HOUSTON (March 4, 2015) Whole Foods Market in The Woodlands, Texas, will donate 1 percent of net sales for each of the first five Wednesdays the store is open, to local nonprofits. The store opens Wednesday, March 18, at Hughes Landing.

As part of the company’s commitment to supporting its communities, all stores donate 5 percent of net sales once a quarter.

“Whole Foods Market has been in Houston for more than 20 years, but we know that for The Woodlands community, that wasn’t close enough,” said Jerry Brown, the store’s team leader. “We are delighted to finally be right here in The Woodlands and be able to support all of the wonderful nonprofit organizations that help make up the vibrant fabric of this community.”

The store’s community-giving schedule:

Wednesday, March 18
Interfaith of The Woodlands
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. What began as a dream of George P. Mitchell, founder and original developer of The Woodlands, flourished into reality, and today is helping thousands of individuals and families each year. Funds raised will be used to fund Interfaith programs and services, specifically food assistance programs such as the food pantry and veggie village community donation garden.

Wednesday, March 25
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council’s mission is to provide regional, cultural, and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts. Funds raised will support community and education outreach programs mentoring youth, working with seniors, and serving those with special needs and circumstances.

Wednesday, April 1
The Woodlands Children's Museum
The Woodlands Children's Museum creates opportunities that educate, empower and excite children and families through play while inspiring a lifelong sense of wonder and discovery. Funds raised would support improvements for educational resources in the museum, such as printed signs with parent tips, and exhibit teasers to encourage parents and children to interact within each exhibit.

Wednesday, April 8
Operation Pets Alive!
Operation Pets Alive! is an all-volunteer nonprofit striving to elevate Montgomery County to a no-kill community through innovative programs that raise community awareness, reduce the number of dogs and cats that enter local shelters, and increase the number of dogs and cats that leave shelters alive. Funds raised will support vetting and purchasing medical supplies such as vaccines.

Wednesday, April 15
Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch
Inspiration Ranch has a passion to offer exceptional programs to help people reach their highest ability through the positive interaction and healing power of horses. Funds raised will support therapy horse care and scholarships.

To further enrich The Woodlands community, on opening day, Whole Foods Market, in partnership with Whole Kids Foundation, will award six garden grants to area schools. Whole Kids Foundation, founded by Whole Foods Market, supports schools and inspires families to improve children’s nutrition and wellness.

“We are so excited about the opportunity these grants provide for our students,” said Dr. Don Stockton, superintendent of schools for Conroe ISD. “Healthy eating and nutrition are foundational elements to success in school.”

Information on Whole Foods Market The Woodlands store events, activities, and classes can be found at wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/woodlands.