Joy Stoddard is WPF’s Executive Partnership Development and Internal Programs Director.
Microcredit is proof that it doesn’t take millions of dollars to make a real, lasting difference in someone’s life. A loan as seemingly small as $300 can empower a poor entrepreneur to lift herself and her family out of poverty for good.
Whole Planet Foundation is Whole Foods Market’s non-profit dedicated to poverty alleviation in communities worldwide that supply our stores with products.
Thanks to shopper generosity, over $2 million has been donated so far during the Annual Prosperity Campaign opens in a new tab, which runs through March 31st . Our goal is to raise over $4 million to serve the very poor in the developing world and in the United States where the majority of Whole Foods Market stores are located. Check out this video opens in a new tab about Whole Planet Foundation’s work in Omaha and New York through Grameen America opens in a new tab.
Whole Foods Market team members have the opportunity to meet microcredit clients around the globe through our Team Member Volunteer Program opens in a new tab, and this program inspired us to offer a similar chance for shoppers to meet these entrepreneurs in person to hear about their successes and challenges.
Last September, I hosted a group of visitors in Kerala, India where Whole Foods Market sources cashews. We got to meetmicrocredit clients opens in a new tab like Vanaja and see them in action, weaving traditional saris and beautiful clothes.
It was a memorable experience and I hope you get to meet them too!
Through our Facebook contest, you can submit a 25 to 350 word essay on how your small actions are making a big impact for a chance to win a trip for two to India from Intrepid Travel® opens in a new tab.
On this seven-day adventure, travelers will experience the power of microcredit firsthand as they meet with loan recipients and take in India’s vibrant sights, sounds and flavors.
For details and to enter, visit Whole Planet Foundation’s Facebook page opens in a new tab and select the “Whole Planet Foundation: Small Change for Big Change” tab. The deadline to enter is March 18, and winners will be announced on April 2. In the future, we’ll make certain to host trip opportunities on other social media channels, too. T
hank you for your feedback! And thank you for donating to the campaign in stores and online opens in a new tab. Shoppers are the top donors to Whole Planet Foundation, giving over $10 million in five years to serve the very poor.
Whole Foods Market has donated over $8 million, suppliers to Whole Foods Market over $4 million, and Whole Foods Market team members over $3 million through paycheck deductions. You can give with confidence as 100% of all donations goes to microlending programs in the field, because Whole Foods Market covers Whole Planet Foundation’s operating expenses.
Thanks for joining us in our goal to help a million more people to live a better life. I hope you get to meet clients you support in India!
