Community Giving
Whole Foods Market is a company with a conscience. We believe passionately in supporting the communities we serve. We believe companies, like individuals, must assume their share of responsibility as tenants of Planet Earth. On a local basis, we are actively involved in our communities by:
- Supporting local food banks
- Sponsoring neighborhood events
- Donating goods and services to 501c3 not-for-profit organizations
- Educating adults and children with explanatory informative classes and lectures
- Hosting adult and child cooking classes
- Performing community service work; We recognize that our team members are dedicated to the improvement of their neighborhoods and compensate them for volunteering.
Donations
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. Our business is intimately tied to the neighborhood and larger community that we serve and in which we live. The unique character of our stores is a direct reflection of the customers who shop with us. Without their support, both financial and philosophical, Whole Foods Market would not be in business. Our interdependence at times goes beyond our mutual interest in quality food, and where appropriate, we will respond.
Download our Local Partnerships Donation Packet and mail to: Whole Foods Market, 1101 S. Canal Street, Suite 107 Chicago, IL 60607 or stop by our customer service desk to pick one up. We cannot accept faxes. Please be advised that due to the large volume of requests that we receive, we require a minimum of 6 weeks advanced notice for any donation. Unfortunately, we cannot honor every request and will only contact you if we can provide a donation for your organization.
Our Community 5% Days are another 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.
Previous Community Support Day Beneficiaries
- Summer 2011, Seven Generations Ahead
- Spring 2011, Marwen
- Winter 2010/11, The Joffrey Ballet
- Fall 2010, The People’s Music School
- Spring 2010, The Experimental Station
- Winter 2009/10, Inspiration Corporation
- Summer 2009, Healthy Schools Campaign
- Spring 2009 – Redmoon
- Winter 2008/2009 - Cabrini Connections
- Fall 2008 – Shedd Aquarium
- Summer 2008 – Growing Power
- Spring 2008 - Special Olympics
- Winter 2007/2008 – The National Marfan Foundation
- Fall 2007 – Museum of Contemporary Art
- Summer 2007 – Children Affected by AIDS Foundation
One Dime at a Time
Launched last spring as part of our Earth Day festivities, our One Dime at a Time program gives customers the option of donating their $0.10 bag refund to a designated non-profit organization. Together, we can make a difference One Dime at a Time.
Supporting local food banks: We donate non perishable and perishable items 7 days a week to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Chicago Resource Center.
Educational Classes: Check out our calendar section for an updated list of classes.
Local Partnerships:
Art Should at the University of Chicago
South Chicago Art Center and Community Garden
Gluten Intolerance Group of Greater Chicago
Alliance for a Greener South Loop
South Loop Dog Park Action Council (PAC)
University Village Association
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Greater South Loop Association
The Wine Guide Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
