This is the third Club to open in the U.S. and the first to open on the West Coast.

This program, developed by medical doctors, Matthew Lederman and Alona Pulde, registered dietitian, Jeff Novick, and healthy eating enthusiasts on staff at Whole Foods Market is available for a one-time processing fee of $195 down and $45 each month. Program offerings include:

• A lifestyle evaluation
• Nutrition education
• Skill-building classes  – a full list of classes can be found here: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wellnessclub/stores/oakland/classes/
• Coaching and practical tips
• Fitness and yoga classes
• A supportive community environment, allowing members to share success stories, collaborate and offer encouragement to help increase success rates. This includes Supper Clubs, offering delicious and healthy four-course meals in a group setting with fellow members.
• Discounts on Supper Clubs
• A 10 percent discount on thousands of healthier food choices in the Oakland store
• Access to a growing local network of businesses that offer discounts to members on healthy lifestyle services and products

As an added incentive to get started, customers who join Sept. 19 – Oct. 2, will have the processing fee waived and only be required to pay monthly dues.  All customers who join between Oct. 3 –  Nov. 30 will receive a $100 Whole Foods Market gift card, one free Supper Club dinner or brunch and a goodie bag filled with healthy products.

Skill-building classes will be free opening week, Sept. 19 – 23, to give customers an opportunity to sample the program before joining.

“This is like nothing the grocery world has ever seen before and we’re thrilled to offer it to our communities and to be a pioneer in the effort of providing support for our shoppers,” comments John Mackey, Whole Foods Market founder and co-CEO. “Created by doctors, this program offers members a wide-ranging set of tools for a greater chance of sustaining a healthier lifestyle.”

The Oakland Wellness Club team consists of lecturers and chefs, with extensive support from, and continuing education with, the doctors and registered dietitian who developed the program.

“We are extremely excited to help build this program,” said Matthew Lederman, M.D., “The overall structure, support system and team that we have in place will help address individual needs, inspire changes in lifestyle and help members reach their optimum health.”

Both the Wellness Clubs and the company’s Health Starts Here initiative are programs that support Whole Foods Market’s core value of promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education. The Health Starts Here program offers simple guidance on making healthier food choices in the kitchen to help people get started on their journey to health, and the Wellness Club program offers more in-depth, personalized education in a supportive setting to make nutritional and lifestyle changes sustainable. The Wellness Club  is broken down into introductory classes focused on basic nutrition, a four-week “immersion” phase that focuses on education and learning, followed by a four-week “experimental” phase, which emphasizes how to incorporate a healthier lifestyle into daily life plus more coaching and skill-building sessions. After all these phases are completed, ongoing support and education is available indefinitely.

The store will look for compatible community partners such as yoga and fitness studios or local experts who can offer lectures and classes about health and wellness at the Wellness Club.

“We’ve found that providing the support of like-minded individuals greatly increases the success rate for people looking to make positive lifestyle changes,” said Alona Pulde, M.D.  “Supper Clubs, interactive classes and practical skill building in this type of group setting is part of what makes this program so unique.”
Whole Foods Market has identified five key markets for its first Wellness Clubs. They include:

• Boston: Dedham store, 300 Legacy Place, Dedham, MA 02026 (opened August 15)
• Chicago: Lincoln Park store, 1550 N. Kingsbury Street, Chicago, IL 60642 (opened September 6)
• Oakland:  Oakland store, 230 Bay Place, Oakland, CA 94612
• New York: Tribeca store, 270 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007
• Princeton: Princeton store, 3495 US Route 1 South, Princeton, NJ 08540

Based on these initial five pilot programs, the company will look to open additional Clubs in other cities in the future.

Store Information

Whole Foods Market Oakland

230 Bay Place, Oakland, CA 94612

Tel. 510-834-9800

Caesare? Assad, Oakland Wellness Club Team Leader

Stefanie Bollini, Oakland Wellness Club Chef

Michael Jefferies, Oakland Wellness Club Lecturer

Ashley Erickson, Oakland Wellness Club Specialist

Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wellnessclub/stores/oakland/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/oaklandwellnessclub

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wellnesscluboak

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WHAT: Whole Foods Market Community Giving Day on September 14. A few times a year, each Whole Foods Market sets aside a day on which five percent of the day’s net sales is contributed to a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

INFO: Each store has selected a school, education foundation or school-related non-profit organization to support in its community. A full list of stores can be found at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores. A sampling of benefiting organizations include: Berkeley Public Education Foundation, Santa Cruz Education Foundation, Urban Sprouts, The San Francisco Education Fund, Washoe County School District, Redwood City Education Foundation, William Cobb Elementary, The Junior Achievement of Northern California, Project Lunch / Marin City School Lunch Program and Santa Clara Family Health Services.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 14

WHERE: All Whole Foods Market Northern California and Reno stores.

