Principal Financial Group, Inc.

Teva Pharmaceutical

WESCO International

Principal® Foundation Philanthropic Philosophy

Using Antibiotics Wisely. Making Them Responsibly.

Wesco 2025 Sustainability Report: Supporting Employee Health and Wellbeing

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<figcaption>Weatherization Demonstration</figcaption>
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In 2024, <a href="https://eco-act.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action)</a> received a two-year<a href="https://www.drawdownga.org/grants-announced/?page=1&amp;category=58" target="_blank"> Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions and Equity Grant</a> to engage community members from low-income, previously disinvested communities in Atlanta to access and participate in climate mitigation strategies to reduce energy burdens, optimize food waste diversion strategies and enhance their quality of life with ecological awareness, education and benefits.&nbsp;

Over the past two years, the grant has enabled ECO-Action to collaborate with residents and leaders in Peoplestown (South Atlanta), Intrenchment Creek (Southeast Atlanta) and Proctor Creek (Northwest Atlanta) to offer monthly community-wide training on issues where climate change and health intersect.
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<figcaption>ECO-Action Grantees and Funders</figcaption>
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They've partnered with community garden leaders to collect food scraps and establish free neighborhood-based composting programs in multiple neighborhoods across Atlanta. They've trained young adults and other community members on weatherization techniques to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy burdens in aging housing stock, and they've educated residents on issues and vulnerabilities at the intersection of climate and environmental justice.

Through monthly gatherings in their own communities, ECO-Action is empowering Atlanta residents to recognize issues and take action. Some of the activities residents have engaged in include planting trees where urban deforestation has occurred, reducing food waste sent to area landfills, and gaining insight into mitigating heat island effects.

A multigenerational approach has been successful for the ECO-Action team as they've trained young adults from the local communities to weatherize the homes of seniors and others in the community that they might not otherwise interact with. They're not just sharing knowledge and improved thermal comfort; they're forging lasting relationships.
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<figcaption>Buckets from the free composting program</figcaption>
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The ECO-Action staff and volunteers recently took funders on a tour of multiple locations in their targeted neighborhoods, exemplifying the grant in action. Some examples included:

Grove Park Community Gardens - This garden included raised beds and fruit trees maintained by community members. The site is equipped with a shed, gardening tools and a central compost collection area where residents can take their food scraps. They’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing feedstock for compost that is processed locally at Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. Finished compost is provided back to the community garden and to highly engaged residents who regularly contribute their kitchen scraps.

Parather-Williams Home in Collier Heights - Ms. Catherine Parather-Williams is a member of the ECO-Action Weatherization Team, and she participates in the household composting program. She has also been the recipient of some weatherization work at her own home. Weatherization interns demonstrated the weatherization upgrades that were made there, sealing cracks and ductwork, installing new dryer vents, replacing filters, and adding insulation.

When asked if she noticed a difference, Ms. Parather-Williams said, “I sleep a lot better at night, it’s more comfortable.” The compost she receives from ECO-Action is used in her front porch container garden where she grows peppers, collards, tomatoes, okra, and herbs.

Rick McDevitt Youth Center in Peoplestown - This is the hub for composting efforts in the neighborhoods of the Intrenchment Creek Watershed, and a portion of the grant was used to make weatherization upgrades to the Center.

The funders had a chance to hear from Donna Stephens, program manager for the Proctor Creek neighborhoods. Ms. Stephens reported that the Proctor Creek team continues to run educational sessions on composting, as well as supporting a cohort of youth ambassadors to recruit community members to participate in the weatherization and composting programs. Between March and August of 2025, neighbors in the Proctor Creek Watershed collected roughly 1,500 lbs of compostable materials.
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<figcaption>Grantees and Funders</figcaption>
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George Epps, program manager for the Drawdown Georgia efforts in the Peoplestown and Intrenchment Creek neighborhoods also reported great success with the program. Mr. Epps is responsible for picking-up the food scraps at a central point, delivering them to Truly Living Well, and redistributing the collection buckets. Between March and August, Intrenchment Creek residents collected roughly 4,500 lbs of compostable materials, thereby diverting them from landfill, and helping avert the associated methane emissions.&nbsp;

Neighbors in the Intrenchment Creek community are also focused on developing intergenerational learning via spring and fall break workshops on weatherization, composting, and urban gardening. The community has also partnered with Pike Nurseries and Trees Atlanta to plant fruit trees in the Peoplestown and the Intrenchment Creek watershed to help address heat island effects from previous urban deforestation.&nbsp;
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<figcaption>Community Garden in Grove Park</figcaption>
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The weatherization interns presented on their ongoing work after the tour. They participated in training at <a href="http://www.southface.org" target="_blank">Southface Institute</a>, learning how to patch and apply mastic and foam to seal gaps, and how to safely construct scaffolding in attics to support insulation work. The Rick McDevitt Youth Center, Little Five Points Community Center, and 12 residents’ homes received a variety of weatherization improvements during the summer.

