Community Giving

At Whole Foods Market Portland, we believe in being an active participant in our local community and dedicate our support to organizations that improve the quality of life for Maine citizens.  The emphasis of our charitable giving is directed towards these areas:

• Hunger Relief
• Environmental Preservation
• Arts and Education
• Preventative Healthcare and Wellness
• Sustainable Agriculture

Charitable Giving & Sponsorships

Our store supports non-profit organizations and schools in Maine by donating products, food platters, reusable bags, gift cards and gift baskets for auctions and events. Since opening in February 2007, the Portland store has provided charitable giving to over 150 Maine non-profits and schools.

The Donation Application and Guidelines form is available at the Customer Service booth during business hours, daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.  In order to be considered for charitable giving, the completed form, a copy of your group's 501(c)3 letter from the IRS/US Treasury, and any support materials should be returned to the store or sent via mail no later than 45 days prior to your print date for event materials, or sooner.  Faxes are not accepted. Please note that applications are reviewed on a first come basis.

Food Banks

Seven days a week, we donate safe, edible food to Wayside's Food Rescue program and Preble Street.

5% Days

 On designated days throughout the year, a total of 5% of the day's net sales are donated to local non-profit organizations. Customers help support our selected organizations just by shopping on these 5% Days.

 Since opening in February 2007, we have held 5% Days for these organizations:

• Animal Refuge League
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southern Maine
• Cultivating Community
• Maine Organic Gardeners & Farmers Association (MOFGA)
• Preble Street
• Rippleffect
• Share Our Strength
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension - Cumberland County

Community Involvement

We offer several in-store programs that provide our customers with an opportunity to participate in community support.  At the Café and Coffee Bar registers, in lieu of tips , customers can make a donation to a selected charity, and at all of the registers, we provide donation coupons to another selected charity.  These programs also help the organization gain increased awareness about their mission. 

Feed Kids Now

Throughout the year, Whole Foods Market Portland offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase pre-packed grocery bags of food and bodycare products to be donated to a selected local charity.  Look for our Feed Kids Now display of grocery bags in the produce department.  Bags are also available at every register for purchase. 

Current Community Support Recipients:

5% Day:  Tidewater Farm, University of Maine Cooperative Extension - Cumberland County

Donation Coupon:  New Recipient Coming Soon!

Feed Kids Now:  Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine

Donation Box:  Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center

Applying for Charitable Giving

Please note:  We have committed all of our charitable giving through November 22, 2009.  We are currently accepting donation applications for sponsorships and events occuring November 22nd or later. 

Event Sponsorship and Auction Donations:

Applications and guidelines are available at our customer service desk during business hours, daily, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

5% Day Application:

Please submit a written request with a short summary of your organization's mission, local supporters, current membership, and how you vision utilizing the 5% day donation to your organization.  Please include a copy of your 501(c)3 IRS letter, as well as additional support materials about your organization.  Submit your request to:

Barbara Gulino

Marketing Team Leader

2 Somerset St.

 Portland, ME 04101 

For more information, please contact Barbara Gulino, Marketing Team Leader, barbara.gulino@wholefoods.com