Whole Foods Market has shared a major milestone in its Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program with the donation of its first electric food rescue vehicle, made in the company’s hometown of Austin, Texas.
Since launching in September 2020, the program has provided 60 refrigerated vans to food rescue organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Moving forward, all donated vans will be electric.
The inaugural E-Transit refrigerated van, equipped with a Level 2 charging station, was donated to The Johnson Center, an Austin-based nonprofit that collects food from Whole Foods Market’s Lamar and Bee Cave stores to support families in need.
Whole Foods Market has donated two food rescue vans in the Austin and San Antonio area, with the first provided to Keep Austin Fed in 2020. The grocer supports 18 food rescue partners – nine in each city – through its Grocery Rescue program.
“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 Center. “Whole Foods Market’s support helps us provide this invaluable resource to our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Located less than two miles from Whole Foods Market’s headquarters and flagship store, The Johnson Center is dedicated to advancing childhood development through community outreach, clinical care, research and education.
Its food recovery program helps provide nutritious meals to families and high-needs people, ensuring greater access to fresh, healthy food.
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