Whole Story

The Official Whole Foods Market® Blog

Help Us Celebrate $4 Million and Counting!

By Liz Burkhart, March 13, 2011  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Liz Burkhart

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS. CONGRATULATIONS TO TARA FROM ANN ANBOR, MICHIGAN! SHE'S THE WINNER OF THE LOCAL PRODUCT GIFT BASKET! Good news – as of this week, Whole Foods Market has funded $4 million in low-interest loans for small, local producers through our Local Producer Loan Program! Even better news – that money has helped our neighborhood farmers, bakers, artisans, mom-and-pop shops (you name it) grow their businesses and bring hundreds of high quality products into our stores for our customers to enjoy. The best news – to celebrate the milestone, we're giving away a basket full of goodies made by some of our loan recipients!  It's simple. Just enter a comment below by March 22nd telling us why you love your local producers and you have a chance to win! We’ll choose one lucky comment at random to receive the basket. Why did we start the Local Producer Loan Program? Whole Foods Market recognizes that small businesses (even with high quality products and a viable business plan) sometimes need a hand to reach their big dreams. So in 2007, we launched the Local Producer Loan Program with a commitment to fund up to $10 million dollars in low-interest loans. After all, it's our hard-working local producers and their unique offerings that give each of our stores its one-of-a-kind flavor and pizzazz. Check out what's in this bountiful basket. And remember, since these products are made by local stars from all across the country, you may not be able to find them at your local store. All the more reason to post your comment by March 22nd for a chance to give these great local favorites a try.

Why do you love your local producers?

Category: Local
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6,387 Comments

Comments

Courtney says ...
A typical carrot has to travel 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table. Buying local, seasonal produce is not only tastes better, it's so much better for the environment!
03/20/2011 11:09:55 PM CDT
Dawn Scire says ...
I love my local producers b/c they show spirit and spunk in challenging 'mass market' and mainstream brands. Look forward to trying the brands in the basket. :) dawnzig (at) hotmail (dot) com
03/20/2011 11:59:49 PM CDT
Amy D says ...
There's so many reasons to buy local! It's fresher and tastes better. You're supporting your local economy. You know where the food came from. Cuts back on the pollution caused by shipping food long distances. I'd grow all my own food if I could, but buying local is the next best thing!
03/21/2011 1:57:59 AM CDT
Christine Beasley says ...
Because local produce is fresher and tastier because it does not have to be picked prematurely so it will keep during cross country transport. bizzley at msn dot com
03/21/2011 2:54:49 AM CDT
Stacie says ...
Love my local producers because I believe they are more interested in the health of our children and environment than they are in the the money
03/21/2011 3:48:20 AM CDT
Cindy Rickson says ...
I love fresh fruits and veggies! I always come with a list of what I want and go home with so much more. How healthy is that?!
03/21/2011 4:17:12 AM CDT
Pat Coates says ...
Love the fresh tast of local produce.
03/21/2011 4:28:42 AM CDT
Anna says ...
love local poducers because of the quality and care they put into their produce :)
03/21/2011 4:31:38 AM CDT
Dale Roland says ...
I support local farmer that do sustainable farming and use as little pesticides as possible. Bedner's Farm Market on St. Rd. 7 in Boynton Beach Fl. really cares about his community. You should try them out as they also sell some organic too.
03/21/2011 5:43:26 AM CDT
Kathy Watson says ...
I like to support the smaller businesses and we usually know the product is fresher
03/21/2011 5:50:12 AM CDT
Aline Vogt says ...
Love the local products!!! New Orleans cuisine is the best and great with fresh ingredients from our local vendors.
03/21/2011 6:17:50 AM CDT
Oneta Bibbs says ...
I support local farmers and organic manufactures. What you eat is what you are, Mother was always right.
03/21/2011 6:53:52 AM CDT
Marielle says ...
I love my local producers because they provide the cheapest food for the best quality! Plus, I know what I'm putting in me. :)
03/21/2011 7:10:14 AM CDT
Maria says ...
Locally produced goods simply taste better and use less fossil fuels in getting transported to local Whole Foods markets.
03/21/2011 7:33:09 AM CDT
Lisa says ...
Why local? Because it is a win/win for the farmer, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker:) The consumer gets a high quality product, supports the community and maybe even saves a business.
03/21/2011 7:33:28 AM CDT
Tonya M says ...
I LOVE locally grown produce! What a great way to eat fresh foods and support our local communities!
03/21/2011 7:33:48 AM CDT
Hazel Ray says ...
The experience of growing up on a 200 acre farm in Alamance County was a treasure trove of information that I truly only appreciated upon becoming an adult. Besides the sense of community and helping each other that experience taught me, I have learned that purchasing LOCAL food gives one the opportunity to control the quality (clean, pesticide and hormone free) food they eat. Until I began purchasing local food, I must say that I had forgotten how REAL food taste. The taste are so true, bright and vibrant. The experience takes me back to the farm where the food was always SO good and plentiful. Besides the health benefits, I always feel very satisfied and therefore eat lesser amounts because of the satisfying taste. I truly appreciate the local producers....keep up the good work.
03/21/2011 7:44:10 AM CDT
Tiffany says ...
I love locally produced goods because the quality is better, you know where the goods come from, and it's much more environmentally friendly!
03/21/2011 7:50:04 AM CDT
Charlene says ...
How can you go wrong with locally grown? The taste alone proves it's the way to go!
03/21/2011 7:58:04 AM CDT
Lauren says ...
Buying local helps support our local producers and farmers. I prefer to help local businesses and choose purchasing from them instead of multi-million corporations.
03/21/2011 8:10:28 AM CDT
Tracy A says ...
I love local producers because they take care in what they produce, use the best ingredients and offer products that mass producers just don't. Local rocks!
03/21/2011 8:13:27 AM CDT
Bonni z says ...
If I can't grow it myself, I want to get something that is as locally grown as possible. It's good for the producers, good for me and good for the world. What is better than a win/win/win situation? Thanks for helping the world.
03/21/2011 8:43:55 AM CDT
Raimee says ...
Supporting local business ensures our communities thrive. I enjoy meeting the people that are involved in the production of the goods-they are always motivated and care a lot about what they do and what goes into their products.
03/21/2011 8:44:54 AM CDT
Lina says ...
I love the idea that buying local keeps local farms in business. I would much rather drive by farms in the morning than more high-end housing developments. On my drive, I see cows, turkeys, sheep, goats, quail, turkeys, and beautiful fruit-bearing trees. Also, my local pick-your-own farm has started making their own wines!
03/21/2011 9:03:07 AM CDT
Trudy says ...
I love local foods for two reasons, the foods taste better because they are fresher and I like the idea of my money staying local.
03/21/2011 9:07:04 AM CDT

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