Whole Foods Market proves that serving community is job #1

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - With its grand opening in December last year, Whole Foods Market immediately began contributing to its new Jacksonville community. Before the store even opened, Neda Yazdanpanah, marketing director at Whole Foods Market Jacksonville, contacted Second Harvest Food Bank about donating surplus food for weekly pickups.
  
The Food Bank is picking up food three times a week — dry grocery goods, produce, dairy, deli, prepared food and bakery items — to help the growing numbers of people in need in north Florida.  A January in-store donations promotion also raised $919 for the Food Bank! A check presentation will be made to Second Harvest on Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m.

In addition, Whole Foods Market placed Food Bank donation barrels in its store to encourage customers to buy a few extra products to donate as they left the store. Not only did Whole Foods Market benefit from the extra sales, it was able to donate almost 4,000 pounds of shelf-stable dry grocery products to help feed hungry people in our community — enough food for 2,667 meals.
  
Whole Foods Market engages in programs to help local nonprofits as part of living out one of its core values: “Caring about our communities and our environment.” In addition to supporting sustainable agriculture, wise environmental practices and integrity in all business dealings, the company recognizes its responsibilty to be active in its local communities, giving five percent of its profits annually to community and nonprofit organizations.
  
“Our number one goal is to provide the community with the freshest, most flavorful and highest quality products,” Karina Coryell, Whole Foods Market store team leader, said. That commitment clearly extends even to those who depend on the Food Bank to help them provide food for their families.