Congratulations to Whole Foods Co-op (WFC), in Duluth, Minn. Their register round-up program, GIVE, recently passed the $500,000 mark in donations. Donations to the GIVE program support local and area organizations and programs that align with the co-op’s commitment to supporting a healthy and vibrant community. 

The GIVE program launched in 2017 and resonated with shoppers from the very beginning. “The generosity of shoppers and the power of rounding up small change was amazing,” said WFC General Manager Sarah Hannigan. “Within a few years, the program was generating over $2,000 per week — far exceeding our expectation.”

In 2019, WFC began work to expand the round-up beyond nonprofits. According to Hannigan, supporting the local food economy was “a no-brainer.” They modeled their Grow Local Food Fund after similar producer grant programs at the Chequamegon Food Co-op in Ashland, Wis., and Lakewinds Food Co-op in the Twin Cities. Since 2020, GIVE round-up donations have been split between the co-op’s nonprofit support program and the Grow Local Food Fund. In March, donations go to CHUM Food Shelf and Minnesota FoodShare, and June funds go to Whole Foods’ access discount, which provides a 10% discount to shoppers using WIC, SNAP/EBT, SSDI or other assistance programs).

“It’s astounding to think we’ve collected over $537,000 in donations from our shoppers since we launched the round up program,” Hannigan said. “We’re grateful for the tremendous generosity of our community in their donations at the registers. I also truly appreciate our cashiers — our donation program hinges on their involvement, and every penny raised is a direct result of their work.”

In July, Whole Foods Co-op began the application process for its 2023 GIVE recipients. Co-op owners will select the new recipients this fall on the annual meeting ballot.

Learn more about Whole Foods Co-op’s GIVE program at wholefoods.coop/give.