Community Giving
Community Giving
Whole Foods Market values community. From the foods we sell to the organizations with which we partner, we realize that we are only as successful as our community. Every day, we work to empower healthy eating and lifestyle habits, create environmental consciousness and inspire a love of good food. But to leave our footprint, we must truly help our community grow.
About our Donations
Whole Foods Market has three avenues for support. We encourage you to take a look at each program and apply for the programs that best suit the needs of your organzation. Please keep in mind that organizations that provide complete requests are more likely to receive support. Particular consideration is given to local organizations whose mission and values relate directly to Whole Foods Market core values.
General and In-Kind Donations
Non-profit organizations in need of food or product donations may apply for General and In-Kind Donations. If interested, please fill out the donation application as thoroughly as possible. We fill donation applications as they are received and recommend applying early. Include a copy of your 501(c)(3) determination letter and submit at least 45 days prior to the date the donation is needed. Incomplete and/or last-minute requests may not be considered. Organizations are encouraged to submit applications by fax, mail or in person at the store.
Nickels for Non-Profits
Nickels for Non-Profits is one of our most exciting programs for non-profit organizations. We encourage our customers to reuse their shopping bags when they shop with us. One incentive we give is to offer the customer a ‘wooden nickel’ for each re-used bag. These wooden nickels can be donated to one of two local non-profit organizations. Although a nickel isn’t much, they certainly do add up!
This program is a great opportunity to partner with Whole Foods Market. Not only does it accumulate funds for the organization, it also offers great exposure to our community and supports Whole Foods Market Core Values and the environment! We invite our Nickels participating organizations into the store to meet our customers and promote their cause. The more active the organization, the more money raised and the more community exposure.
Nickels for Non-Profits organizations are rotated quarterly and two organizations are chosen each quarter. Although spaces fill quickly, we do keep complete applications on file for a minimum of one year.
Nickels for Non-Profits request form
5% Days
Our Community 5% Days are one meaningful way we give back to our community. On designated days throughout the year a total of 5% of the day’s net sales are donated to local non-profit organizations. Customers help support our selected organizations just by shopping on these 5% Days.
Our Next 5% Day:
The Whole Planet Foundation
Join us on Friday, March 23, when 5% of our sales will benefit The Whole Planet Foundation. Whole Planet Foundation’s mission is poverty alleviation through microcredit in communities worldwide that supply Whole Foods Market with product. Visit www.wholeplanetfoundation.org or talk to your cashier for more information!
Previous 5% Day Recipients
Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy
The mission of the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy is to support community-based food systems in the Cuyahoga Valley. Over its first decade, the Conservancy’s work has come to include programs related to the key links in a sustainable food chain – farmland, farmers, food, and community.
American Holistic Medical Association
Helping transform health care through the integration of all aspects of well-being: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental and social. To help create a healthy world by promoting holistic/integrative principles and practice in healthcare.
The Ndukwe Foundation
Founded by Chinedum Ndukwe of the Cincinnati Bengals, The Ndukwe Foundation engages youth in activities that educate them about the benefits of eating healthy, staying active and setting goals that will help them achieve optimal wellness.
Bioneers Cleveland
Bioneers Cleveland aims to educate and inspire those of all ages and backgrounds to take action to create a more sustainable region by communicating and celebrating the work already taking place in Northeast Ohio and connecting the environment, social equity, health and spiritual networks.
Earth Day Coalition
Northeast Ohio’s environmental education and leadership organization marked its 20th Anniversary of activism in 2009 with the annual EarthFest celebration.
Good Stuff From Around Here
We have supported local growers and producers since 1980. Buying local means supporting local communities, jobs, independent farmers and producers; it also reduces the distance from farm to plate, and lets you stay connected to the seasons. This summer we will highlight LOCAL in every department; from local flowers to coffee, honey, cheese, pies, and more! We hope you will stop by and help us support our local growers.
At Whole Foods Market, we are active participants in our community. We are extremely proud of our community involvement and the relationships that we continue to make each month! We strive to make a difference.
