USA | Whole Foods Market has announced a major milestone in its Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program by donating its first-ever electric food rescue vehicle.
This donation, made in the company’s hometown of Austin, marked a step forward in the programme’s evolution, advancing food access and sustainability.
Since launching in September 2020, the retailer’s Nourishing Our Neighborhoods programme has provided 60 refrigerated vans to food rescue organisations across the U.S. and Canada.
With the introduction of the first E-Transit electric van, Whole Foods Market has reinforced its commitment to reducing food waste, lowering emissions, and addressing food insecurity. Moving forward, all new vans donated through the program will be electric.
The inaugural E-Transit refrigerated van, equipped with a Level 2 charging station, was donated to The Johnson Center. This Austin-based nonprofit collects food donations from Whole Foods Market’s Lamar and Bee Cave stores to support needy families.
Whole Foods Market has donated two food rescue vans in the Austin and San Antonio area, with the first van provided to Keep Austin Fed in 2020. Through its Grocery Rescue program, the grocer supported 18 food rescue partners, nine in Austin and nine in San Antonio.
“With the increasing cost of food, nutritious meals can be hard to come by for many in our community,” said Kelly Barnhill, Clinical Director for The Johnson Centre.
“Whole Foods Market’s support helps us provide this invaluable resource to our most vulnerable neighbours.”
Located less than two miles from Whole Foods Market’s headquarters and flagship store, The Johnson Centre has been dedicated to advancing childhood development through community outreach, clinical care, research, and education.
Its food recovery program has been critical in providing nutritious meals to children, families, and high-needs individuals, ensuring greater access to fresh, healthy food.
