Give a Gift that Gives Back to Microentrepreneurs this Holiday Season
Brands who sell products in Whole Foods Market stores are empowering microentrepreneurs with economic opportunities this holiday season. These like-minded companies are donating a portion of their sales in select Whole Foods Market stores from December 1-31 to Whole Planet Foundation. These funds will be given to entrepreneurs in the form of microcredit loans in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products. Learn more about each brand and why they choose to support our mission to alleviate poverty.
Aspiring Artists of the Earth
Tari Zarka is the creative force behind Aspiring Artists of the Earth. Her brand features hand-crafted wood and glass pieces evoking natural settings and relaxation. As a female artist and entrepreneur, Tari believes in supporting others who are working hard to improve their own lives.
“I’m honored to note a 16+ year, ongoing relationship with Whole Foods Market. The very first time I heard about the uplifting work of Whole Planet Foundation I could not wait to sign on to support microloans to women entrepreneurs around the world,” says Tari Zarka, founder of Aspiring Artists of the Earth.
“I’m able to succeed because a few folks had faith in and resourced me. To put energy into the continuation of blessings for driven women around the world is an amazing opportunity. Thank you to everyone who contributes to Whole Planet Foundation, and women entrepreneurs globally.”
From December 1 – December 31, 2021, $1 from the sale of all AAOTE products will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Consider Pastures
Consider Pastures is a new Microloan A Month Fund donor this year, committed to funding an average international first loan (currently $172) for a year. By donating a portion of sales in select Whole Foods Market stores this holiday season, they will help a woman living in poverty start or develop a small business to lift herself and her family out of poverty.
“Consider Pastures offers a line of Certified Humane® Pasture Raised eggs produced according to the principles of Regenerative Agriculture, with the goal of healing our distressed food system one dozen at a time. Consider Pastures farms for a better future, but understands that in order to do so, immediate crises must be addressed. That’s why throughout this holiday season Consider Pastures is donating 10% of the sales of their Pasture Raised Eggs to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs, located in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products,” says the Consider Pastures Team.
From December 1 – December 31, 2021, 10% of the sale of Consider Pastures pasture raised eggs will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Divine Chocolate
Divine Chocolate Advent calendars supporting Whole Planet Foundation have been an annual fixture of our holiday season. Five percent of sales from this tasty holiday countdown will go towards empowerment initiatives for the women cocoa farmers of Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana through Divine Chocolate and $0.05 will go to fund microcredit loans for entrepreneurs living in poverty through Whole Planet Foundation.
“We support Whole Planet Foundation due to their strong stance on women’s empowerment through their work to fund microcredit to the world’s poorest people. Whole Planet Foundation and Divine Chocolate have a shared goal of alleviating poverty and empowering producers who are traditionally overlooked,” says the team from Divine Chocolate.
From November 1 – December 31, 2021, $0.05 from the sale of Divine Chocolate Advent calendars will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Evolve
As a repeat Whole Planet Foundation $10,000 Fund donor, Evolve is funding an additional 57 microloans this year to help create 300 new opportunities for microentrepreneurs and their families to generate income this year. Through the holiday scanback program, they are committed to creating additional prosperity around the globe. Evolve believes in progress. Every day they are taking steps in service of our planet. Through their support of Whole Planet Foundation, they help microentrepreneurs make progress towards economic prosperity for their families and communities.
Health-Ade
Since 2017, Health-Ade has donated over $62,000 to fund over 720 microloans through Whole Planet Foundation. This holiday season they add to that support by donating a portion of Health-Ade Holiday Cheers sales at Whole Foods Market stores. Toast to the holiday season with Health-Ade’s delicious Holiday Cheers mocktail recipe.
From December 1 – 31, 2021, $0.10 from the sale of Health-Ade Holiday Cheers will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
If You Care
If You Care supports microentrepreneurs around the globe with economic opportunity through Whole Planet Foundation. If You Care is a leader in pushing the limits of environmental and social responsibility in its categories and is committed to ethical sourcing.