About the Funders:&nbsp;

ECO-Action’s 2024-25 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions &amp; Equity Grant was supported by a funding cohort that included Atticus Fund, the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation and its Dobbs Fund, Ghanta Family Foundation, The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, Reilly Family Fund, Tull Charitable Foundation and The Wilbur &amp; Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

About ECO-Action:

Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action) helps communities organize to confront environmental health threats, and to strengthen &amp; facilitate participation of communities in preventing and resolving such threats. ECO-Action serves the general population, with special focus on assisting residents of vulnerable communities – most often rural residents, people with limited formal education, those with few resources, women, and people of color. &nbsp;ECO-Action’s work is based on the intersection of three things – threats to human health, environmental degradation and social injustice.

ECO-Action Is Reducing Energy Burdens and Optimizing Food Waste Diversion in Atlanta

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By Jason Hartke, Ph.D.

With over a decade of experience in the smart buildings industry, Kashif Mughees, who leads commercial and partnerships at <a href="https://www.wellstat.io/" target="_blank">WellStat</a>, has built a career on turning complex energy and environmental challenges into opportunities for organizations to embrace solutions that yield powerful economic benefits. An engineer by training, Kashif’s work stands at the intersection of technology, data and human impact, partnering with leaders from across the public and private sectors to apply innovative solutions that advance energy security, environmental performance and healthier indoor spaces.

At its core, WellStat is helping reshape what it means to manage building performance, leveraging intelligent energy solutions and building analytics to help businesses achieve healthier, smarter and more sustainable spaces. The company’s approach combines industry knowledge with real-time insights and IoT analytics, improving operational performance while helping organizations optimize for health.

Kashif has been at the heart of this work, driven by a passion for sustainable energy management, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven innovation. We sat down with him to learn more about the work WellStat is leading and how the company is addressing today’s most pressing challenges and empowering market leaders to champion health, sustainability, and long-term business resilience.
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Q: How do you see the relationship between energy efficiency and indoor air quality evolving and what kind of synergies should the industry be driving to advance both? 
For too long, energy efficiency and indoor air quality have been treated as trade-offs: save energy or improve comfort. Today, we have the tools and intelligence to achieve both.

In my experience, fine-tuning building systems through real-time insights can reduce waste and maintain healthy air at the same time. For example, in one project, simply adjusting HVAC start times cut energy use without affecting comfort. In another, tracking indoor air quality helped uncover efficiencies that, once fixed, improved both ventilation and performance. Demand Control Ventilation is a great example of this synergy in action, using live occupancy and air quality data to optimize airflow, reduce energy consumption, and maintain healthier environments.

It’s important to stop treating health and efficiency as separate goals and start measuring how they work together to improve overall building performance.
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Q: From your perspective, what is the business case for investing in buildings that prioritize health, well-being and sustainability? How do you communicate that to organizations you work with? 
The value is clear. Healthier buildings are higher performing assets. They attract and retain talent, reduce operational risk and strengthen long-term value.

I often say, if you can measure it, you can prove it, and if you can prove it, you can scale it. That is where data comes in. When leaders see tangible results such as improved air quality, reduced energy costs and greater occupant satisfaction, the conversation shifts from compliance to commercial advantage.

Even in residential developments, we are seeing growing interest in WELL-aligned design and monitoring. Healthier air, balanced humidity and thermal comfort reduce risks associated with damp and mould, while improving overall indoor quality and occupant well-being. These improvements do not just make homes healthier; they protect asset value, reduce maintenance costs and strengthen community trust.

Ultimately, prioritizing health delivers value for occupants while supporting long-term financial performance.

Q: Many organizations face difficulties in implementing these building strategies, such as cost constraints or new technology adoption. What are some of the biggest challenges you see in the field today and how are you working with stakeholders to overcome them? 
The challenge is usually not the technology. It’s getting different teams aligned. Facilities, sustainability and finance teams often have different success metrics. Our job is to connect those dots through shared outcomes.

We typically start small with a pilot project that proves measurable impact. Once the data speaks for itself, adoption accelerates across the portfolio. For example, demonstrating how small operational changes can lead to both lower energy costs and better IAQ helps shift the mindset from “new cost” to “new value.”

