Newark, NJ: (Dec. 5, 2016) – The opening of Whole Foods Market’s Newark, NJ location, in the city’s revitalized and historic Hahnes building (609 Broad St.) is set to open in the late-winter of 2017. In advance of this anticipated opening, the nation’s leading natural and organic retailer is thrilled to share a variety of exciting updates for the community:
- Community Grants – In an effort to increase access to fresh, healthy food in Newark, Whole Cities Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by Whole Foods Market, will be offering grants in the range of $5,000 – $15,000 to Newark-based community organizations that are improving health and food access in their own neighborhoods. Community-led organizations are invited to apply for the Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant through the foundation’s website from now through December 14th. Grant winners will be announced leading up to the opening of Whole Foods Market Newark.
- Microcredit Lending – Whole Planet Foundation has teamed up with micro-financier Grameen America to offer $250,000 in loans to Newark-based entrepreneurs. Grameen America is a nonprofit microfinance organization dedicated to helping individuals build small businesses to create better lives for their families. With similar values and practices as Whole Planet Foundation, Grameen America offers microloans, training and support to transform communities and fight poverty. Entrepreneurs interested in microcredit lending can go to Grameen America for more information.
- Hiring – With plans to employ more than 110 team members, Whole Foods Market Newark has officially posted job opportunities for the Newark location on WFM.com/careers. For those interested in joining the team, please visit or email ne.recruiting@wholefoods.com for questions and log-on assistance.
In addition to these exciting announcements, the store is continuing to seek community partners for a variety of partnerships and initiatives. To support in the identification and selection of potential partners, Whole Foods Market Newark is creating a community advisory board consisting of community residents from around Newark. An information session about the advisory board is being held at 6:00 p.m. on December 13 at the Urban League of Essex County, 508 Central Avenue in Newark. Interested individuals and organizations seeking partnership with Whole Foods Market or potential vendor partners should contact the Newark Community Liaison Team of Sybil Bost (Sybil.bost@wholefoods.com) and Milena Caraballo (milena.caraballo@wholefoods.com) .
For additional information and future announcements, please visit the store’s social media channels: Facebook.com/wholefoodsessexnj and Twitter & Instagram @wfmessexnj