Whole Foods group aims to collect $5M in 42 days
Whole Foods is putting its motto -- whole foods, whole people, whole planet -- to the test with a new initiative to alleviate poverty through microcredit.
The retailer is partnering with its own Whole Planet Foundation on an effort to raise $5 million in 42 days to fund microlending programs worldwide.
“Microcredit offers many women living in poverty something they have never had before: a chance to gain financial independence,” said Philip Sansone, president and executive director for Whole Planet Foundation. “A loan of just $200 is enough to help her launch or expand a home-based business, earn a steady income and provide for her family. To put things into perspective, that’s less than the average American family of four spends each week on groceries alone.”
Through March 31, shoppers across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. can find hundreds of ways to join the campaign online and in Whole Foods Market stores and communities:
Participate in one of hundreds of in-store and community fundraising events, from fashion shows and charity walks to bake sales and tasting events. Check local store calendars for upcoming events and details.
Take home a copy of “Liberation Soup,” Whole Planet Foundation’s new cookbook featuring authentic recipes from the kitchens of women micro-entrepreneurs from 35 countries, who have benefited from the foundation’s support.
Every Whole Foods Market store will collect donations between Feb. 18 and March 31. For the first time, online donors will also be able to direct their dollars to fund microcredit in specific geographic regions via Whole Planet Foundation’s new Power of One tool. Donors can choose between microlending programs in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The online tool also shows donors how many people their contributions will impact in their chosen region over several decades in the future.
Whole Planet Foundation was borne out of Whole Foods Market’s desire to give something, while focusing on the persistent problem of world poverty and hunger. The foundation was formed with the entrepreneurial spirit of Whole Foods Market and is now in partnerships with microfinance organizations in 61 countries.