Whole Foods Market’s Commitment to Local (I am not here today to solicit funds!) Slow Money Maine Meeting 3/21/2012

Whole Foods Market – 30+ Years of Growth America's first national certified organic grocer 317 stores in 38 states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and the U.K. Decentralized company with 12 regions 60,000+ Team Members “Local” is in our DNA.

Our Core Values Selling the highest quality natural and organic products available Satisfying and delighting our customers Supporting Team Member happiness and excellence Creating wealth through profits and growth Caring about our communities and our environment Creating ongoing win-win partnerships with our suppliers Promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education

Local Producer Loan Program In 2006, Whole Foods Market committed up to $10 million in small, low-interest loans for local vendors who want to grow their business The goal of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program is to: – Work with local producers to expand the availability of quality, local and differentiated products for our customers – Support the communities in which Whole Foods Market does business – Strengthen the partnership between Whole Foods Market and local producers – Reinforce the Whole Foods Market value of environmental sustainability.

Loan Statistics to Date 118 Loans to 103 companies $6.1M in total loans Average loan is around $50,000 Average interest rate is approximately 5.5%

Our Ideal Loan Recipient In need of a small loan (up to $100,000; $25,000 for start-ups) Expanding or broadening their business: – Buy more animals – Invest in new equipment or infrastructure – Expand crops/product line – Usually not for general operating expenses Business is strong and owner has a viable business plan Existing relationship with WFM, although they do not have to be a current vendor Product must meet WFM Quality Standards

Benefits to the Vendor Low interest rates (5-8%) No penalty for early repayment Administrative fees – Kept to a minimum ($65) – Intended only to cover cost of credit checks and other fees – Paid only if loan is approved – Generally rolled into the loan amount Minimal paperwork Short time frame for decision Connects them to their region

Our Loan Recipients

MOM’s Organic Munchies (Freeport, ME) Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Vegan Raw No Refined Sugars Great as a meal replacement energy bar or a quick snack.

Maine’s Own Organic Milk Company Local Organic Dairy Coop Purchase 20 – 24 organic dairy cattle with the proceeds from their loan Distributed in all WFM stores in the North Atlantic Region

Maine Medicinals (Dresden, ME) Maine Medicinals™ is a MOFGA certified organic processor and manufacturer of standardized nutraceuticals and herbal supplements. Working closely with farmers and scientists, Maine Medicinals™ produces the highest quality plant-based medicines, functional foods and herbal supplements from organic, sustainable and natural sources. At Maine Medicinals™ our mission is to optimize human health by merging ancient herbal traditions with current phytomedicinal research. We believe in the generational knowledge that comes from the field and grows in the heart.

Quinn Popcorn Start-up located in MA Microwave popcorn with organic, non-gmo kernels and natural or organic ingredients Recycled and compostable popping bags Completed their first large production run with the proceeds from their loan

Cocoa Metro Belgian Chocolate Milk Boston, MA Husband and wife team that LOVE chocolate Used the loan proceeds to purchase production equipment

Thompson Farms Smokehouse Pork producer in Dixie, GA Using the loan proceeds to build on on-site processing facility Could make them the first 5+ step rated pork producer in the country, based on the GAP 5- Step Animal Welfare Rating Standards

St. Benoit Creamery French style artisan yogurt from Sonoma County, CA Sold in reusable containers Received a 2 nd loan to help create organic milk sold in reusable glass bottles

Questions?