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Whole Planet Foundation Campaign aims to raise $1 Million Nationally
Whole Foods Market empowers the poor through microcredit

BOULDER, Colo. (February 27, 2009) — Through microcredit loans, Whole Foods Market is supporting global communities that supply their stores with product. The third annual Whole Planet Foundation campaign will be celebrated throughout the Rocky Mountain Region on Saturday, March 7th. Each store will host an array of events to raise awareness and donations. The Region is aiming to gather $60,000 for microcredit throughout the 6-week campaign ending March 31st. Nationwide, the campaign is striving to raise $1 million in total supporting 12 countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The Whole Planet Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization, established by Whole Foods Market. The foundation provides grants to microfinance institutions in developing countries who in turn offer microenterprise loan programs. These microloans - usually $300 or less - require no collateral or contract. Offered to the poorest of the poor, with a focus on women, microloans finance self-employment projects that will generate income, helping business owners escape from poverty and providing food and shelter for their families.

“Since the inception of Whole Planet Foundation’s Prosperity Campaign three years ago, shoppers have donated over $2 million and employees have donated over half a million dollars out of their paychecks,” said Joy Peterson, Director of Partnership Development and Internal Programs. “It’s inspiring to witness this generosity and see people empowered to change their own lives.”

To date, the Whole Planet Foundation has disbursed nearly $5 million to micro finance partners, giving over 33,085 people the chance to lift themselves, and on average four other people, out of poverty.

Shoppers can donate through $1 or $5 coupons and give with confidence, as Whole Foods Market covers 100 percent of Whole Planet Foundation’s operating costs.

On March 7th, each store will host activities to entertain and educate shoppers, such as:

• International music and dance performances featuring African and Central American artists, Flamenco dancers and Salsa lessons
• Tasting fair featuring Whole Trade Guarantee products
• Kids activities such as Whole Trade Guarantee scavenger hunt, face painting, coloring contest and cupcake decorating
• Cooking classes featuring recipes made with Whole Trade Guarantee products

Through volunteerism, Whole Foods Market team members experience the impact of microcredit and sustainable systems, connect to the food they sell and provide community service. Nearly 100 team members have volunteered for 30 day stints in impoverished communities of Costa Rica and Guatemala, meeting microcredit clients and learning about their lives and hopes for the future, teaching literacy skills to children, building carbon-efficient stoves and providing over 72,500 meals.

The Whole Planet Foundation funds microcredit in communities where Whole Foods Market sources product, such as coffee from East Timor, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, and Nicaragua; bananas from Costa Rica and Honduras; tea from India and Nepal, rice from Thailand and produce and dairy from the New York City area.

For more information on the Whole Planet Foundation visit http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org

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About Whole Foods Market® Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com), a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America’s first national certified organic grocer, was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” in 2008 by Health magazine. The Whole Foods Market motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures the company’s mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to its 53,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 11 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2008, the company had sales of $8 billion and currently has more than 275 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market, Fresh & WildTM, and Harry’s Farmers Market® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Wild Oats® and Capers Community MarketTM are trademarks owned by Wild Marks, Inc.

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