AUSTIN, Texas -- Today, nonprofit Whole Planet Foundation celebrates Poverty is Unnecessary Day to spotlight nine Whole Foods Market® suppliers that have each donated $25,000 to fund the foundation's microlending efforts this year.

On Oct. 25, 2005, Whole Foods Market launched Whole Planet Foundation with a mission to alleviate global poverty by funding microcredit to the very poor living in communities around the world where the grocer sources products. Each year, the nonprofit celebrates its anniversary with Poverty is Unnecessary Day – a day to recognize the strong, ongoing support from brands that donate funds annually to participate in the foundation's mission.

'Whole Foods Market's suppliers in total have donated nearly $4 million to the foundation. Thanks to their meaningful support, along with the generosity of shoppers and team members, we've been able to expand our reach from one to 53 countries in just seven years,' said Philip Sansone, president and executive director for Whole Planet Foundation. 'Every dollar makes a difference, but a donation of $25,000 is enough to provide 120 impoverished families with loans and a chance to change their own lives.'

This year's $25,000 donors are:

Kettle Brand®
PROBAR®
Café Spice Global Cuisine
Genji Sushi
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day®
LÄRABAR
BlueAvocado
Nature's Path
Odwalla

To date, Whole Planet Foundation has disbursed more than $20 million and committed more than $32 million to fund microlending projects around the world, supporting more than 1.3 million people with a chance for a better life.

For more information about Whole Planet Foundation and Poverty is Unnecessary Day, visit: wholeplanetfoundation.org.