AUSTIN, Texas (April 22, 2014) — In honor of Earth Month, Whole Foods Market is giving away two trips for two to the tropical campus of EARTH University, a nonprofit university in Costa Rica that also grows bananas for Whole Foods Market.

Today through April 30, shoppers can visit wholefoodsmarket.com/triptoearth to enter for a chance to win an eight-day trip through and around Costa Rica’s lush rainforests and majestic Arenal volcano. Winners and their guests will also explore the university’s on-campus banana fields, meet students who are studying to become agricultural leaders and learn how EARTH University bananas are helping to fund their education. 

“Bananas are the most popular fruit in the U.S.,” said John Walker, global produce coordinator for Whole Foods Market. “And when shoppers choose EARTH University bananas at Whole Foods Market, they’re helping to fund student scholarships and support research in organic and sustainable agriculture. We’re excited to give our shoppers a chance to see how just one simple choice in the produce aisle can make a real and lasting difference for communities around the world.”

EARTH University recruits students from low-income, rural areas in more than 30 countries, seeking out individuals who are committed to returning to and improving their home communities post-graduation. Thanks to donors and income generators like sales of EARTH bananas, the university provides full scholarships to approximately 60 percent of its students, and significant financial aid or educational subsidies the majority of students.

EARTH bananas are also backed by Whole Foods Market’s Whole Trade Guarantee® program, which means that the product ensures better wages and working conditions for farm workers and environmentally-friendly growing practices. Additionally Whole Foods Market donates a percentage of each retail sale to Whole Planet Foundation to fund poverty relief in Costa Rica and 58 other countries.  

For entry details and additional information about Whole Foods Market’s partnership with EARTH University, visit: wholefoodsmarket.com/triptoearth.