The Local and Emerging Accelerator program (LEAP) was launched in 2022 and fosters mentorship for a cohort consisting of emerging brands with Whole Foods Market experts, provides tailored educational opportunities and giving participants the potential for direct financial support. Encouraging emerging brands and giving them the necessary tools to reach success through this program creates […]
health transformation
Two Decades of Cultivating Change
Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation has been at the forefront of creating lasting change in communities around the world by increasing access to healthy food, educating kids about nutrition, and building pathways to financial stability in 81 countries. For 20 years, Whole Foods Market Foundation has worked alongside partners to cultivate prosperity for our […]
Rice, Roots & Revival
On a trip to Korea in 2017, Carol Pak re-discovered makgeolli, a traditional Korean alcohol made with rice. She learned that makgeolli was Korea’s oldest alcoholic beverage and that there were hundreds of different makgeolli breweries. With just three ingredients, she was fascinated that makgeolli could taste so delicious and diverse, and she was disappointed by […]
A Love Letter to Ruby Jean
Ruby Jean is the late grandmother of Chris Goode, founder and CEO of Ruby Jean’s Juicery. Ruby Jean was raised on a soul food diet and lived on very meager means, never in her life learning how to drive a car. She eventually moved to Kansas City, Mo.,in the late 1950s with several other family […]