By focusing on visibility, evidence and shared success metrics, we help organisations move from good intentions to scalable results.

Q: As the demand for healthy buildings continues to grow, how is WellStat helping demonstrate the value proposition and where do you see the strongest market drivers helping build momentum? 
WellStat is helping organisations quantify what matters most, the measurable link between healthier spaces, operational performance and financial outcomes.

Our analytics platform captures real-time data on air quality, energy and environmental performance, turning it into clear, actionable insights. That enables leaders to demonstrate, not just declare, that their spaces are healthier and more efficient.

Momentum is building across sectors:

• Corporate real estate leaders are investing to attract and retain talent. 
• Developers and owners see WELL as a differentiator in competitive markets. 
• Investors are demanding transparency and data-backed proof of impact.

We are moving into an era where sustainability, health and performance are one conversation, and the organisations that understand that will lead the market.

View original content <a href="https://resources.wellcertified.com/articles/iwbi-signature-interview-series-leveraging-analytics-to-propel-healthy-building-practices/" target="_blank">here</a>.

IWBI Signature Interview Series: Leveraging Analytics to Propel Healthy Building Practices

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<a href="https://www.path.org/" target="_blank">PATH</a> has launched a groundbreaking initiative to address the rising burden of hemoglobinopathies—particularly Thalassemia—in India, with the support of a grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMS Foundation). The program aims to strengthen local health systems and expand access to early screening, diagnosis, and treatment in high-prevalence areas.

India accounts for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947120/#:~:text=The%20thalassemic%20burden%20in%20India,the%20global%20%CE%B2%2Dthalassemia%20burden" target="_blank">nearly 25%</a> of the global β-thalassemia burden, with an estimated 10,000–15,000 children born each year with Thalassemia Major. Despite this, access to quality care remains limited, and treatment pathways are often fragmented.

This initiative marks among the BMS Foundation’s first grants in India to increase access to screening and build capacity to tackle the life-threatening burden of hemoglobinopathies.

The program will be implemented in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on:

Strengthening screening and prevention: Focusing on high-prevalence districts and prioritizing key population groups such as pregnant women, newborns, and families with known genetic risk factors.

Capacity-building and training: Equipping frontline health workers to deliver timely, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care.

Coordinated care systems: Ensuring linkage to management services, including safe blood transfusion services, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplant facilities, where appropriate.

Strengthening the Centre for Competence (CoC): Enhancing the ambit of existing CoCs for Sickle Cell Disease established by the Government of India under NSCAEM to serve as hubs of excellence for Thalassemia care.

Policy integration and innovation: Supporting alignment of national and state-level actions on integrated Thalassemia management with global guidelines and local realities to inform future efforts to scale up integrated interventions.

“This project is expected to directly impact the population across the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh,” said Neeraj Jain, Country Director, India, PATH. “The project’s goal is to impact over 1.8 million pregnant women, newborns, and families of affected individuals, who will receive integrated screening services during the project period. Enhanced capacity of health care providers and access to better treatment will help improve the quality of life for all individuals diagnosed with Thalassemia.”

Catharine Grimes, President of the BMS Foundation, added, “The BMS Foundation is proud to work with PATH on these critical efforts to close gaps in Thalassemia care in India. Across our global work to address pediatric blood disorders, we are committed to removing barriers and strengthening sustainable systems of care. By implementing evidence-based strategies tailored to local community needs, we aim to deliver a scalable, lasting impact.”

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Awards Grant to PATH to Improve Care for Inherited Blood Disorders in India

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<figcaption>Community Garden Kitchen and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club "Flip the Switch" on Solar!</figcaption>
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MCKINNEY, Texas, October 17, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - Community Garden Kitchen, a nonprofit founded to combat food insecurity in Collin County, is celebrating a major sustainability milestone with a new 34-kilowatt solar array and 20 kWh battery storage system, courtesy of a $118,000 grant from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club®.

The solar array will support 65% of the restaurant’s energy needs, while the battery storage will maintain food production during weather emergencies or grid disruptions, allowing the nonprofit to remain operational. Energy savings from the sustainability grant are equivalent to serving more than 9,350 additional meals annually, or 180 additional dinners per week.
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<figcaption>The new 34-kilowatt rooftop solar array, funded by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, at Community Garden Kitchen.</figcaption>
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In 2014, Community Garden Kitchen launched with the vision of a restaurant-style kitchen where guests can dine with dignity in a friendly environment. In 2022, a permanent home for the nonprofit was opened in McKinney, where the restaurant operates Monday through Thursday evenings with over 900 volunteers. Community Garden Kitchen is the only facility in Collin County open for dinner to meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity. Last year alone, the kitchen served more than 40,000 free meals.

