Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whole Kids Foundation?

Whole Kids Foundation is charitable organization that will provide children with access to healthy food choices through partnerships with schools, educators and organizations. By supporting schools and inspiring families, the Foundation aims to help children reach optimal health through the strength of a healthy body fueled by nutritious food choices.

Why did Whole Foods Market decide to create a children's foundation?

Whole Foods Market has long had a concern about the growing rate of obesity in America, and about children's obesity in particular.

In 2009, the company began working to improve the food children eat in schools through a partnership with the Food, Family, Farming Foundation (F3) and Chef Ann Cooper, the Renegade Lunch Lady. Whole Foods Market and its shoppers donated more than $700,000 to fund The Lunchbox Project, an online resource created by F3 and Chef Ann Cooper, which offers free resources for schools who want to improve the nutritional value offered in their school lunch program.

In 2010 the two groups partnered again to raise funds to grant more than 500 salad bars to schools across the nation. Through the generosity of its shoppers and the enthusiasm of the team members, Whole Foods Market realized an opportunity to further its leadership role.

The company simultaneously pledged $1,000,000 to fund additional salad bars and was a founding partner in the Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative and decided to create Whole Kids Foundation that would be dedicated to improving childhood nutrition in schools and beyond.

Is Whole Kids Foundation a 501c3?

Yes. We received 501c3 status approval from the IRS in June 2011.

How is Whole Kids Foundation funded?

Whole Foods Market funds all of the operating costs for the Foundation. Funding for our programs will come from a variety of sources including Whole Foods Market shoppers, vendors, team members and other corporate partners.

Where will Whole Kids Foundation work?

Whole Kids Foundation will focus on working in the countries where Whole Foods Market has stores. We will work in markets both with and without Whole Foods Market stores. Currently we have only received our 501c3 status in the U.S. We are doing diligence in the U.K. and Canada.

How do I get my child's school involved?

Watch this video for five ways to get your child's school involved.

Will there be involvement with PTAs?

Yes, we will work with many organizations that seek to support education including PTA, PTO, teachers associations, charter school associations and other nonprofits.

Who are your experts on informing on healthy food?

Whole Foods Market has a medical advisory board that reviews and makes recommendations on the company's Health Starts Here eating plan, which the Foundation will also work with. Additionally, Whole Kids Foundation has strong relationships with many experts including:

How will Whole Kids Foundation support childhood health and schools?

Gardens

The Foundation's first major initiative will be Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant Project, a program that will enable schools to help revive children's relationships with food through the power of gardening.

Salad Bars

Through its partnership with Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools, Whole Foods Market has pledged to support the goal of putting 6,000 salad bars in schools across the nation by 2013.

School and Store Partnerships

Many Whole Foods Market stores have established relationships with local schools that range from school gardens and salad bars, to art competitions and food drives, to educational store tours and class visits by our Team Members. The Foundation will help support existing partnerships as well as develop tools and resources to develop new relationships.

Nutrition and Cooking Education

The Foundation will also invest in the health of teachers by providing nutrition and cooking education so that they can be the healthiest role models possible.

As a teacher, how can I learn more and get involved?

Become an advocate for a salad bar or garden at your school. See the resources section for other ideas. Email us at whole.kids@wholefoods.com.