Whole Foods 5% Day Raises Nearly $4,000 for Local Food Cleveland

Whole Foods Market Cedar Center is pleased to announce a contribution of $3,873 to Local Food Cleveland as the result of its 5% Day at the store on Tuesday, June 8th.  Local Food Cleveland, a program of the non-profit organization Entrepreneurs for Sustainability (E4S), promotes the benefits of local food and serves as a network connecting the people and organizations who are working towards a local food future in Northeast Ohio

Sunny skies and the welcoming aroma of local food drew thousands of customers to Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, with an outpouring of support that included such local food luminaries as Doug Katz (chef/owner, Fire Food & Drink), Virginia Houston (urban farmer) and Kari Moore (founder/president, FarmShare Ohio), all shopping for a cause.

Highlights of the day included:

• Suggested “local food shopping list” featuring a compilation of 20 favorite local groceries and treats available customers can purchase at the store.
• A presentation on “Vegetable Gardening Fundamentals,” hosted by Ohio State University Extension Cuyahoga County master gardener Christine Harris.
• Local product samples from vendors including Redmond’s Almond Butter, Phoenix Coffee, Middlefield Cheese, Snowville Creamery, Maramor Chocolates, and more.

“We had a great time talking, tasting, and sharing with shoppers the importance of supporting the local food economy and the quality and value of locally produced foods,” said Peter McDermott, founder of Local Food Cleveland and Network Weaver for E4S.  “We are grateful for the support of Whole Foods Market to further this important work.”

“Whole Foods Market is proud to support local growers and producers,” added John Kucinski, associate store team leader at Whole Foods Market Cedar Center.  “It is a privilege for us to partner with Local Food Cleveland to support a thriving local food economy and culture around Cleveland.”