CONTACT: Jennifer Marples

jennifer@koacommunications.com

tel. 415.986.1593

The film festival is a collection of six provocative, character-driven films that focus on food, environmental issues and everyday people with a vision of making a world of difference.

“Through our Whole Foods Market Do Something Reel Film Festival we want to raise awareness of environmental and food issues, and support filmmakers who are creating films that inspire people to question the impact our choices have on our health, body and environment,” said Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market. “We see film as an inspirational medium that can spark an active dialogue and encourage people to take action locally.”

Whole Foods Market is creating a grant program for filmmakers in the green film genre. A portion of all tickets sales from the “Whole Foods Market Do Something Reel” Film Festival will go towards a film production and development grant that will encourage filmmakers to continue making stories about the environment and the choices we make as consumers. Grants will be awarded for filmmakers at varying stages of development – from conception through completion.

Unlike larger destination festivals, “Whole Foods Markets Do Something Reel” Film Festival will be held in movie theaters across the country in communities near Whole Foods Market stores.  The festival will also feature filmmaker discussions, either in person or via Skype.

The six films chosen for the inaugural “Whole Foods Market Do Something Reel” Film Festival support the company’s mission and cover a broad range of provocative topics. They include:

“Bag It!” – In this highly entertaining and eye-opening film, filmmaker Suzan Beraza follows Jeb Berrier as he navigates our plastic-reliant world.  Jeb is not a radical environmentalist, but an average American who decides to take a closer look at our cultural love affair with plastics.  www.bagitmovie.com

“Lunch Line” – This deeply affecting film from filmmakers Mike Graziano and Ernie Park follows six kids from one of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago as they set out to fix school lunch – and wind up at the White House.  Their unlikely journey parallels the dramatic transformation of school lunch from a patchwork of local anti-hunger efforts to a robust national feeding program.  www.lunchlinefilm.com

“On Coal River” – A compelling and transcendent narrative on the human costs of coal and strip-mining, this provocative film from filmmakers Francine Cavanaugh and Adams Woods follows the journey of a former coal miner and his neighbors, residents of Coal River Valley in West Virginia, as they transform from so-called victims to fearless and informed experts on mountaintop removal. www.oncoalriver.com

“PLANEAT” – This visually stunning film from filmmakers Shelley Lee Davis and Or Shlomi tells the story of the scientists, farmers and chefs tackling one of the greatest problems of our age:  Western culture’s love affair with meat and dairy.  Through an extraordinary personal and mouthwatering culinary journey we discover the wide range of medical and environmental benefits of eating our veggies.  www.planeat.tv

“Urban Roots” – Filmmaker Mark MacInnis tells the powerful story of a group of dedicated Detroiters working tirelessly to fulfill their vision for locally grown, sustainably farmed food in a city cut off from real food and limited to processed fast food. This group has taken on the enormous task of changing this reality.  www.urbanrootsamerica.com

“Vanishing of the Bees” – Narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Ellen Page, this cautionary tale from filmmakers George Langworthy and Maryam Heinen reveals the mystery of the disappearing bees, and the links to industrial farming and our attitude toward the natural world.  Starring in this real-life drama is a commercial bee farmer who sounded the alarm when his bee colonies collapsed and his business was decimated.  www.vanishingbees.com

As part of the Festival, Whole Foods Market will also stream the documentary, “Dig It” on www.dosomethingreel.com on Earth Day, April 22. This energetic, call-to-action film features the members of the band Pearl Jam as they participate in tree-planting actions and beautification efforts in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The festival is presented in association with Applegate Farms and RiceSelect^™, with additional support from EVOL Burritos, Food Should Taste Good, and Siggi’s.

For additional information about the festival, a complete schedule of events in each of the 70 markets and details about the grant program, please visit www.dosomethingreel.com. A calendar of Northern California showtimes is listed below.

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Northern California Theaters and Showtimes:

SONOMA – Sebastiani Theater, 476 First Street, tel. 707-996-2020

REDWOOD CITY – Fox Theater, 2221 Broadway Street, tel. 650-369-7770

SAN FRANCISCO – Landmark Opera Plaza Cinema, 601 Van Ness Avenue, tel. 415-267-4893

SANTA CRUZ – Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, tel. 831-423-8209

SANTA ROSA – Summerfield Cinemas, 551 Summerfield Road, tel. 707-539-6767

PETALUMA – Boulevard 14 Cinemas, 200 C Street, tel. 707-762-7469

“Whole Foods Market is so excited to be part of the historic and diverse Haight Ashbury neighborhood,” said Jen Cash, store team leader, Whole Foods Market Haight. “We look forward to being a trusted neighborhood resource where residents can learn about healthy eating, pick up nutritious and delicious foods for their families, select a great bottle of wine and enjoy many healthful on-the-go dining options.”

