Published in the July 29, 2016 edition
A GROUP from The Friends of the Middlesex Fells and Whole Foods assembled at Greenwood Park in Stoneham on Tuesday, july 26, when a check for $13,000 was presented by the grocery chain.
By GAIL LOWE
STONEHAM — The Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation organization is $13,000 richer, thanks to the Whole Foods Market grocery chain.
On Tuesday, July 26, a $13,000 check was formally presented to the organization in Greenwood Park in Stoneham across from the Stone Zoo.
The money will be used to support programs such as “Babes in the Woods,” “Hike and Seek,” the High School Student Conservation and Stewardship program and “Forest Kindergarten,” among others. Most of the programs offered are free and are made available to people from all over Greater Boston, New Hampshire and Maine.
“Our programs engage people in learning about The Fells and provide learning experiences concerning nature, the environment and conservation,” said Neil Anderson, executive director of The Middlesex Fells organization.
On hand for the event from Whole Foods were Matt Robertson, metro marketing team leader for the Arlington, Medford, Melrose and Woburn Whole Foods stores and Danielle Herrera, metro marketing specialist.
Also representing The Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation was Lindsay Beal, vice chair of the board of directors and volunteer coordinator. Local residents, volunteers and hikers also attended the event.
Robertson explained that as a company, Whole Foods is unique in that the stores are not cookie cutter big-box type places with directives from higher ups about how best to run the business.
Each store is given latitude in deciding how best to operate to meet the needs of the local community.
It’s not enough that each store donates food to area food banks and shelters. Whole Foods takes giving a step further by holding “giving days,” Robertson said.
He explained that several times a year, Whole Foods sets aside community days (otherwise known as 5 percent days) where five percent of that day’s net sales are donated to a local non-profit or educational organization.
“Three five percent days were held in June and July, and the four stores I serve set aside $13,000 for giving,” he said.
Anderson and Beal both expressed gratitude to Whole Foods for their generous contribution.
