Whole Foods Market East Lansing and more than 20 of its local Michigan suppliers will come together to celebrate Earth month with a “Party for the Planet,” Saturday, April 2, 2016 beginning at noon in the parking lot of the future Whole Foods Market East Lansing, 2750 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing, Michigan.
Free to the community, the Whole Foods Market Party for the Planet will offer a light lunch to the attendees along with free giveaways and samples (while supplies lasts) of the high-quality products found on the shelves of Whole Foods Market East Lansing. Attendees will also enjoy live music and other entertainment.
“At Whole Foods Market we believe it’s our responsibility to help create a world where our communities and our planet can flourish,” says Sarah Tack, Store Team Leader, Whole Foods Market East Lansing. “This Party for the Planet is our way of doing just that; connecting the amazing local Michigan suppliers you will find on our shelves with the fantastic community that’s welcomed us so warmly all while celebrating the love of food.”
At Whole Foods Market, supporting local farmers, producers and artisans by buying from independent producers near stores is one of the many ways each location provides a unique product mix to the communities it serves. In 1980, Whole Foods Market began as a small grocer operating a single store in Austin, Texas. Shortly after opening, the city experienced a large flood and the new grocer was heavily hit. With a helping hand from the community, Whole Foods Market was able to clean up and reopen. It was this selfless act from the neighborhood that the founders never forgot; which is why supporting small, local businesses in the communities where it does business is an extremely important part of Whole Foods Market’s Core Values.
“In 2014 we held a local supplier fair in East Lansing to find the unique foods and products for the store that represented Michigan,” says Julie Blubaugh, Local Forager, Whole Foods Market Midwest. “We had an incredible turnout and now have 48 new brands including Moo-ville Creamery, Craft and Mason Coffee, and Lush Gourmet Nuts to feature in Whole Foods Market East Lansing.”
The Whole Foods Market Party for the Planet featuring local Michigan suppliers begins at noon, Saturday, April 2 in the parking lot of Whole Foods Market East Lansing 2750 E. Grand River Ave. and will celebrate with the community until 3 p.m. or until supplies run out.