Whole Foods Market Devon is an essential shopping destination for the Main Line community. It’s where locals can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables and a wide array of meats and seafood, peruse gourmet prepared food as far as the eye can see, enjoy baked goods prepared fresh daily and so much more. But, did you know that the Whole Foods Market in Devon helps the local community in a variety of ways? PA Eats wanted to know more, so we chatted with Alexandra Boardman, Marketing Team Leader at Whole Foods Market Devon, to get the full scoop.
PA Eats: Why is giving back an important concept for Whole Foods Market?
Alexandra Boardman: Giving back to our local (and global) communities is actually a core value of Whole Foods Market. At a local level, we have autonomy to support the local causes that are most important to our shoppers, team members and neighbors.
What are some of the ways that Whole Foods Market Devon gives back to the local community?
There are a bunch of ways we try to give back to our community. First of all, we donate food to area food banks and shelters on a daily basis. Last year, we donated over 30,000 pounds of food to local organizations, including the Great Valley Food Cupboard, City Team, Philabundance and CAADC. We also host our 5% Days. During a 5% Day, 5% of our total sales for the day go to a designated organization. We host these four times a year. We also have our Nickels for Nonprofit program, which enables our shoppers to donate their five-cent-per-reusable-bag refund to local nonprofits. Our store also has a general community-giving budget to support the organizations we hold near and dear to our hearts—schools, community groups, food banks and shelters. To date, we’ve donated over $20,000 this fiscal year.
When are the Giving Back Days held?
We host our 5% Days four times per year. Our most recent one was June 3 for the Delaware County SPCA. We were able to raise almost $6,500! Our next 5% Day will be in early September to support the Tredyffrin Easttown Elementary Schools.
How do you decide which organizations and members of the community to support?
We try to support as many organizations and community members as we possibly can and try to spread the love around as best we can! We give priority to organizations that are aligned with the mission and core values of Whole Foods Market, but really aim to support as many as we can.
Can local organizations apply to be a recipient of the Giving Back Days proceeds?
Yes! Organizations interested in applying for a donation can email [email protected] for an application.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re an organization in the local area, put in your application to take part in the 5% Days. And, for all of those Whole Foods shoppers out there—and I know there are a lot of you—make sure to take note of when these fundraising days will be held and help organizations in your community raise funds so that they may continue their exceptional work and achieve their goals.
Find Whole Foods Market Devon at 821 W. Lancaster Ave. in Wayne; phone: (610) 688-9400.
Photos: Whole Foods Market Devon
