Joyful Heart in the News

KAHULUI, HI–Whole Foods Market is stepping up its support for Maui families by partnering with the Joyful Heart Foundation and the Hawai‘i’s Children’s Trust Fund on a new public awareness campaign that will launch in January called One Strong ‘Ohana. The One Strong ‘Ohana campaign aims to increase awareness  about strengthening families and the prevention of  child abuse and neglect by educating residents on how they can provide support to families, parents and guardians. Committed to the communities it serves, Whole Foods Market’s mission is to encourage healthy lifestyles for residents through fresh, nutritious foods, education and community citizenship. 

“We are excited to partner with Whole Foods Market to encourage safe and nurturing environments for all our keiki on Maui and throughout the state,” said Randy Echito, executive director of Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui. “The One Strong ‘Ohana campaign is an important step towards raising awareness about child abuse and neglect in Hawai‘i, but one that we could not take without a strong network of community partners, businesses and families working together.”

Throughout the month of January, Whole Foods Market Kahului store will be hosting events in store to raise awareness and funds to support island keiki. In addition to hosting several family events, the store will host its first Recycle Your Change fundraiser of 2012 to benefit the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui, which works to provide services to children suffering from abuse and neglect.

“The One Strong ‘Ohana Campaign is a cause that really speaks to the Whole Foods Market mission to promote health lifestyles for our shoppers inside and out,” said Elyse Ditzel, marketing director for Whole Foods Market Kahului. “It takes a village to raise a child – by picking up groceries or preparing a nutritious meal for a family, you can do simple things to strengthen a family.”

This January, Whole Foods Market will be hosting the following keiki-friendly events to kick off its participation in the One Strong ‘Ohana campaign:

Recycle Your Change Fundraiser to Benefit Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui: December 19, 2011 – April 8, 2012

Whole Foods Market registers will be accepting donations to benefit the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui through April 18, 2012 in celebration of the ‘One Strong Ohana launch. The Recycle Your Change program provides customers an opportunity to support nonprofits by ‘recycling’ their left over change when making a purchase at Whole Foods Market. Recent recipients of this program include the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, Maui High School Project Graduation, A-KAKU, Slow Food Maui and Read Aloud America.

Healthy Keiki in the Kitchen: Saturday, January 7, 2012, 11 a.m.  (FREE)

This free class gives keiki a fun, hands-on afternoon learning how delicious healthy eating can be! Perfect for keiki five to 12 years of age, Keiki in the Kitchen starts with a brief introduction to the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI), which analyzes the nutrients of different foods. Participants will receive a tour of the aisles before learning some easy recipes to make and take home for future use. To RSVP, email spmmm-marketing@wholefoods.com.

Story Time with Read Aloud America: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 11 a.m. (FREE)

Slow down the hustle and bustle of the weekend with a fun family outing to Whole Foods Market for a story and healthy snack. Our friends from Read Aloud America will be providing a good, old-fashioned storytelling session for keiki ages pre-Kindergarten through second grade. All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

“Nurturing healthy families goes far beyond the food provided at the table,” said Ditzel. “Whole Foods Market invites all of our shoppers to learn more and join in this important initiative to help our communities grow stronger families.”

The One Strong ‘Ohana was created by the Hawaii Children’s Trust Fund in partnership with the Joyful Heart Foundation to raise public awareness campaign about the state of child abuse in Hawai‘i. A study commissioned by JHF found that despite high incidents of child abuse and neglect, many residents have a low awareness and are uncertain of how to prevent or report the abuse. Through One Strong ‘Ohana, partners throughout the community will work to ignite greater involvement and help to strengthen island families.

For additional information on Whole Foods Market’s Kahului store, please visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/maui/ or call (808) 872-3310. To keep up-to-date on the latest store news, events and sales, follow Whole Foods Market Kahului on twitter at www.twitter.com/wfmkahului or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WFMKahului.