“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and $118,000 sustainability grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club,” said Angela Poen, president, Community Garden Kitchen. “The energy savings from the solar array and battery storage will empower us to further our mission of serving nutritious meals and providing a safe space for our community.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Community Garden Kitchen to reduce their environmental footprint and, at the same time, help expand their capacity to serve nutritious meals for those in need,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “By empowering our community with the principles of sustainability, we can ensure future generations remain committed to nurturing our planet.”

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $15 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.

# # #

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $16 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit <a href="https://www.greenmountainenergy.com/en/sun-club" target="_blank">greenmountain.com/sunclub</a>.

Media Contact: 
Jeanie Davey, Green Mountain Energy 
445-544-1670 
<a href="mailto:Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com" target="_blank">Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com</a>

Angela Poen, Community Garden Kitchen 
214-842-8426 
<a href="mailto:directors@communitygardenkitchen.org" target="_blank">directors@communitygardenkitchen.org</a>

Community Garden Kitchen Goes Solar, Thanks to a $118,000 Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Grant

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<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/key-takeaways-nycw-2025?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq</a>

This year’s <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank">Climate Week NYC</a> events centered on the theme “Power On,” highlighting progress across climate, finance, technology, and more. As the days unfolded, the discussions moved from the strategic significance of sustainability to practical approaches and insights that can help organizations manage complexity and foster resilience.

Through participation in the week’s events, the Nasdaq team tuned in as leaders further explored the evolving role of technology and the importance of aligning sustainability and finance teams to create enduring value, and how an impactful sustainability strategy is designed to address the intricate climate landscape. The following key takeaways illustrate these principles and how they can be put into action:

1. Sustainability is a Strategic Imperative for Investors and CFOs

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have,” it’s a core expectation from investors. CFOs are now deeply involved in both sustainability education and reporting, reflecting the growing demand for transparency and measurable impact across stakeholders. The week’s activity highlighted that resilience in the sustainability landscape isn’t going anywhere, and organizations must be prepared to adapt and thrive amid constant changes.

2. Approach Sustainability with Simplicity Over Complexity

While the world is becoming more complex, organizations should resist the urge to respond with more complicated processes. A successful sustainability strategy is often principle-based, seeking modern, innovative solutions that offer simplicity and reduce unnecessary complexity. For example, Nasdaq’s sustainability vision is built on three pillars: capital access and innovation, disclosure and transparency, and market infrastructure solutions. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to long-term, actionable initiatives and the belief that adaptability and partnership are essential in a dynamic sustainability ecosystem.

3. Alignment Between Sustainability and Finance Can Help Yield High Returns

Securing buy-in for sustainability initiatives can be challenging. It is important to nurture alignment between sustainability and finance teams, starting at the leadership level. Synergy between these business functions is crucial not only for maximizing tax incentives, but also for ensuring that investments in sustainability yield high returns. In the long term, better sustainability practices help drive growth, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, freeing up capital for further investment.

4. The Power of Networks and Collaboration

Leaders shared that involvement in leadership networks helps provide unique opportunities for peer learning and collaboration, all in the effort to advance sustainability goals. Organizations should consider prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and a forward-looking mindset to build resilience amid complexity.

Driving Lasting Value Through Sustainability and Innovation

Ultimately, sustainability should be a strategic priority for corporate leaders and investors alike. Success in this space requires not just robust reporting, but also a culture of innovation, strong alignment between sustainability and finance, and a relentless focus on resilience. As the sustainability and climate landscape continues to evolve, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/sustainability/report?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq’s approach</a> offers a blueprint for organizations seeking to turn complexity into opportunity and drive lasting value.

Nasdaq’s Sustainability Technology, Innovation, and Resilience

<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/how-sustainable-company-leaders-leverage-nasdaq-sustainability-solutions?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Technology and innovation</a> are at the heart of Nasdaq’s sustainability journey. We are leveraging AI and cloud solutions to drive efficiency, productivity, and resilience. In addition to in-house innovation efforts, we are focused on building scalable solutions that can adapt to regulatory and market changes to best support its clients. By fostering inclusive growth through innovation and collaboration, Nasdaq and its clients are well positioned to create enduring value, no matter how the landscape shifts.

