Whole Foods Market(R) Receives 2009 Socially Responsible Retailer Award for Whole...

Whole Foods Market(R) 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, Fostering Employee Happiness, and for Commitment to Natural
and Organic Foods While Maintaining Strict Quality Standards

LAS VEGAS, July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq:
WFMI), 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:
Ashley.Hawkins@wholefoods.com 512-542-0381
Liz.Burkhart@wholefoods.com 512-542-0682

SOURCE Whole Foods Market

Ashley Hawkins, +1-512-542-0381, Ashley.Hawkins@wholefoods.com, or Liz
Burkhart, +1-512-542-0682, Liz.Burkhart@wholefoods.com, both of Whole Foods
Market