<p> Whole Foods Market is expanding its Midtown Detroit store with a new center dedicated to free nutrition and culinary education classes. The “Let’s Talk Food” center, which opens on January 13, will be in a small commercial space with a working kitchen, located directly across the parking lot of the 115 Mack Ave. store, according to Detroit News.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Dr. Akua Woolbright, a Whole Foods nutritionist, is thrilled to operate the center. “So many people in Detroit are already eating healthy,” she said. “They know a great deal about canning of food and people have been growing their own vegetables for a long time.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Starting in January, courses such as understanding food labels, combating food cravings, and maintaining a healthy diet will be offered. In February, a “Healthy Eating Challenge” program will cover the entire month. Several Metro Detroit chefs, including a vegan, yoga instructors, and physical trainers, as well as medical officials from the nearby Detroit Medical Center, have agreed to speak. Courses will continue to grow based on community feedback. To register for these classes, Dr. Woolbright can be reached at: <a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_top"> [email protected]</a> </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p> In addition, Whole Foods’ Local Producer Loan Program is now committing up to $25 million in funding for local growers, producers, and food artisans. These funds will help budding food businesses continue their growth, while supporting pioneering projects in biodynamic farming, non-GMO animal feed, pollinator health, and sustainable packaging, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “The most rewarding part of the loan process is building relationships and sharing ideas for progress,” said Dwight Richmond, Whole Foods global grocery purchasing coordinator. “Whether it’s improving the business plan, discussing market trends, or connecting people with new partners in our network, it’s exciting to see the results of great teamwork combined with monetary support.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Loan recipients must meet Whole Foods’ quality standards, use the funds for expansion, and have a viable business plan. Typical loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and have fixed low-interest rates. Some loan recipients use their loans to purchase more livestock, invest in new equipment, expand production facilities, adapt to more sustainable practices, or convert to organic production.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131231/BIZ02/312310073/1001/BIZ/Whole-Foods-adding-classes-nutrition-healthy-eating" target="_new"> Detroit News </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company-info/investor-relations" target="_new"> Whole Foods Market</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
