunities and ongoing support to our team members has made us one of the top companies to work for, year after year.  So to our team members, WE APPRECIATE YOU!

WHO: Asparagus

WHAT: Spring Vegetable, Flowering Perennial

WHERE: Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia, Peru, US

WHEN: Spring!

WHY: Fiber, Protein, Vitamin K, A, B & Iron-Vision & Overall Antioxidant Boost

USES: Look for asparagus during the spring of each year, when the flavorful, fragrant stalks are at their best. This vegetable goes particularly well with roasted or grilled fish, but it’s equally delicious roughly chopped and tossed into hot pasta or whole grains, too.

RECIPES:

Roasted Asparagus- http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/1264

Stir Fried Beef with Asparagus- http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/3040

WHAT: Root Vegetable

WHERE: North America

WHEN: Fall/Winter

WHY:

Fiber=Digestion      Vitamin C=Immunity     

Unlike carrots, parsnips contain no beta-carotene, but they do provide fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium, Vitamins C and E, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and B6.

HOW:

Parsnips are related to carrots, but some say they are sweeter especially when cooked.  Great in soups, stews and casseroles.

Beef & Beer Stew with Parsnips : http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/356

Roasted Parsnips with & Sweet Potatoes with Honey Pecan Drizzle: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/1718

More info about Parsnips:

Selecting

Look for well-shaped, small, firm parsnips. Large, older parsnips require more peeling and have a woody core.

Storing

Like carrots, parsnips will keep for weeks in the refrigerator in a plastic bag.

Using

Parsnips should be scrubbed rather than peeled. Take care not to overcook them or they will become mushy. Parsnips have a mild celery-like fragrance and a sweet, nutty flavor. They are one of the most versatile for cooking and add complexity to stews, soups and mashed potatoes. They also make excellent “chips.”

Nutrition Information

Unlike carrots, parsnips contain no beta-carotene, but they do provide fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium, Vitamins C and E, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and B6.

WHAT: Cruciferous Leafy Green/Cabbage

WHERE: North America, Central America, Europe, Africa & Asia

WHEN: Winter

WHY: ANDI-Aggregate Nutrient Density Index Score of 1000   

What is A.N.D.I- http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthstartshere/andi.php

Vitamin K-Healthy Heart, Vitamin A-Strong Eyes, Vitamin C-Immune Booster

HOW:

Vegetarian Tuscan Kale & White Bean Soup-www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2451

Kale, Carrot & Avocado Salad  wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2721

Don’t feel like cooking? Try our Kalicious Smoothie in Bakery or my personal favorite, Garlicky Kale-Available in the Prepared Foods Chef’s Case.

1.Shop the Sales-Every Wednesday we introduce the Weekly Specials Flyer, but there are thousands of sales throughout the store on a daily basis!

2.Click for Coupons-Not only do we offer coupons in our Whole Deal Booklet (available at Customer Service), but you can also access coupons online to plan your shopping.  Click here to start downloading them: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/ 

3.Go for 365 Everyday Value®-the broadest selection of natural and organic products at the best prices.

4.Get Volume Discounts-Receive a 10% discount when you purchase items by the case.

5.Plan Before You Shop-  You can set up and maintain your shopping lists right from our website, then print or share.  Search our collection of thousands of recipes and automatically add the ingredients to your list with a click.

Find the rest of the top 10 list and more ways to save by clicking the link to our Whole Foods Market Blog here:   http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2011/12/simple-ways-to-save/

We offer lots of options for those of you looking to eat  healthy meals fast. Here are a few items you can combine for quick healthy meals:

1. 365 pre-packed spinach, canned beans of your choice, other veggies and your favorite oil free dressing

2. 365 precooked frozen long grain brown rice, 365 frozen greens, and your favorite feta cheese

 For additional recipe ideas or questions contact Matt our Healthy Eating Specialist at: matthew.pleskovic@wholefoods.com

1. Oils of any kind

2. Added fat

           We use healthy fats from items such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and coconuts.

3. Added Sugar

          We use whole fruit to sweeten our recipes and occasionally 100% juice in minimal amounts.

4.  Eggs

5. Liquid Dairy

          We use alternative milks such as hemp milk, almond milk, and coconut milk.

So what is in out Health Starts Here items? Click the link below for more information or call Matt, The Healthy Eating Specialist at 561-447-2617

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthstartshere/

 Follow these five healthy eating tips everyday and you will be well on your way to enjoying a healthier life

1. Eat a big salad every day

2. Eat 3 fresh fruits a day

3. Eat one serving of bean everyday

4. Eat a small handful of raw nuts and seed daily

5. Have steamed greens everyday

Did you know that every time you use a reusable bag at the register, you can receive a 10cent refund to take off your grocery bill or donate to a local charity?  This quarter, you can donate your dime to the Boca Raton Community Garden located in the heart of Boca.  For more information please visit: www.bocaratoncommunitygarden.com

Yunus’ vision inspired our CEO, John Mackey to begin supporting such an amazing effort that was changing lives and communities.  As many of our customers know, we source products from all over the world, from coffee to bananas, and as a company we care about the entire supply chain and often certify certain products with our Whole Trade seal to show that the workers are being treated fairly.  Going a step further, Whole Foods Market created the Whole Planet Foundation in 2005.  Throughout the year, our stores raise money through the registers & events, our team members donate out of their paychecks, and supplier alliances help us to raise funds to provide microloans in 29 different countries.

Number of Microlending Clients: 130,980

Estimated Number of people supported: 654,900

Average Loan Size: $206

Funds Committed as of 2/11:  $15,327,299

If you are feeling inspired by such an amazing program, and want to do more, please support the programs and events in your local store, here is a link to some upcoming events THIS weekend at Whole Foods Market Boca Raton:

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/bocaraton/store-calendar/

For more information on the Whole Planet Foundation, please visit:

http://wholeplanetfoundation.org/

****100% of your donation at the registers or at events go directly to supporting the microloans.