This past Thanksgiving season, with the help of neighborhoods around Vancouver, Whole Foods Market donated almost $20,000 to Vancouver elementary schools. The money was raised at Taste of Thanksgiving events for Whole Foods Market shoppers to enjoy seasonal bites from classics to foodie favorites. We recently connected with Grant Daisley, Whole Foods Market Associate Marketing Coordinator – Western Canada and Washington, to find out more.
What were the “Taste of Thanksgiving” events?
The Taste of Thanksgiving events are hosted at each of the Whole Foods Market stores in BC annually for shoppers to enjoy seasonal bites from classics to foodie favourites as they think about their own Thanksgiving menus.
What sorts of foods were featured at the “Taste of Thanksgiving” events?
Taste of Thanksgiving provides a smorgasbord of options from traditional Thanksgiving dishes to gluten-free, paleo and vegan options. For example, we offered the main courses of Turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes, green beans, gravy, and Field Roast’s Celebration Roast (vegan). Guest are then invited to tour the store where they are treated to a variety of other holiday favourites provide by each departments and suppliers. Some stores had 20+ stations available for sampling!
How did Whole Foods come up with this idea?
One of Whole Foods Market’s core values is satisfying, delighting and nourishing our customers. The Taste of Thanksgiving events are an opportunity to engage our customers and help to inspire their Thanksgiving meals. Moreover, we and our team members love to celebrate the communities where our stores are located and these are events are great way to do so by supporting local schools.
Will you be running similar events in the future?
Yes, Taste of Thanksgiving is an annual event so you can look forward to its return in early October 2016.
Which Vancouver elementary schools received funds?
False Creek Elementary, Lord Roberts Elementary, Pauline Johnson School and Lord Tennyson Elementary were the schools that received the proceeds from the Taste of Thanksgiving events at Whole Foods Market’s Vancouver stores. The total raised was $19,850.
Do you know how the funds will be used?
The funds will be used differently at each elementary school, but the money will support new playground equipment at Lord Tennyson Elementary School, for example. Also, the West Vancouver Store’s fund supports the Pauline Johnson outdoor learning and community park: www.pjcommunitypark.com