Did you know that Whole Foods Market® has funded $8 million in low-interest loans for small, local producers through our Local Producer Loan Program opens in a new tab? Since 2007, this money has helped 130 farmers, ranchers and food artisans grow their businesses and bring hundreds of unique, high-quality products into our stores for our customers to enjoy.
To celebrate this milestone, we're giving away a basket full of goodies made by some of our Local Producer Loan recipients! Just enter a comment below by February 20 telling us which local producers or products you love and why and you’ll have a chance to win! UPDATE: Thanks to everyone that entered. Congratulations to our randomly chosen winner, Rachael W.!
Thank you to these vendors, for so generously donating their products:
Edie Johnston and her son, Geo of Dresden, Maine – Maine’s Medicinals’ opens in a new tab AnthoImmune Organic Elderberry Syrup is a supplement for overall immune system support.
Michele Thornett of Timonium, Maryland - Michele’s Granola opens in a new tab is handmade in small batches. Read more about Michele and her granola opens in a new tab in this Whole Story blog post from 2011.
Daniel Sullivan of Long Island City, New York – TumericALIVE opens in a new tab elixirs feature raw, organic turmeric root and supports healthy joints and metabolism.
David Rukin of West Palm Beach, Florida – Beekeeper David’s been raising bees since 1975 and his Buzzn Bee Farm opens in a new tab was our first ever LPLP recipient. Check out this video of David opens in a new tab and learn how he got his honey in to Whole Foods Market.
Danielle LiVolsi of San Diego, California – Nuttzo opens in a new tab’s organic multi-nut and seed butters are a high source of ALA Omega-3s. Try the original, chocolate or no peanuts varieties.
The women of Magdalene opens in a new tab in Nashville, Tennessee – Thistle Farms opens in a new tab hand-made, natural bath products are produced and sold by women who have survived lives of prostitution and addiction. Learn more about Magdalene opens in a new tab in this Whole Story profile from 2011.
Farmer Gene Mealhow of Shellsburg, Iowa – Tiny But Mighty opens in a new tab popcorn – a rare, heirloom popcorn variety native to prehistoric America. Their Non-GMO Project Verified popcorn kernels are smaller and denser so they’re packed with flavor. Plus the hull disintegrates when popped making them really enjoyable to eat. Learn more about Tiny But Mighty opens in a new tab in this Whole Story blog post.
Adam Grossman of Austin, Texas – The Seaweed Bath Company opens in a new tab’s soothing powder baths contain responsibly harvested bladderwrack seaweed and soothes dry and irritated skin.
Julie Nirvelli of Boulder, Colorado – White Girl Salsa opens in a new tab has been cooking up zesty salsas for her friends and family for years.
Tami and Clark Bowen of Hansville, Washington - CB’s Nuts opens in a new tab utilizes a custom-made barrel roaster to micro-roast high-quality peanuts and pistachios. They also make fresh ground peanut butter!
Eileen Hassi of San Francisco, California – Ritual Coffee Roasters opens in a new tab has been a pioneer of the San Francisco coffee scene since 2005. Focused on sourcing directly from their farmer partners, Ritual’s coffee beans are of the highest quality and can be traced directly back to the farmers who harvested them.
In the comments below, tell us about a local producer or local product you love. Post your comment by February 20 and we’ll pick a winner at random to receive a unique bunch of local products.
The fine print: No purchase necessary. Promotion ends February 20, 2013, 11:59 PM CDT. Must be a legal resident of the US or Canada (except in Quebec, where it is void) age 18 or older to participate. Taxes on prize, if applicable, are the responsibility of the winner. Employees of Whole Foods Market, Inc., are not eligible. Void where prohibited.
