If we want to improve the way children eat, using capitalism as a tool to create this change is certainly one powerful way to do it.
That is precisely what motivated the Whole Kids Foundation to launch its new #WholeKidsBiz sweepstakes, which is giving away $5,000 to student entrepreneurs.
From March 18-25, students ages 11-18 can enter for a chance to win by submitting an under-three-minute video describing how their business or entrepreneurial school program is helping kids eat healthier in one of three areas: gardening, plant-forward cooking or nutrition education.
Not only are children and young adults showing an interest in healthy living at a much earlier age, but youth entrepreneurship — undoubtedly helped by the popularity of Shark Tank — is also on the rise.
According to the Gallup-HOPE Index, 77% of students in grades 5 – 12 say they want to be their own boss, 45% say they plan to start their own business, and 42% say they will invent something that changes the world.
“Students are taking the lead in powering real change in their communities and schools— whether it’s growing and selling vegetables from their school garden or incorporating vegetables into baked goods,” said Nona Evans, Executive Director of the Whole Kids Foundation, a non-profit arm of Whole Foods Market. “We’re excited to support entrepreneurial learning, as the critical thinking skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur will set up our next generation of leaders for success in whatever they aspire to.”
For the Whole Kids Foundation, whose mission is to improve children’s nutrition and wellness, this giveaway is a natural fit. And it is the first of many steps the foundation plans to take to support entrepreneurship, with the goal of building awareness of youth-led businesses and creating a pipeline for a future grant program for students.