Whole Foods Market donated nearly 30 million meals to food programs in 2021

Whole Foods Market on Monday released its inaugural Social Impact Update outlining the key initiatives undertaken in the company’s progress toward its environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing and community giving objectives.

“This update marks another exciting milestone for Whole Foods Market as we report on some of the key initiatives that underpin our continued commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, thoughtfully sourcing our products, and strengthening our communities,” said John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods outlined five key initiatives in its Social Impact Update:

• Whole Foods Market’s programs and partnerships that minimize food waste in its stores and nourish communities in need.
• How Whole Foods Market is promoting alternative energy in its stores and helping its customers reduce their environmental impact.
• The grocer’s Sourced for Good program, which helps customers easily identify products that support workers, communities, and the environment.
• Whole Foods Market’s continuing dedication to sourcing local products and supporting local suppliers through its Local Producer Loan program.
• The new work Whole Foods Market is doing to support the growing regenerative agriculture movement.

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Among highlights in 2021, the Austin, Texas-based natural and organic retail chain of 527 stores donated nearly 30 million meals to food rescue and redistribution programs through its expanded Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program and generated millions of dollars for hundreds of communities across 12 countries through its Sourced for Good program.

When Whole Foods Market launched Nourishing Our Neighborhoods in September 2020, the company donated refrigerated vans to community-based food rescue and redistribution programs to transport food to communities within 18 markets across the United States and Canada. “Now in year two, with 31 vans donated, Nourishing our Neighborhoods represents one of Whole Foods Market’s greatest commitments with a significant, long-term impact,” according to the report.

In addition, Whole Foods’ Local Producer Loan Program (LPLP), established in 2006, lends money to small-scale, local or emerging producers across the U.S. and Canada to help them grow their businesses. More than $535,000 was awarded through LPLP loans in 2021.

“Caring for our communities and the environment is part of our core purpose as a company and this update shines a light on some of the ways we’re working to drive lasting impact that challenges the expectations of any grocer,” said Caitlin Leibert, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Whole Foods Market.

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