Microeconomics

Joy Stoddard is the Development and Outreach Director for Whole Planet Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Whole Foods Market. We were lucky enough to have a conversation with Joy about her motivation to give back, stemming from her earliest job as a candy striper to her career with Whole Foods. Joy has traveled the world working with microentrepreneurs and shared her unique perspective of having sought out opportunities to make an impact through for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations alike.

Whole Planet Foundation welcomes nuun hydration as a new member of the $10,000 Fund and as a sponsor of this year’s Virtual 10K Run, which aims to raise funds for microlending projects in 69 countries. “Our mission at nuun is simple in that ‘we inspire everyone to move more,’” says Kevin Rutherford, CEO (Chief Eternal Optimist) at nuun hydration. “The team at nuun is thrilled to partner with the positive change agents at Whole Planet Foundation, getting more people moving in the Virtual 10K Run, while giving back to help lift entrepreneurs out of poverty.” Visit Whole Planet Foundation’s blog for hydration tips from nuun and a chance to receive a limited edition nuun x WPF water bottle with your Virtual 10K registration and t-shirt purchase.

Whole Planet Foundation is warming up for its second annual Virtual 10k Run that takes place next month during August 3-7! Nearly 100 participants have registered and because the run occurs simultaneously where you are and in the digital sphere, spaces are endless! Please register today. We are inspired by top sponsors including The Seaweed Bath Co. who even invited their employees to run with us!

In April 2017, Whole Planet Foundation signed a contract with a new microfinance partner in greater Accra called ID Ghana. To gain insight into the bustling Makola market in Accra, it may be helpful to read this 2015 article in the New Yorker profiling Ghanaian business owners.