April 9, 2018 (AUSTIN, Texas) – Today, Whole Foods Market announced its upcoming second quarterly Community Giving Day, also known as “5% Day,” will take place across all its North American stores on April 19. This quarter’s giving theme will support local and community organizations focused on environmental stewardship in both the U.S. and Canada. Nearly half of the Whole Foods Market stores will donate to The Nature Conservancy.
“We are thrilled to partner with Whole Foods Market, a natural partner given their longstanding commitment to environmental and sustainability causes,” said Mark Burget, executive vice president and managing director of the North America region. “Nature unites us. Nature inspires us. This Earth Month, partnering with Whole Foods Market will help directly engage people in a conversation about the connection between food and environmental health.”
The anticipated funds contributed to The Nature Conservancy will support a variety of conservation efforts across 32 US states and two Canadian provinces. Conservation in Canada will be carried out by The Nature Conservancy’s affiliate, TNC Canada.
Whole Foods Market first implemented quarterly Community Giving Days in 1993, during which five percent of the day’s net sales are donated to support local nonprofit or educational associations that align with the brand’s core values.
“Focusing this quarterly 5% Day on local environmental programs and sustainability initiatives, including those led by The Nature Conservancy, was an exciting way to highlight our commitment to those values,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, global vice president of marketing at Whole Foods Market. “The advancement of environmental stewardship is a key core value for our brand, which is the foundation of Whole Foods Market.”
In addition to supporting The Nature Conservancy’s Earth Month activities, Whole Foods Market will also invest in organizations, projects and programs that promote and lead active environmental stewardship. Examples include sustainable agriculture, expanding the market for organic products, and championing wise environmental practices that reduce waste and energy, and conserve resources. Whole Foods Market estimates the total Community Giving Day donation will reach $2 million.
