BOULDER, Colo. (September 12, 2011) – Boulder-based Justin’s—a pioneering and rapidly expanding leader in the organic, all-natural nut butter category – announces it is the founding member of the Whole Planet Foundation’s Microloan-a-Month program. Whole Planet Foundation, a private, non-profit organization established by Whole Foods Market, provides grants to microfinance institutions in Latin America, Africa and Asia who in turn develop and offer microenterprise loan programs, training and other financial services to the self-employed poor.
In 2007, Justin’s was the first of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan recipients in the grocer’s Rocky Mountain Region. Justin Gold, CEO and founder of Justin’s explains, “Because of the loan and support of Whole Foods Market, I was able to grow with Whole Foods Market nationally. Becoming the founding member of the Microloan-a-Month program was a way for us to show our appreciation and also help people and businesses around the world; helping give others the help we were given.”
Justin’s will fund a microloan a month for Whole Planet Foundation, which in turn will be loaned to entrepreneurs around the world.
“The impact of a microloan is extends well beyond just the individual who receives the money,” said Whole Planet Foundation’s president and executive director, Philip Sansone. “Providing access to credit empowers poor entrepreneurs to create better lives for themselves, brighter futures for their families and a lasting impact on their communities.”
In addition, Justin’s is pleased to announce the introduction of a new nut butter flavor – Vanilla Almond Butter – created exclusively for Whole Foods Market. Available now in both jars and squeeze packs, the Vanilla Almond Nut Butter carries the Whole Planet Foundation logo, statement and Whole Foods Market’s Exclusive stamp. MSRP: $0.99/pack and $9.99/jar.
###
About Justin’s
Justin’s, a pioneer in the natural food industry, produces organic and all-natural nut butter spreads and peanut butter cups. Justin’s was founded in 2004 as owner Justin Gold began making homemade nut butters using a food processor in his home kitchen, and selling them at the Boulder Farmers Market. Today, Justin’s is available internationally and across North America at fine retailers including: Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Kroger, Wegman’s, Cost Plus World Market, SuperTarget, Jewel-Osco, HEB, Sprouts, JetBlue and many more. Justin’s nut butters are available in 16-ounce jars, 1.15-ounce squeeze packs and .5-ounce squeeze packs in eight delicious flavors: Chocolate Almond, Maple Almond, Honey Almond, Classic Almond, Chocolate Peanut, Honey Peanut, Classic Peanut and Chocolate Hazelnut. Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups are available in dark chocolate and milk chocolate 1.4oz, two-cup packs. For more information please visit: www.justinsnutbutter.com.
