Waitrose brings back green tokens as it relaunches Community Matters scheme
Waitrose has reinstated its green token voting stations in stores to give customers the chance to support local charities.
Since its launch in 2008, the Community Matters scheme has donated over £50 million nationwide. The physical tokens were paused during the Covid pandemic in 2020, although Waitrose has continued to give to worthy causes as part of the programme.
The scheme donates £4 million each year. Every quarter, the project with the most votes in each store will receive £1,500, while the second and third will receive £1,000 and £500 respectively.
With the return of the tokens, Community Matters has been refreshed this year with a stronger focus on food-related charities. At least one nominated cause in every store will support efforts to tackle hunger, promote healthy lifestyles, build community connections, or improve sustainable food systems.
Tina Mitchell, interim managing director at Waitrose, said; “Our greatest love at Waitrose is of course, food. It’s what gets us excited for work every day and it connects every partner no matter what their role.
“However, what also connects us is the communities we live and serve within, so we’re equally invested in the causes and programmes which strive to make a real difference in the towns and cities we care most about.
“We hope customers will be as happy as we are to see the return of our voting stations this week, and we look forward to hearing those green tokens dropping into the slots once more.”
Waitrose said donations being given from its convenience stores will be doubled to match its core stores.
