Whole Kids Foundation Launches Campaign to Raise Money for School Salad Bars and Gardens

With its 2016 Growing Healthy Kids campaign, Whole Kids Foundation aims to raise $4 million to fund programs that give schoolchildren in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. better access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Throughout September, Whole Foods Market shoppers can get involved by participating in one of hundreds of in-store events or by making donations at store checkouts or online. Because Whole Foods Market covers all of the foundation’s operational costs, 100 percent of every dollar donated directly supports Whole Kids Foundation programs. The campaign’s goal is to raise $4 million to fund school salad bars and gardens, and nutrition education classes for teachers.

“The Growing Healthy Kids Campaign is an integral part of the foundation’s work,” says Nona Evans, president and executive director of Whole Kids Foundation. “It provides us the opportunity to raise funds to support our programs, and to engage with community members that shop at Whole Foods Market and care about children’s nutrition and health.”

Since 2011, Whole Kids Foundation’s programs have impacted the lives of more than 4 million children in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., have funded more than 3,600 school gardens and have implemented 4,600 salad bars in schools. Additionally, Whole Kids Foundation has reached 11,000 teachers with its healthy teacher education program.

As part of this year’s Growing Healthy Kids Campaign, each of the following supplier partners has pledged to donate $40,000 to support the foundation’s work: Annie’s, Applegate, Back to Nature, Barbara’s Bakery, Cascadian Farm, Clif Kid, Health Warrior, King Arthur Flour, Organic Valley, Rudi’s Organic Bakery, Tom’s of Maine and Stonyfield Farm.

Whole Kids Foundation keeps a laser focus on programs that support schools and inspire families to improve nutrition. With resources from this annual campaign, the organization is able to evolve and respond to changing needs over time. For example, as part of a new initiative this year, Whole Kids Foundation recently awarded $200,000 to nine recipients through its Healthy Kids Innovation Grant, created to fund the next generation of ideas in children’s nutrition and engage kids in making healthy food choices.

Whole Kids Foundation accepts applications for its Salad Bar Grant Program, created in partnership with Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, year-round online. It’s also accepting applications for its School Garden Grant Program, created in partnership with FoodCorps. Schools can apply through Oct. 31 in the U.S., and through Nov. 15 in Canada.