It is always good when businesses give back, and Whole Foods is no exception. One of our favorite food shopping places in Manhattan is giving back in a big way tomorrow, where they will be giving 5% of the day’s collective net sales towards some of New York City’s neighborhood parks.
The sales will be distributed and shared equally to benefit the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, Friends of Hudson River Park, Marcus Garvey Park, and a special project on Governors Island.
Shoppers making purchases on Wednesday will support each organization’s missions to continue improvements to city parks! In the past, 5% Community Giving Days have raised more than $100,000 for partner organizations.
Friends of the Hudson: Proceeds will focus on restoring and reimagining the Chelsea Waterside Play Area at West 23rd Street and 11thAvenue which has been a prime destination for families, students and youth from New York City Housing Authority residents since it was built in 2000. The 5% day contributions to the Chelsea Waterside Play Area capital campaign will help fund renovations including renewing all play equipment, replacing rubber safety surfacing, refurbishing water play features and overhauling site amenities such as umbrellas, tables and benches.
Marcus Garvey Park: The funds will benefit Marcus Garvey Park’s Youth and Arts, Culture and Fun programming at the park and the Pelham Fritz Recreation Center. These programs include a public theater, fitness classes for people of all ages and abilities, with certain classes designated for people with disabilities and a children’s after-school programming. Proceeds will also help provide healthy and organic snacks to support the kids within the program.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy: The funds will support the Environmental Education Center, a new year-round space designed to house the conservancy’s education program, which serves over 10,000 area school children. The Environmental Education Center is also open to the public on the weekends, and proceeds will continue to help support weekly public open hours.
Friends of Governors Island: 5% Day proceeds will help support the creation of the Governors Island “Green Zone,” which will advance the island’s goal to create a closed-loop organic cycle. The “Green Zone” will unite existing island-wide sustainability initiatives, including urban farming and composting. The project will also serve as an educational resource for the general public and a hub for volunteer activities.
How awesome is that? For more information on Whole Foods and their initiatives, check out their official site.