Whole Foods partners with UHMC Maui Culinary Academy to Support Students
17th October 2012
Whole Foods customers put their extra change to good use last September with checkout donations supporting the culinary aspirations of students enrolled in the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Maui Culinary Academy (MCA).
Whole Foods Market’s quarterly ‘Recycle Your Change’ fund drives give customers the opportunity to contribute change or additional donations to a designated community group. To-date, Whole Foods Market’s Community Support Days have raised more than $100,000 for Maui nonprofits, and over $900 was raised for Maui Culinary Academy students.
“We are thrilled to be able to support the UHMC Maui Culinary Academy,” says Mark Martinez, WFM Kahului Store Team Leader. “The school continues to be a shining example of Hawaiʻi’s rich culinary heritage and we are particularly proud to have some of the Academy’s graduates as fellow team members.”
“Whole Foods Maui continues to step forward to support MCA in a number of ways,” said MCA External Program Coordinator Chris Speere. “They provide sponsored employment opportunities for our students, donations of food and beverages for our fundraising activities, “Guest Chef” demonstrations in the art of healthy food preparation, and they serve as a sponsor of our MCA hosted Taste Education Series offered in partnership with Slow Food Maui.”
‘Recycle Your Change’ is part of Whole Foods commitment to supporting local communities. Whole Foods Market Maui partners with local nonprofits in a variety of ways, including donations to local foods banks, change drives, team member volunteer days, and clothing drives.
For additional information on Whole Foods Market Kahului, visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
UH Maui College’s Maui Culinary Academy was recently recognized by the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation as one of only 71 “Exemplary” Culinary Programs across the nation. With more than 38,000sf of facilities, the MCA program provides daily dining options as well as customized full-service catering capabilities. MCA is planning to extend International education and food innovation opportunities along with current research and product development. More information about the program can be found at www.maui.hawaii.edu, or phone 808-984-3690.