The Supper Clubs at Whole Foods Market on South Street provide nutrition information, healthy food and a sense of community. Proceeds from the events, which cost $15 per person, go to the Whole Planet Foundation.
The private, nonprofit organization was born from the company’s “desire to give something back to those who have helped us succeed, while focusing on the persistent problem of world poverty and hunger,” according to its website.
“It’s designed to raise money and provide microcredit loans to female entrepreneurs in Third World countries,” said Lindsey Kane, a registered dietician and healthy eating specialist at Whole Foods Market.
The foundation, which has raised over $48 million, has helped about 2 million people in 59 countries. About 92 percent of the foundation’s clients are female.
The institutions that receive funding provide and develop loan programs, training and financial services to the self-employed poor. The average microcredit loan required to start a business in a developing country is $150.
“So when we have these Supper Clubs, we generate about $300 to $350. So we just helped two women in a Third World country create their own business,” Kane said after one event. “Just by enjoying a healthy meal.”
– Text, images and video by Kelsey Kondraski
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