Whole Planet Foundation Launches Annual Campaign to Alleviate Poverty

Whole Planet Foundation is a Whole Foods Market non-profit dedicated to alleviating poverty locally and globally. 

For two weeks beginning June 23, shoppers can donate at the registers in Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S., Canada and the UK and online to alleviate poverty in countries that supply Whole Foods Market stores with products.

Since 2006, Whole Planet Foundation has disbursed $92 million through microfinance partners in 78 countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas, including in 20 U.S. cities. Whole Planet Foundation collaborates with a wide network of microfinance organizations and supports entrepreneurs in some of the most marginalized and remote communities around the world, funding 4.9 million microloans and 26 million opportunities for a better life for microentrepreneurs and their family members.

“With a microcredit loan, an impoverished woman can generate income and lift up herself and her family. Each year, the generosity and support of Team Members, shoppers, suppliers and corporate partners provides life-changing opportunities for microentrepreneurs to generate income and lift themselves and their families out of poverty,” said Joy Stoddard, Whole Planet Foundation development and outreach director.  Because Whole Foods Market covers the foundation’s operational costs, 100% of every donation benefits microcredit clients.

For example, Moreen is a microcredit client of Whole Planet Foundation’s microfinance partner MicroLoan Foundation in Malawi where Whole Foods Market sources sugar. She used her microloan capital to expand her marketplace clothing business. Moreen sells trousers, dresses and fabric wrappers (like sarongs). She goes to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe, twice a month to purchase stock. Then she sells the clothes at different markets in her area. She hopes to one day invest in buying a plot which she can use to sell her products, so she does not have to move around to markets any more.  

“We are proud to announce this year’s supplier donors supporting the annual campaign with $850,000 total including two $100,000 donors in Allegro Coffee Company and So Delicious,” said Philip Sansone, president and executive director for Whole Planet Foundation. “Given the average first loan size of $174, these funds go far, especially given the regenerative nature of microcredit where loans are repaid and reloaned again and again, lifting families and communities over time.”

This year’s $50,000 donors include Chobani, Good Culture, Honest Tea, KeVita Probiotic Drinks, Naked Juice, Papyrus-Recycled Paper Greetings, SAMBAZON, Seventh Generation, siggi’s, Stacy's, Stonyfield Organic, Topo Chico and Traditional Medicinals.   

Learn more about the transformative power of microcredit at Whole Planet Foundation, and donate online to fund essential businesses of women entrepreneurs worldwide.