Whole Foods Benefits Hidden Pond Nature Center

and Springfield Whole Foods Market are joining together to raise money for environmental education programs at the nature center.

On Wednesday, Aug. 22, Whole Foods Market will donate 5 percent of its proceeds for the day to the Friends of Hidden Pond. Naturalists from the nature center will be at the store from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with displays, live reptiles, amphibians and snacks. Shoppers may also enter to win a Whole Foods Market back-to-school goodie bag.

The 5% Day of Community Giving is one way Whole Foods Market gives back to the communities in which they serve, said a spokesperson for the grocery chain. The grocer partners with a selected non-profit organization once per quarter. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a non-profit established to generate funds for Fairfax County park programs, worked with the nature center and its friends group to submit the application.

Funds raised during the event will support Hidden Pond’s school outreach efforts. The nature center hosts a number of environmental education programs for hundreds of local school children. Specifically, the donated funds will pay for education supplies, new water sampling docks and workshop fees for children from low income families.

The Springfield Whole Foods Market is located at 8402 Old Keene Mill Road.