Moreover, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq Sustainability Solutions</a> empowers organizations to address evolving regulatory demands, unlock investor capital, and accelerate decarbonization with best-in-class technology and trusted advisory expertise. Our tools simplify reporting, enhance data quality, and help teams focus on delivering measurable sustainability outcomes. To learn how we can support your organization throughout its sustainability journey, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability#contact?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">contact us here</a>.

Key Takeaways From Climate Week NYC 2025

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October 15, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - The UK is setting a global benchmark in sustainability, driven by businesses that increasingly recognise the competitive, reputational, and financial advantages of sustainable practices. However, progress is uneven across sectors, as each industry faces distinct environmental, social, and governance challenges shaped by differing operational, regulatory, and market priorities. Recognising these differences is crucial to developing targeted strategies, prioritising actions, and implementing practices that deliver measurable sustainability outcomes.

To support businesses in strengthening competitiveness and resilience, the UN Global Compact Network UK, in collaboration with University College London, Newcastle University, and Euromonitor, has launched the report ‘<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Trailblazers &amp; Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability</a>’, examining how six high-impact sectors in the UK are performing against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on rigorous data and market insights, the report identifies sector-specific challenges, benchmarks performance, and presents actionable recommendations to support effective sustainability strategies.

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE REPORT</a>

You can now download the full report to:

<ul>
	<li>Gain in-depth analysis of UK business progress on the SDGs;</li>
	<li>Access sector-specific insights to strengthen ESG performance and support the integration of sustainability into strategy and operations;</li>
	<li>Understand cross-sector trends highlighting shared barriers, leadership gaps, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation;</li>
	<li>Inform your company’s sustainability strategy with evidence-based findings and global benchmark comparisons;</li>
	<li>Leverage data-driven insights from UN Global Compact Communication on Progress (CoP) data, World Benchmarking Alliance benchmarks, policy context, and market trends to guide decision-making; and</li>
	<li>Explore policy priorities that can shape the enabling environment to help businesses operate responsibly, compete globally, and unlock sustainable investment at scale.</li>
</ul>

You can find more information about the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">here</a>, and please share it with your networks.

Media Contact: 
Lily Venables 
Senior Project Manager (Governance and SDGs) 
<a href="mailto:lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk" target="_blank">lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk</a>

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Read More</a>

New UN Global Compact Network UK Report Launch - Trailblazers & Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability

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<figcaption>Funders and grantees meeting at the senior center in Thomasville, GA</figcaption>
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Staff and trustees from The R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation, the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, and the Reilly Family Fund recently visited<a href="https://www.thomasvillecdc.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Thomasville Community Development Corporation (TCDC)</a>, a <a href="https://www.drawdownga.org/grants-announced/?page=1&amp;category=58" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Drawdown Georgia (DDGA) Climate Solutions &amp; Equity Grantee</a>. They are implementing a plant-based diet pilot that includes medical monitoring, and they're offering free produce giveaways to seniors. They’re helping provide sustainable systems for getting locally grown, fresh, healthy food into neighborhoods that have been officially designated as food deserts.
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<figcaption>TCDC Executive Director Earl Williams at the Marathon Market</figcaption>
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Community-based Plant-Forward Food Program for Dewey City

TCDC is applying plant-based diet principles to scale their work of improving health outcomes for priority populations in the historic Dewey City neighborhood in Thomasville, Georgia. Rendall Mash, owner of Marathon Market, a Black-owned food market, is working with TCDC to facilitate the design and implementation of a neighborhood plant-based food program.

Mash returned to his hometown a few years ago, seeking to use his skills as a builder to help improve the lives of residents in the Dewey City and Stevens Street communities of Thomasville. Since then, he's been building affordable homes and renovating legacy homes. At first, he was returning to Thomasville only on weekends, but his passion eventually took him back home full time.

Mash began to sense the absence of many things he remembered from his childhood. One of the most important things he noticed was the absence of a grocery store in the center of the community. The closest grocery store with fresh meats and produce was five miles from the center of the community, and it was inaccessible to many residents that don't have cars. He also noticed that an increase in blighted, vacant buildings invited crime.

That's when he began working with TCDC to create a system-based solution that started with opening a small grocery store in the center of the community. He opened Marathon Market in an existing building that served as a grocery store more than 20 years ago. In recent years it had become a liquor and vape shop that put crime right in the center of Dewey City. By converting the property back to a safe, community-centered resource and by getting creative with the deliverables, Mash has been able to turn things around considerably. Now residents have a safe and reliable source of fresh, affordable food in the center of a walkable community.

