PLANO, TX – Whole Foods Market, a renowned name in organic and natural foods, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Plano community by donating a brand-new refrigerated van to Minnie’s Food Pantry. This generous contribution is set to significantly boost the pantry’s operations in rescuing and distributing fresh food to individuals and families facing food insecurity in and around Plano, Texas.
In a heartwarming event held on Thursday at the Whole Foods Market Cityline store in nearby Dallas, staff from both Minnie’s Food Pantry and Whole Foods Market Plano enthusiastically loaded the new van with a plethora of donated groceries. These essential items are now en route to local residents in need, marking a significant step in addressing food access challenges within the community.
Lauren Talley, Community Giving & Engagement Sr. Specialist at Whole Foods Market, emphasized the importance of this expanded partnership. “We are incredibly excited to deepen our collaboration with Minnie’s Food Pantry and further bolster their vital food rescue initiatives in North Dallas and Plano,” Talley stated. “This van is more than just transportation; it’s a tool that will enable Minnie’s Food Pantry to rescue and deliver even more nutritious food to our neighbors, minimize food waste, and cultivate a lasting positive impact on the well-being of our community.”
Cheryl Jackson, the Founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry, reflected on the decade-long partnership with Whole Foods Market Plano with immense gratitude. “From a small in-store fundraiser ten years ago to weekly food pickups from three Whole Foods Market locations, including our local Plano store, our journey with Whole Foods Market has been truly remarkable,” Jackson shared. “Receiving this refrigerated van through the Whole Foods Market Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program is a game-changer for us. It’s already proving essential in our mission to provide healthy, perishable foods like fresh produce, dairy, and meat to the tens of thousands of families we serve annually.”
The Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program, launched by Whole Foods Market in September 2020, has now donated 37 refrigerated vans to food rescue organizations across the United States and Canada. These vans play a crucial role in the company’s Grocery Rescue Program, where partners regularly collect surplus food from Whole Foods Market stores, including Whole Foods Market Plano, ensuring that high-quality, fresh food is efficiently redistributed to those in need.
Minnie’s Food Pantry, a leading 501c3 nonprofit based in Plano, Texas, has been dedicated to combating hunger since its inception on April 1, 2008. With a mission to offer healthy meals, educational resources, and essential life necessities, the organization has distributed over 25 million meals to date. Minnie’s Food Pantry remains steadfast in its commitment to providing both perishable and non-perishable food items to anyone in need, irrespective of their location. Their continued service is a cornerstone of community support in Plano and the surrounding areas.
To discover more about Whole Foods Market’s Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program, please visit HERE. For additional information on how Minnie’s Food Pantry is making a difference in the Plano community, explore HERE.
