Since 2017, our cashiers have asked a simple question thousands of times: “Would you like to round up today?” And time after time, our shoppers and Owners have responded with a resounding yes. Pennies, nickels, and dimes—tiny acts of generosity—have added up to something truly remarkable: Whole Foods Co-op shoppers have donated over $1 million through the GIVE! Round-up program.
And one million dollars in small change is making big change.
Give! round-up check presentation to the Damiano Center.
Strengthening the Community
More than 50 nonprofits across our region have felt the impact of our shoppers’ kindness. About $650,000 of the donations have gone to our Community Support Program, directly supporting organizations working every day to make our community stronger, safer, more inclusive, and more resilient.
Round up donations have:
- Supported food access through partners like Chum, Damiano Center, and Duluth Farm to School
- Provided vital services for vulnerable neighbors through PAVSA, CASDA, and First Witness
- Uplifted diversity and inclusion with Family Freedom Center, AICHO, and the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial
- Helped steward our natural environment with St. Louis River Alliance, Hartley Nature Center, and Friends of Sax-Zim Bog
And there are dozens of additional nonprofits that have benefited from the kindness of our shoppers. And every single one of these nonprofits is making a positive impact on the populations they serve.
Strengthening the Local Food System
In 2021, Whole Foods Co-op expanded the impact of GIVE! by launching the Grow Local Food Fund (GLFF), a grant program designed to strengthen our regional food system. Most months, round-up donations are split equally between the featured nonprofit and the GLFF.
To date, the GLFF has supported 34 projects, helping farmers and food producers repair barns, build fences, invest in equipment, and grow their capacity to feed our region.
“I love the program,” said Heather-Marie of Rising Phoenix Community Farm, a 2025 grant recipient. “It’s such a great way to have direct impact on many organizations and for people to connect with farmers and growers in the area.”
Another 2025 GLFF recipient, Julie Allen from Sörestad Farm, shared, “[The Grow Local Food Fund] is such a beautiful way for dollars to stay in our community, for eaters to help producers, and to uplift our local food system.”
Heather-Marie of Rising Phoenix Community Farm with her new harvesting tool, purchased with grant funds from the Grow Local Food Fund.
Strengthening Food Accessibility for Owners
Your donations have also supported Whole Foods Co-op programs that reduce barriers to food access, including the Fran Skinner Memorial Matching Fund and the Access Discount Program. These initiatives help ensure that high-quality, local food is accessible to more people in our community.
Our Sincerest Gratitude
This $1 million milestone wouldn’t be possible without individuals choosing to round up.
“I’d like to thank our Owners and shoppers for their incredible demonstration of generosity day after day, year after year, as well as our staff for their commitment to this program,” said Sarah Hannigan, Whole Foods Co-op General Manager.
“The outpouring of support from our community for our community is truly inspirational and humbling,” said Hannigan. “We’re proud to administer the GIVE! program at Whole Foods Co-op and are looking forward to seeing its impact in the years to come.”
GIVE! check presentation to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Thank you for rounding up. Thank you for believing that small change can make a big difference.
And thank you for helping us build a stronger, more connected, more compassionate community. One little round-up at a time.
