Green tokens are back!

• From 1st October, Waitrose stores will be reinstating the familiar green tokens voting stations, with customers encouraged to vote for the cause closest to their hearts
• Community Matters donates £4 million each year to outstanding local causes and vital services, run by exceptional volunteers and organisers in each community
• Every quarter, the project with the most votes in each store will receive £1,500, while the second and third receive £1,000 and £500 respectively

The Waitrose Community Matters programme has, to date donated over £50m to good causes across the country, and was the first scheme of its kind to be introduced to a supermarket back in 2008.

Over time the green tokens built up a deep rooted fondness amongst customers and Partners alike, therefore it was a difficult (yet necessary) decision to remove them when Covid hit in 2020. Waitrose has continued to give to worthy causes as part of the scheme, but this was done without the physical customer voting mechanic in store.

This October, the tokens are back and Waitrose has refocussed the causes and programmes being supported, with food very much at the centre. As the Home of Food Lovers, many of the charities will help tackle hunger, bring people together, empower healthier lifestyles and create a more sustainable food system for future generations. This is why at least one of the three available causes to vote on, will be food related.

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.”

The refreshed Community Matters programme will also be open to nominations from customers or local charities and causes themselves.

Donations being given from Waitrose convenience stores are also being doubled, to match the core stores, which will increase the impact made in these areas overall.

Charities to call out from the programme:

In Waitrose Kenilworth, Compassionate Kenilworth, is a charity that strives to reduce social isolation and support vulnerable residents. It runs a bereavement café and provides breakfast at Kenilworth Secondary School for children who arrive hungry.

In Waitrose Maidenhead, customers will have the chance to vote for causes including Alzheimer’s Dementia Support (ADS), which hosts connection cafés, singing for pleasure and tea dances in the area

In West London, customers can support Streetlytes, a charity supporting the homeless and vulnerable across West London. Every Monday they open their doors to over 100 guests for an evening of hot food, practical support and friendship.

Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at John Lewis Partnership added;  “We’d be nothing without the communities that are home to our stores. Through Community Matters, we can make a difference to the lives of local people through our love of food.

“It’s an exciting moment, as this programme has already donated over £50m to good causes. Now, with the return of our green tokens, customers can help us support local causes that are truly important to the people who live there.”

The tokens themselves will be made from 100% recycled nylon, and will be similar in look and feel to the previous design.