AUSTIN, Texas (Dec. 10, 2012) – Thanks to the generosity of more than two million Whole Foods Market shoppers, Whole Kids Foundation will be able to offer salad bar and garden grants to nearly 900 schools across the U.S. and Canada using the $2.27 million that was raised during the foundation’s annual two-week fundraiser in September.
One hundred percent of all in-store donations will fund the foundation’s school programs, which aim to help children reach optimal health and nutrition through smart food choices. To date, one million children have received access to healthy food through the Whole Kids Foundation’s funding of nearly 900 school garden grants in partnership with FoodCorps and more than 1,500 salad bars with Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools.
In addition to the funds raised by shoppers, Whole Kids Foundation will further expand its school support programs through the generosity of Leonard Green & Partners. The private equity firmed announced that it will donate $500,000 to the foundation and its efforts to fight childhood obesity today during a garden grant dedication event at the Alta Loma Elementary School in Los Angeles, which is where the company is based.
“The overwhelming generosity we’ve seen from our shoppers is incredibly inspiring and speaks to the shared vision we have to help make a difference in the health of our children,” said Nona Evans, president and executive director for Whole Kids Foundation. “With their help and the support of our amazing partners like Leonard Green & Partners, we’re making healthy food choices a reality for millions of kids.”
Other supplier partners that have joined Whole Kids Foundation’s efforts include Mrs. Meyers, Back to the Roots and High Mowing Organics. For more information on Whole Kids Foundation, please visit wholekidsfoundation.org.
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About Whole Kids Foundation
Whole Kids Foundation, a Whole Foods Market foundation, is based in Austin, Texas, and operates as an independent, nonprofit organization. By empowering schools and inspiring families, the foundation aims to help children reach optimal health through the strength of a healthy body fueled by nutritious food.
About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 69,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 15 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2011, the company had sales of more than $10 billion and currently has more than 325 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
