Community Giving
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. We highlight LOCAL in every department and hope you will stop by and help us support our local growers.
Supporting our Local Shelters
The spirit of community giving also extends to supporting those who are in need of the simplest of things, such as a hot meal. Our stores regularly send baked goods, produce and other groceries to local homeless shelters and other organizations designed to help feed the less fortunate.
Community 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.
Store leadership regularly reviews all incoming 5% Day applications to determine the next non profit recipient. Selected organizations spread the good news be inviting friends, supporters and other members of the community to shop at the supporting Whole Foods Market on their 5% Day. During the 5% Day representatives from the chosen non profit spend the day at the store sharing information about their organization and getting the word out about the 5% Day.
If your organization is interested in applying to become a 5% Day recipient, please download our 5% Day Application.
Donations
Giving back to our community comes naturally. We strive to support local organizations which focus on health and human services, education, environmental preservation, hunger relief, the arts and animal compassion. However, each Whole Foods Market location has budgetary constraints and can only approve a limited number of the many donation request applications received. Please help us serve you and our community better by submitting your applications according to the following required guidelines:
- Complete the entire Whole Foods Market Donation Request Application online (it contains two parts.)
- Attach a copy of your organization’s federally issued letter certifying non-profit 501(c)3 status.
- Wait to receive your confirmation email – YOU ARE NOT DONE YET!
- Fill out the remainder of the Application with your event details.
- Submit the application at least 8 weeks prior to the date the donation is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Whole Foods Market location should receive my completed donation request application?
The address of the non-profit generally determines the store reviewing the request. Organizations which are regional should address their donation request application to the store nearest to the location of the event, fundraiser or program. For example:
- Our Silver Spring, Maryland store supports: Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Wheaton
- Our Bethesda, Maryland store supports: Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac
- Our Rockville, Maryland store supports: Rockville, Kensington, Garrett Park and Olney
- Our Kentlands, Maryland store supports: Gaithersburg, Germantown, Washington Grove and Laytonsville
Which organizations are eligible to receive donations?
Whole Foods Markets of Montgomery County accepts donation request applications from local non-profit organizations with 501(c)3 status. The event, fundraiser or program must serve the local community. Whole Foods Market cannot make donations to political or religious organizations unless the donation will be used for a local, non-secular, community service-related event or program. Whole Foods Markets of Montgomery County does not donate food to individuals, individuals seeking pledges, multiple requests from the same organization or causes outside the Montgomery County region. Past support does not guarantee future support.
What is acceptable documentation of my organization’s non-profit status and why is this necessary?
In order to accept and review your donation request application, it must be accompanied by a copy of the federally issued statement of your organization’s 501(c)3 status and your 9-digit Federal Identification Number. This letter is obtained from the Federal Treasury and is different from a tax-exempt form. For accounting purposes, documentation, including non-profit status, of every donation request application processed must be kept on record for 7 years.
How will I know if my donation request application has been approved?
Correctly completed donation application requests are reviewed in a timely manner. If your application is approved for a donation, you will generally receive notice at least 2–3 weeks prior to your event, fundraiser or program date. Due to the number of applications received, phone calls in reference to donations under review will not be returned.
Store Tours
Is your school or organization looking for a fun, educational event? We are offering tours of our exciting market. Learn nutritional information, where our food comes from, and the story behind our all-natural philosophy. You’ll also taste great samples and try new foods that may be a little different from what other stores have to offer. Group size limited to 20 people. Tours are held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at either 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Download our Tour Application or pick one up at the Customer Service desk. For more information, please email Erik.Berlin at wholefoods.com.
