This Earth Month, we’re partnering with Whole Foods Market to highlight the connection between food and environmental health. At many Whole Foods Market stores throughout North America, join us on April 19 to celebrate “5% Day,” when 5 percent of sales at nearly half the chain’s North American stores will be donated to The Nature Conservancy!
The event marks the Whole Foods Market second quarterly Community Giving Day, also known as “5% Day,” with a giving theme to support local and community organizations focused on environmental stewardship in both the U.S. and Canada. Whole Foods Market first implemented quarterly Community Giving Days in 1993, during which 5 percent of the day’s net sales are donated to support local nonprofit or educational associations that align with the brand’s core values.
Healthy land, clean air, fresh water, and thriving oceans feed our economy and ensure Washington’s agricultural legacy. Photo by RainySunday Ranch.
“We are thrilled to partner with Whole Foods Market, a natural partner given their longstanding commitment to environmental and sustainability causes,” said Mark Burget, executive vice president and managing director of The Nature Conservancy’s North America region. “Nature unites us. Nature inspires us. This Earth Month, partnering with Whole Foods Market will help directly engage people in a conversation about the connection between food and environmental health.”
The anticipated funds contributed to The Nature Conservancy will support a variety of conservation efforts across 32 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Conservation in Canada will be carried out by The Nature Conservancy’s affiliate, TNC Canada.
In Washington state, our conservation efforts support healthy agriculture and fisheries in many ways. In the Central Cascades, for example, our work to restore healthy forests helps sustain the headwaters of the Yakima River, which nourishes the Yakima Valley below — one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. On our coasts, we’re working with shellfish growers to define the impacts and potential of aquaculture, so practices ensure healthy food and healthy nearshore ecosystems. To learn more about these connections, visit our conservation ambassadors on April 19 at Whole Foods Markets in Bellevue, Bellingham, University Place and Seattle (Westlake).
Washington is the country's top provider of farmed oysters, clams and mussels. Photo by Barbie Hull.
“Focusing this quarterly 5% Day on local environmental programs and sustainability initiatives, including those led by The Nature Conservancy, was an exciting way to highlight our commitment to those values,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, global vice president of marketing at Whole Foods Market. “The advancement of environmental stewardship is a key core value for our brand, which is the foundation of Whole Foods Market.”
In addition to supporting The Nature Conservancy’s Earth Month activities, Whole Foods Market will also invest in organizations, projects and programs that promote and lead active environmental stewardship. Examples include sustainable agriculture, expanding the market for organic products and championing wise environmental practices that reduce waste and energy and conserve resources. Whole Foods Market estimates the total Community Giving Day donation will reach $2 million.