“If You Care believes in doing everything we can to protect our environment and all its inhabitants,” says the If You Care team.
Check out their delicious recipe for Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate for this holiday season. This recipe gives your homemade coffee a festive and flavorful twist. Enjoy!
From December 1 – 31, 2021, $1 from the sale of If You Care environmentally friendly household and kitchen products will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Jessica’s Natural Foods
From the very beginning, Jessica’s Natural Foods believed their business provided an opportunity to give back to nonprofit organizations working to improve local and global communities.
“We strongly believe in giving back. We donate 5% of our profits to various non-profits. We love that Whole Planet Foundation helps to alleviate global poverty by empowering people through its microlending program,” says Jessica Mindell, Founder of Jessica’s Natural Foods.
From the very beginning, Jessica’s Natural Foods believed their business provided an opportunity to give back to nonprofit organizations working to improve local and global communities.
“We strongly believe in giving back. We donate 5% of our profits to various non-profits. We love that Whole Planet Foundation helps to alleviate global poverty by empowering people through its microlending program,” says Jessica Mindell, Founder of Jessica’s Natural Foods.
Miyoko’s Kitchen
Miyoko’s Creamery was founded in Miyoko’s home kitchen and pioneered a new way of making plant-based cheese and butter using traditional creamery methods. “Miyoko Schinner, Founder and CEO of Miyoko’s Creamery, is on a mission to transform the food landscape into a more sustainable and ethical system on the local, national and international level.”
With their national success, Miyoko’s Creamery is paying it forward through their support of Whole Planet Foundation this holiday season. Their contribution will help fund microloans for entrepreneurs around the globe to start or develop a home-based business.
From December 1 – 31, 2021, $0.05 from the sale of Miyoko’s vegan cheese wheels will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Nixie Sparkling Water
Founder & CEO Nicole Bernard Dawes knows the challenges and rewards that come with starting a business. As a past supporter of Whole Planet Foundation through her first company Late July, Nicole has launched into a new business venture that will continue to support women microentrepreneurs through the sale of Nixie Sparkling Water products in Whole Foods Market stores.
“As a business owner, I understand the importance of having access to financial resources, so I love being able to pay it forward by supporting a financially inclusive organization like Whole Planet Foundation. The Foundation empowers marginalized women entrepreneurs around the world through microcredit, which in turn helps to alleviate poverty and improve the community as a whole,” says Nicole Bernard Dawes, Founder and CEO of Nixie Sparkling Water.
From December 1-December 31, 2021, $0.10 from the sale of Nixie Sparkling Water will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
nutpods
Woman-founded nutpods is supporting women microentrepreneurs living in poverty through the sale of their products in Whole Foods Market stores. 89% of the clients supported by Whole Planet Foundation’s funds are women. These women are typically supporting five other people in their families. With the profits from their small businesses, they are reinvesting in the education of their children and in their communities.
“nutpods would like to express gratitude for all of the opportunities granted to us by allowing less advantaged entrepreneurs an opportunity to show their craft. Everyone deserves a chance,” says the nutpods Team.
From December 1-December 31, 2021, $1 from the sale of all nutpods products will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
OLIPOP
Founders Ben and David, started OLIPOP with a vision for a healthier, tastier future. Today, the brand has signed on as a supporter of Whole Planet Foundation’s mission to empower entrepreneurs in the United States and around the globe.
“OLIPOP is a new kind of soda with a goal to support the well-being of as many people as possible. We proudly support Whole Planet Foundation and the important resources they provide to communities."
From December 1 – December 31, 2021, $0.10 from the sale of OLIPOP sparkling tonic will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Pact
Pact has been a proud supporter of Whole Planet Foundation since 2014 and has generously donated $125,000 to alleviate poverty by funding 2,450 microloans. These loans are creating 2,500 opportunities for entrepreneurs and their family members to lift themselves out of poverty through small businesses, often home-based. Pact was chosen as this year’s Whole Planet Foundation Trailblazer Award recipient for their years of generosity and gorgeous product donations, but also for going above and beyond to engage advocates in the Foundation’s mission.