Mash sources his produce from local farmers, who also provide produce for subsidized food boxes that are delivered regularly to 40 local residents.

Local chef and TCDC partner Alvin Davis also sources the produce he needs to provide free plant-forward meals for seniors that gather at the Scott Senior Center four times a week as part of a year-long pilot Plant-Based Diet Program. His culinary creations are part of a program that allows participating seniors to access bloodwork diagnostics and medical monitoring to see how an increase in plant-based meals affect their blood tests for markers of diabetes, hypertension and other common diseases that often affect seniors. There are currently 28 participants in the pilot, and the average participant age is 74. Sixty-four percent are female and seventy-one percent are Black.
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<img alt="L-r: Jasmine Calhoun and Kuluvanda Cason at the Senior Center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f84e222-708a-4266-ab50-2c9abcdc4a4a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/TCDCJasmineKuluvanda.png" width="530" height="534" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>L-r: Jasmine Calhoun and Kuluvanda Cason at the Senior Center</figcaption>
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Before starting the program, Kuluvanda Cason, a mobile nurse that owns ARK Diagnostics, tested each participant with baseline bloodwork and counseled them individually to set specific diet goals that could lead to better test results at the end of the pilot project. Her role in the pilot is health outcome monitoring. The participants don't just receive free food, they also receive educational seminars, recipes and suggested grocery lists for when they visit Marathon Market and other local food stores. The goal for the participants is not to make them vegetarians or vegans. It's to reduce the percentage of meat in their diets and to replace it with vegetables, fruits and legumes.

Jasmine Calhoun, a consultant with Johnson Public Health, works with Davis and Cason to provide the health outcome reporting for the project. All three of them grew up in the local community, so they are working with their parents' and grandparents' peers. Many of the pilot participants knew them as children.
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<img alt="Alvin Davis, chef for the senior plant-based diet pilot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c930535a-dbf4-4558-9ebc-0c9f5c3b7e30" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/TCDCAlvin2.png" width="508" height="540" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Alvin Davis, chef for the senior plant-based diet pilot</figcaption>
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"Behavior modification is a big part of the project, and probably the toughest hurdle to overcome,” said Pat Howard, Executive Director of the Scott Senior Center. "At first they were all asking, 'where's the meat?' and some would taste the food--some wouldn't. If they tasted it, they made no commitment to integrate it into their diets beyond the four free meals per week at the Center. Now, some of them are coming around and some are actually get excited."

The funding team also had the chance to visit the community garden while visiting with TCDC. Eventually, the raised beds there may provide some of the food for Marathon Market and the Senior Center.

Cason also mentioned a separate outreach program in Thomasville that evolved after success at the senior center. She said transient residents at a local Motor Court are now able to sign up for free blood tests, subsidized by TCDC, with options for additional, affordable, routine health monitoring. Many have taken advantage of the new offering.

The funders also had a walking tour of the old Douglass High School property in the center of Dewey City, where plans are already underway for a building reuse project that will provide 50 affordable senior apartments by Q4-2027. There are still hopes to provide a portion of the electricity there from on-site solar, but it will need to be introduced in a later phase. The original school property where the senior apartments will be constructed is centrally located with plenty of greenspace, and it's convenient to the community gardens, the Marathon Market and the senior center.

The Drawdown Georgia grant to TCDC is funded by a collaborative of foundations with roots in Georgia. Funders for this project include: the Atticus Fund, The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, the Ghanta Family Foundation, the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, the Reilly Family Fund, and the Tull Charitable Foundation.

Thomasville Community Development Corporation is applying plant-based diet principles to scale their work of improving health outcomes for priority populations in the historic Dewey City neighborhood in Thomasville. 

Drawdown Georgia Grant Provides Plant-Based Diet Initiative for Seniors in Thomasville, Georgia

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<a href="https://www.mastercard.com/us/en/news-and-trends/stories/2025/global-financial-health-coalition.html" target="_blank">Originally published by Mastercard</a>

By Bunita Sawhney, Chief Consumer Product Officer, Mastercard

As the world grows ever more connected, access to financial tools has expanded dramatically. Today, 79% of adults worldwide have a bank account, an increase from 51% in 2011. This is a remarkable gain. Yet 2.1 billion adults remain underbanked or unbanked, according to the <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex" target="_blank">World Bank’s Global Findex 2025</a>, and for many who have entered the formal financial system, true financial resilience is still out of reach.

