Whole Foods launches charity to help kids get healthy food

AUSTIN — Whole Foods Market announced that it has launched the Whole Kids Foundation, a charitable organization that will provide children with access to healthy food choices through partnerships with schools, educators and organizations.

According to Whole Foods. Whole Kids' first initiative will be the Whole Kids Garden Grant Project, a program that will enable schools to help build children's relationships with food through the power of gardening. All schools and garden-related nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply this fall for grants to support the implementation or expansion of on-campus teaching gardens.

"We are excited to formalize our commitment to improving childhood nutrition and wellness through our new foundation," said Walter Robb, Whole Foods Market co-CEO and Whole Kids Foundation board chairman. "By collaborating with schools and parents, we believe we can increase fruit and vegetable consumption both at schools and at home, and [can] make a significant contribution in the fight against childhood obesity."