“Pact is happy to partner with Whole Planet Foundation, a nonprofit organization funding microcredit loans and giving people a chance to create or expand a home-based business to lift themselves and their families out of poverty,” says the team from Pact.
From December 1 – December 31, 2021, 10% of the sale of Pact products will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Petit Pot
During the month of December, Petit Pot is donating to support individuals in our local and global communities with economic opportunity through Whole Planet Foundation.
“Petit Pot has been committed since day one to support our communities and the planet with sustainable and fair practices. You can find and taste the transparency in our products that are handcrafted with care just like you would at home for your family and friends,” says the Petit Pot Team.
Try their delicious cranberries with rice pudding for a festive twist to this sweet treat!
From November 1 – December 31, 2021, $0.10 from the sale of Petit Pot organic French desserts will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Picnik
Naomi Seifter founded Picnik as a young female entrepreneur, with the mission of making healthy lifestyle choices more easily accessible. Also born in the hometown of Austin, Texas, Picnik supports Whole Planet Foundation’s efforts to support entrepreneurs in the United States and around the globe.
“As a small business, we know that funding can be a challenge, and this holiday season, Picnik is funding microloans through Whole Planet Foundation as a means of lifting up female entrepreneurs at home and abroad. We are thrilled to support an organization that helps provide the necessary funding for fellow entrepreneurs around the world to bring their dreams and ideas to fruition,” says Naomi.
From December 1 – 31, 2021, $0.50 from the sale of this Picnik products will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Tell It Well Greeting Cards by Amy K Wright
“I was given the incredible gift of visiting India in 2012 & 2014. Each trip included a visit to groups of women, in rural villages, who are receiving microloans from Whole Planet Foundation’s India partner CASHPOR Micro Credit,” says Amy K Wright, creator and CEO of Tell it Well Greeting Cards.
“These microloans are used to purchase assorted items to start their own businesses, such as goats, or weaving materials, and enable each woman to create an opportunity that would otherwise not be available to her. On average, most of these women are living on less than $2 a day, and this level of poverty prohibits them from gaining access to a loan from a traditional bank. To put it very simply… a microloan = hope and this hope offers a practical way to become an equal business partner with her husband; to feed and clothe her children and gain access to education – many of the basics in my life that I take for granted. I am profoundly changed by my experience of meeting these vibrant and beautiful women in India, who are being empowered to change their own lives, and that is why I am committed to supporting Whole Planet Foundation.”
From December 1 – 31, 2021, $0.10 from the sale of Tell It Well greeting cards will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
The Republic of Tea
Since 2012, The Republic of Tea has helped create opportunities for microentrepreneurs around the globe living in poverty through their meaningful support of Whole Planet Foundation.
Visit The Republic of Tea’s website for festive tea gift sets for the tea lover in your life this holiday season!
From December 1-31, 2021, $0.50 from the sale of The Republic of Tea’s Organic Holiday Chai will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Vital Farms
A longtime annual $10,000 Fund donor, Vital Farms has worked with Whole Planet Foundation for several years, supporting microlending programs in the U.S. and around the world. This December, Vital Farms will donate a portion of its sales at Whole Foods Market to continue to fund economic opportunities in the communities where Whole Foods Market sources products. Visit the Vital Kitchen to learn all the ways to prepare their pasture-raised eggs this holiday season.
“Vital Farms is an ethical food company that works with over 250 family farms across the U.S. Vital Farms believes in Conscious Capitalism, prioritizing the long-term sustainability of its stakeholders who include farmers and suppliers, customers and consumers, crew members, communities and the environment, and stockholders. As part of Vital Farms’ commitment to communities, the company has funded $1 million in microcredit through its support of the Whole Planet Foundation,” says the Vital Farms team.
From December 1 – 31, 2021, $0.10 from the sale of all Vital Farms products will be donated to fund microloans to empower the world’s poorest entrepreneurs in communities where Whole Foods Market sources products.
Learn more at wholeplanetfoundation.org. And happy holidays!
