Whole Foods Donates to Carrollwood Community Garden

Nestled in Carrollwood Village on almost 4 acres of land is Vista Gardnes, a community garden where members can learn about organic farming, buy produce and volunteer.

Carrollwood Whole Foods wanted to help the organization grow. So on Tuesday, April 9, a portion of the stores net sales went to Vista Gardens, which is a nonprofit organization.

"Whole Foods has right away proven to (be) an excellent friend to the community and Vista Gardens, said Bill West, Vista Gardens president in a media statement.

Whole Foods will be working with Vista on a project to convert food and coffee ground waste into a rich compost, West added.

Vista Gardens is just one of the many organizations Whole Foods has donated to since opening late last year. Four times a year, Whole Foods Market Carrollwood partners with organizations as part of their 5 percent Community Day, which benefits local nonprofits.

"One of our core values is caring about our communities, so having the opportunity to donate to a local organization that also promotes healthy eating and recycling is a complement to our store's mission," said Anna Payne, Whole Foods Carrollwood spokeswoman.

Vista Gardens, located at 5006 Chattam Lane, opened in 2008 as a hydroponic farm partnership with Hillsborough County. Members pay monthly or yearly fees and receive discounts on the purchase of produce.

To learn more about Vista Gardens visit its website or call 813-600-1100. Whole Foods Carrollwood is located at 1548 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa.

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