Whole Cities Foundation Awards 44 Community First Grants to Increase Healthy Food Access in Local Communities Across the U.S.

AUSTIN, Texas, November 13, 2017) – Today, Whole Cities Foundation, an independent nonprofit foundation established by Whole Foods Market, announced 44 new Community First Grant recipients. Now in its second year, the Community First Grant Program aims to support partnerships between Whole Foods Market Team Members and locally led, fresh food access projects.

This year, grant recipients are located in 40 cities across 26 states. Each grant, worth $5,000, will help increase access to fresh, healthy food and nutrition education in the grant recipient’s local community. Projects funded this year include urban farming projects, mobile produce markets, and educational programs for healthy eating, gardening and agricultural skills.

“At Whole Cities, we have a vision for an America where fresh, healthy food is affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of income or zip code,” says Walter Robb, Chairman, Whole Cities Foundation Board. “This national grant program allows us to find and support a network of grassroots organizations that have developed unique solutions to increase the availability of fresh, healthy food in their own communities.”

The Community First Grant Program is one example of Whole Foods Market’s “Community First” principles, where community-led organizations and local residents build their local food system. Through the program, the foundation seeks to amplify the outcomes of the innovative solutions set in place by community leaders.

“What’s unique about this program is that it’s our own Team Members who shine the light on these worthwhile grant recipients,” adds Robb.  “In some cases, it’s the Team Members themselves who are the grantees, bringing Whole Foods Market’s passion for a healthier world to their own community and with their own heart. We could not be prouder of them.”

The next opportunity for Whole Foods Market Team Members to apply in support of a community organization will be spring 2018.

About Whole Cities Foundation
Founded in 2014, Whole Cities Foundation is an independent nonprofit established by Whole Foods Market that is dedicated to improving neighborhood health through collaborative community partnerships, nutrition education, and broader access to fresh, healthy food. Since the launch of the Community First Grant Program, the foundation has grown from serving five cities with its initial work to supporting over 60 cities that includes partnerships with over 100 community organizations.

For more information on Whole Cities Foundation, visit: wholecitiesfoundation.org.