In June, Northern California celebrates African Summer. In July, new products turn up the summer heat.
African Summer and LOVE Bracelets
$14.99 (LOVE Bracelets)
Whole Foods Market Northern California’s African Summer celebration tells the story of how three producers are bringing prosperity to communities in Africa through social enterprise. The producers are Alaffia (shea butter products; advancing gender equality and improving communities in Togo), Madécasse (chocolate; employing Malagasy people by sourcing, producing and packaging high-quality products in Madagascar), and Allegro Coffee (coffee; supporting CTC International in Kenya).
From June 10-24, Northern California & Reno stores (along with stores in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia) will be selling handmade bracelets from Maasai women in Kenya to show support for job creation and fair wages on the continent. The bracelets come via LIFE Line, a CTC (Comfort the Children) International Program that began with eight women who worked to become a catalyst for change for an entire community in rural Kenya. Together, the women (now nearly 30 of them) handmake beautiful canvas products to support education for children with special needs, agriculture and environmental initiatives, and nutrition and wellness training for their community.
Three dollars of every LOVE bracelet purchased goes to the Whole Planet Foundation, which supports additional businesses throughout Africa and the rest of the world. Through the Foundation, Whole Foods Market has partnered with entrepreneurs to extend microcredit loans, with which they can start earning for their families, improve the daily lives of their employees and/or raise up their entire community.
Highlights of other offerings available at Whole Foods Market through July include:
Scorchin’ Scorpion Cheddar
$9.99/lb
Whole Foods Market exclusive by Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese
Since 1914 Henning’s has been one of the nation’s finest cheese producers. They worked with Whole Foods Market’s Cathy Strange to create the Scorchin’ Scorpion, our July Cheesemonger Pick. Made from just five ingredients (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, scorpion pepper and enzymes), this is the “World’s Hottest Cheddar.” Try it on nachos, turkey burgers, or in thin slices on a sandwich.
365 Cinnamon Fit Protein Powders
$29.99/16 oz
Whole Foods Market’s house brand offers top quality at every day affordable prices. New Chocolate and Vanilla Cinnamon Fit Protein Powders pack 17 grams of vegan protein into a one-ounce serving. Tasty and easy to mix into a smoothie or with water for a quick protein blast, these powders are a great option to help keep the family’s energy up on vacation!
Seasonal highlight: Cherries
$6.99/lb
Washington State
When selecting cherries look for plump, firm cherries with green stems and no soft spots or pitting. Cherries can range in color, from light blush (Ranier) to bright red to deep, dark purple. Try this hydrating Cherry Smoothie to keep cool with coconut water. Mash cherries and spread them on toast or a scone, instead of sugary jam. Add them to grain salads for a flavor punch, like this Cherry-Lentil Salad. If you need dessert, try Cherry Frozen Yogurt. And if you need a drink, garnish it with Cocktail Cherries.
