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As the Internal Programs Ambassador with Whole Planet Foundation I know I am truly blessed, but my recent trip to Haiti with Programs Manager Steve Wanta reminded me just how much. Though prepared for tough conditions, I was shocked at the devastation caused by four tropical storms in 2008 and the level of poverty. Then I met Norzina, who is strong and resilient and changing her own life with access to microcredit from Fonkoze (our partner organization). I feel blessed that we, Whole Planet Foundation, Whole Foods Market, Team Members, shoppers, vendors and Fonkoze are all working together to offer women like Norzina the gift of microcredit.
Whole Foods Market sources Whole Trade Guarantee mangoes from Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Inspired by this connection, Whole Planet Foundation provided a $490,249 grant over three years to our implementing partner, Fonkoze, who offers financial services tailored to meet the needs of impoverished Haitians.
One of my favorite parts of our trip was when Norzina invited us to join her in cooking Soupe Joumou, a delicious pumpkin soup known as “Liberation Soup (recipe).” Watch this video to learn why.
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this would be even more inspiring with a recipe
glad to see our food choices help build a sustainable economy
December 30th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Microfinance & Micro Credit is such a powerful tool for granting poor people the right to borrow. We ought to be forever grateful to the Grameen model and its legacy in microfinance. As an American born haitian I’m happy to see the opportunity Whole Planet Foundation is giving women in Haiti. Keep up the great work!
December 30th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Yay! Finally, an article about this. I am Haitian and I am proud for some part of our history being shared with others instead of just labeling my country as the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. I hope people enjoy making this soup because it tastes just wonderful. I congratulate Whole Foods for taking an initiative in reporting this fact.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:11 am
You are really blessed to do what you do! How do we give to Fonkoze?
December 31st, 2009 at 6:03 am
Hi Diana,
Oh but there is a recipe! Click on “Liberation Soup” in the blog above or paste this in your browser:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=2643
Many thanks.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Hi Sheri. Here is Fonkoze’s website:http://www.fonkoze.org/
And here is where you can contribute to the wonderful work that they are doing:
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?id=1263&referer=http://www.fonkoze.org/getinvolved/waystogive.htm
Thank you.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:16 pm
@Diana: Check out our recipe for Haitian Pumpkin Soup here: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=2643
December 31st, 2009 at 2:39 pm
This is great that Whole Planet is reaching out to people in different countries around the world and help change their lives for better. I’m very happy to see that Haiti is one of the beneficiaries. Your work is truly inspiring, and I would like to know how to get involved to take a part in it:)
January 1st, 2010 at 10:54 am
What abeautiful video and story, content-wise and artistically! Thank you so much for sharing the story of Norzina, and the story of that delicious looking soup.
January 1st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Great news for the world! It is inspiring to know that people who have a dream but no credit can get their businesses started with a little help from Whole Foods.I enjoyed the video, and the background on the cultural aspects of the recipe. Way to go Genie and WFM!
Cheers,
Susan
January 1st, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I get so misty watching these things, the beauty and joy of people despite the struggles they face every day are so inspiring! I am so glad to play a small part in helping folks around the world improve their lives.
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Wow. I’m just learning of the Whole Foods Market after recent research and being enlightened about factory farming. I was in search of a nearby store and upon looking at your website I noticed this article about Haiti. I went on a mission trip to Haiti in June and it has changed my world completly. Such beautiful people that live there who inspired me and taught me so much. Thank you for this article and for the help you also provide to the Haitians. I am excited about my first upcoming visit to the Whole Food Market!
Ashley
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I would love to receive an update on Norzina and her family – especially now since the earthquake has devastated their country.
January 15th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Norzina is located about 2.5 hours from Port au Prince in Gonaïves so most likely her community was not heavily affected. Unfortunately the collapse of the capital is going to prove devastating for the entire country for many months to come.
Whole Planet Foundation recommends that you help Fonkoze, our trusted partner in Haiti, to meet the needs of impoverished Haitians and help them to recover from this devastating disaster. Any donation to Fonkoze will be well used to help impoverished Haitians. Fonkoze’s Earthquake News page details the most current information on Fonkoze and their microcredit clients and how to mark your donation if you want to give for earthquake relief.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all Haitians and relief workers. Thank you all.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:34 am
This is exactly why I shop at Whole Foods and do what I do – it’s about the bigger cause!
February 16th, 2010 at 9:43 pm