Whole Foods Market stores are teaming up with Share our Strength^® and local food pantries to help alleviate hunger this winter. Shoppers at Whole Foods Market locations in IL, MI, MO, MN, IN, WI, NE and Ontario can purchase a Bag Hunger grocery tag to donate to the store’s designated local pantry or shelter. The Midwest region of Whole Foods Market will then match up to $25,000, to be donated to hunger relief programs.

“Whole Foods Market considers community involvement a high priority,” comments Whole Foods Market Midwest Regional President, Michael Bashaw. “Programs like this are especially needed during the holidays and it is an honor to match our customers’ generous donations.”

The Bag Hunger program begins Wednesday, November 3 and runs through Friday, December 31. Each Midwest Whole Foods Market store will purchase groceries for the local food bank they currently work with, to ensure local donations help local families.