Whole Foods Market Receives 2009 Socially Responsible Retailer Award for Whole Planet Foundation Micro-Lending Operations, Team Member and Community Support / Natural Products Association Recognizes Company for Caring for Global and Local Neighbors, Fo

LAS VEGAS, July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whole Foods Market , a leading natural and organic grocer, today received the Natural Products Association's "2009 Socially Responsible Retailer Award" for excellence in integrating social responsibility into multiple aspects of business.

"This award recognizes that our retailers are valued and integral parts of their communities, and that they provide much more than simply a place to purchase natural products," said Natural Product Association President Debra Short. "All the award recipients are serious about being a source of support for their employees and their communities in environmental, social and educational efforts, and the work that Whole Foods Market and its Foundation do are excellent examples of how dedication to local and global action can generate positive results."

While there were several determining factors for selection, the work of the Company's nonprofit Whole Planet Foundation was the primary reason that Whole Foods Market was chosen for the award.

"The Whole Planet Foundation represents an incredible expansion of Whole Foods Market's mission to actively lend a helping hand to our global neighbors in communities that supply our stores with products," says Philip Sansone, president and executive director of The Whole Planet Foundation. "We are thrilled that our nonprofit work through the foundation was recognized as a key factor in securing this award for Whole Foods Market. Caring about our communities and our environment is one of our core values, so to be one of only three companies to receive a '2009 Socially Responsible Retailer Award' is a tremendous honor."

Established in October 2005, The Whole Planet Foundation empowers the poor through microcredit in developing countries where the Company sources products. To date, the foundation has committed $9.9 million for micro-lending projects, and has provided $5.3 million in grants to microfinance groups around the globe, resulting in $13 million in microcredit loans - usually less than $200 - to start home-based businesses. The project has given more than 41,000 people the chance to lift themselves and, on average, five family members, out of poverty, effectively impacting a total of 205,000 people in communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Sansone accepted the award this morning at the Natural Products Association's annual trade show and convention in Las Vegas.

To learn more about The Whole Planet Foundation and its mission, or to donate to the nonprofit, visit: http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/.

Contacts: [e-mail] 512-542-0381 [e-mail] 512-542-0682

Whole Foods Market

CONTACT: Ashley Hawkins, [phone], [e-mail],
or Liz Burkhart, [phone], [e-mail], both of Whole
Foods Market

Web Site: http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/