Digital transformation across the world has played a key role in expanding access to financial tools. More than 85% of adults in low- and middle-income countries have mobile phones — 75% of which are smartphones — fueling the demand for simple, secure banking and payment experiences.

Despite this increased connectivity, billions of people still face the daily stresses of being underbanked or unbanked. In low- and middle-income economies, only slightly more than half of all adults could reliably come up with extra money within 30 days to deal with an emergency such as a job loss, illness or natural disaster, the Findex found. This signals a critical gap: Access to financial tools alone is not enough to foster long-term resilience. According to a recent <a href="https://www.mastercard.com/news/media/virpdtj4/rcbc_white-paper_inclusionbydesign.pdf" target="_blank">Mastercard white paper</a>, consumers’ lack of awareness and trust can be key barriers to ongoing usage of financial tools.

We must ensure that individuals are not just connected to the digital economy, but empowered and protected — with the tools, trust and capabilities to actively participate, transact, save and grow. The digital transformation has driven unprecedented access — and it holds the key to unlocking meaningful financial well-being for all.

That’s why at the <a href="https://globalinclusivegrowthsummit.com/summit/asean-2025/" target="_blank">ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit</a>, hosted by the <a href="https://www.mastercardcenter.org/?cmp=2024.q4.glo.glo.others.brand.purp.cig.cfig-evergreen-campaign.668802.sep.txt.googles.mastercard%20center%20for%20inclusive%20growth&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21767348857&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA9Xvb2njkXOQv8nVQyzDx4jn4Ky9S&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlfvIBhA6EiwAcErpyWxdfMJZ9iBtpTEN9-2B8Jol0yVXnWBkIxujkyaZR8LIDH_SpU7tEBoCXf8QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth</a> in Kuala Lumpur, we launched the Global Financial Health Coalition, a diverse network of financial institutions, NGOs, telcos, wallet providers and industry leaders, to bring together leaders across the ecosystem to share insights that help move consumers and micro- and small businesses beyond access and toward overall financial health and the ability to withstand and navigate shocks. Our goal is to foster an environment where innovation is responsible, users are protected, and everyone has the tools and knowledge to thrive.

<blockquote>
The digital transformation has driven unprecedented access — and it holds the key to unlocking meaningful financial well-being for all.

Bunita Sawhney
</blockquote>

The Coalition brings together the expertise of members, including <a href="https://www.dana.id/personal/digital-wallet" target="_blank">DANA</a>, <a href="https://gcash.com/" target="_blank">GCash</a>, <a href="https://www.truemoney.com/" target="_blank">TrueMoney</a>, <a href="https://momo.mtn.com/home-page/" target="_blank">MTN Group Fintech</a>, <a href="https://www.moco.com.np/" target="_blank">MOCO</a>, <a href="https://www.axian-group.com/en/homepage/" target="_blank">Axian</a>, <a href="https://www.daviplata.com/" target="_blank">Daviplata</a>, and <a href="https://www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org/" target="_blank">The Center for Financial Inclusion</a>, who are leading the way in developing solutions that address both local needs and global challenges. Guided by three core principles — connecting people to the right financial tools, harnessing technology to protect them as they engage, and empowering their journey toward financial well-being — the Coalition will share best practices to build trust and embrace innovation.

This approach will help millions of people and small businesses participate in the digital economy with confidence — by adopting healthy financial behaviors, building financial resilience and accessing the tools they need to thrive. In Southeast Asia, for instance, wallet providers are already connecting aspirations with opportunity, empowering micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises and driving innovation. In Africa and Latin America, cross-sector partnerships are expanding financial access and capability.

By convening diverse voices, we can connect people and businesses to opportunity and protect their ability to thrive. Underpinned by trust and inclusion, we are reimagiing what’s possible for the digital economy.

Hear from our partners:

<blockquote>
Financial inclusion in Indonesia is entering a new chapter — one defined not just by access, but by trust, empowerment, and resilience. At DANA, we see technology as the bridge that connects aspiration to opportunity, enabling millions of Indonesians to thrive securely in the digital economy. By joining this coalition with Mastercard and other ecosystem leaders, we aim to advance responsible innovation that protects users, strengthen MSMEs, and creates shared prosperity across Southeast Asia.

Vince Iswara, CEO and co-founder, DANA Indonesia
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
GCash has transformed how millions of Filipinos manage their money — bringing secure, digital financial services into everyday life. Through its lending arm, Fuse Financing Inc., it has democratized lending in the Philippines, making credit more accessible to millions, especially the unbanked and underserved segments. By joining this coalition, we aim to extend that impact beyond our borders, sharing our mobile-first innovation and insights to help strengthen financial resilience across emerging markets. We also look forward to learning from fellow coalition members whose diverse experiences and best practices can help us further elevate our solutions. Together, we can accelerate progress toward a truly inclusive digital economy.

Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc.
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Financial health is not just about access, it's about empowerment. At TrueMoney, we believe that inclusive access to financial tools is fundamental to financial health and sustainable economic growth. We are proud to join Mastercard and other industry leaders in this global coalition to share insights, drive innovation, and help shape a more resilient and trusted digital economy.

Monsinee Nakapanant, co-president, Ascend Money Co., Ltd.
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are excited to be part of this coalition, as it reflects MTN Group Fintech’s commitment to delivering meaningful solutions and services that build resilience and enhance lives. We look forward to collaborating with members across industries to help people move beyond access and unlock opportunity for millions of people across Africa.

Serigne Dioum, CEO, MTN Group Fintech
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Behind every mobile wallet is a story — a mother growing her business, a farmer accessing new markets, a student paying their tuition. At Axian Digibank &amp; Fintech, we believe inclusive technology has the power to unlock possibilities for everyone. This coalition reflects that shared vision and our commitment to building a more resilient and financially healthy digital economy.

Erwan Gelebart, CEO, Open Innovation &amp; Fintech, Axian Group
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
At Daviplata, our purpose is to make financial services accessible to everyone, especially those historically underserved — as well as young people taking their first financial steps and entrepreneurs and small businesses driving economic growth. By joining this coalition, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusion and innovation. Together with other members, we aim to share best practices and advance solutions that empower individuals and communities through secure, mobile-first financial tools.

Javier Suarez, CEO, Davivienda
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’ve seen significant progress toward financial inclusion in recent years, and much of that has been powered by digital technology, especially digital wallets. As a member of the Global Financial Health Coalition, the Center for Financial Inclusion will work alongside some of the top providers in the field, gathering evidence and sharing lessons learned to help strengthen the financial health and well-being of those who remain underserved. Together, we aim to drive measurable progress toward a healthier financial future for all.

Nataša Goronja, managing director, Center for Financial Inclusion
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are honored to join this coalition and collaborate with Mastercard and other esteemed partners to advance financial resilience. At MOCO, our mission has always been to empower individuals and businesses through secure, accessible digital payment solutions. By sharing insights and best practices within this coalition, we aim to help drive greater financial inclusion and create meaningful impact for underserved communities.&nbsp;

Pranaya Rajbhandari, CEO, Focusone Payment Solutions P. Ltd.
</blockquote>

<a href="https://www.mastercard.com/news/" target="_blank">Follow along Mastercard's journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.</a>

<a href="https://www.mastercard.com/us/en/news-and-trends/stories/2025/global-financial-health-coalition.html" target="_blank">Continue reading here</a>

As the world grows ever more connected, access to financial tools has expanded dramatically. Today, 79% of adults worldwide have a bank account, an increase from 51% in 2011. This is a remarkable gain. 

Mastercard: Building a Coalition for Global Financial Health and Resilience

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<img alt="cardboard waste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af5e39f1-8f6e-4a1d-8501-dc012e493ab4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/turn-trash-cash-recyclables_GEORGIA-PACIFIC_112525.png" width="640" height="534" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Ready to profit from your recyclables? Reap maximum profit by filling a truck with them. (Image courtesy of BUILDINGS)</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="https://www.buildings.com/building-systems-om/janitorial-sanitation/article/55330487/turn-trash-into-cash-by-selling-your-recyclables-issa-2025" target="_blank">Originally published by BUILDINGS</a>

Companies like Georgia-Pacific Recycling can also perform waste audits on your materials and bring in a baler to help you package them up for transport—potentially for free, depending on your volume of materials. “The first step is finding the right partner and getting started,” added Gordon. “A lot of people are saying, ‘I know there’s value in this material, but is it worth 50 cents or $5,000? I have no idea.’ That’s what we’re trying to quickly help people validate.”

One participant, a small produce company with three facilities, was paying $1,300 per facility to have its materials recycled, then discovered it could make up to $2,000 a month by filling a truck with recyclables.

Click <a href="https://www.buildings.com/building-systems-om/janitorial-sanitation/article/55330487/turn-trash-into-cash-by-selling-your-recyclables-issa-2025" target="_blank">here</a> to read more on BUILDINGS

We all know recycling is important—but it can also be a source of profit. Blake Gordon of Georgia-Pacific Recycling explains how.

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