San Francisco residents are invited to celebrate the opening at the store’s “Good Food Celebration,” on Sunday, February 13, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. This event will be held in the parking lot and feature ethnic foods from La Cocina members and an assortment of specialty beers from neighborhood favorite Magnolia Brewery, among others. Admission is free and all food items are priced under $5. All profits made from beer sales will go directly back to La Cocina to support its incubator programs for low income food entrepreneurs.

The 21,000-square-foot store was built within the former Cala Foods building. Décor elements include locally reclaimed redwood used throughout the store as well as a reused gym floor reclaimed from DeAnza High School in Richmond; exterior tile mural at the entrance created by Kids Serve and 50 percent recycled content tile, from Healdsburg, is used throughout the store. Green store design elements include glycol refrigeration system; a reflective roof and glass dairy doors with LED lights.

Highlights that Whole Foods Market Haight shoppers can look forward to enjoying include:

• Local Vendors – a wide range of products from more than 250 local Bay Area vendors (within 100 miles or less of San Francisco) will be featured including these new local, artisan vendors:

o    Whole Foods Market “Street Eats” – features products from San Francisco street food vendors  including Magic Curry Cart, Chai Cart, King of Currywurst, Bicycle Coffee Company, Empandas de mi Pueblo and El Porteño Empanadas and HapaSF.

o    Paulie’s Picking — crunchy pickles produced in Bernal Heights.

o    Lovers Lane Farm Honey – North Coast wildflower honey from Ukiah.

o    Ceres Community Project – sauerkraut salads from Sebastopol  non-profit; a 2011 Good Food Awards winner.

o    Scream Sorbet – intensely flavored sorbets and sorbet sandwiches from Oakland featuring local ingredients.

o    Rocket Ship Ice Cream – organic, vegan ice cream made in San Francisco by Sarah Smart, former assistant pastry chef at Millennium restaurant.

o    Rancho Gordo – fresh and rare heirloom beans grown in Northern California.

o    Azalina – La Cocina vendor specializing in Malaysian coconut jam, coriander peanut sauce and braised, roasted star anise curry sauces.

o    Wholesome Bakery - delicious organic baked goods by Mandy Harper from Bernal Heights.

o    Durate’s – wonderful frozen fruit pies from Pescadero.

o    Numa Snacks — wholesome snacks for expectant and nursing moms made in San Francisco.

o    HapaSF – modern, organic casual Filipino cuisine blended with California sensibilities from San Francisco.

o    Bobbilicious Baking Company – Gluten-free cookie company by Bobbi Cohen from Fairfax.

o    Suki’s Naanwich – frozen Indian entrées from Hayward.

o    Papalote Salsa – the famous San Francisco salsa that defeated Iron Chef Bobby Flay in Food Network’s Throwdown! with Bobby Flay.

o    Love & Hummus – La Cocina vendor specializing in hummus and recently featured on the Food Network.

o    Cook Soups – local soup company from Oakland.

o    Luke’s Local – entrees and salads with ingredients from local farms (e.g., beet salad, pasta, mixed green, lasagna, baked halibut, crab mac n’ cheese) from San Mateo.

o    Sutton Cellars – wine and vermouth from Dogpatch’s Carl Sutton. The vermouth is nationally recognized as one of the best and is infused with seventeen botanicals.

o    Coffee and Tea – From San Francisco: Ritual Roasters, Four Barrel Coffee, Bicycle Coffee, Philz Coffee;  San Rafael’s Weaver’s Coffee and Mighty Leaf Tea; Emeryville’s Peet’s Coffee and Oakland’s Numi Tea.

• Meat – large meat counter with special offerings including local Panorama organic 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef and Country Natural grain-finished beef from cattle that have never been in a feedlot. Also available will be locally-raised Field to Family air-chilled chicken, and local Pozzi grass-fed lamb. The store offers the best-tasting, freshest and highest-quality meat available that is carefully raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones*. By May 9, all beef, pork and chicken carried in the fresh and pre-packaged cases at all Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. will be rated to Global Animal Partnership’s animal welfare standards.

• Artisan Bakery – featuring Whole Foods Market artisan hearth breads, brownie bar, cakes, cupcakes and raw and vegan treats. Also not to be missed are treats from area bakeries including Rustic Bakery flatbreads and cookies; Mission Minis cupcake and La Cocina vendor Sabores del Sur Alfajores (dulce de leche shortbread cookies).

• Prepared Foods – featuring an extensive selection of foods made by a team of talented, in-house chefs. Specialties include a daily selection of house-made soups, extensive salad bar and full-service burrito bar, sandwiches, pizzas and charcuterie. A wonderful array of healthful and tasty lunch options will be available on a daily basis, including a variety of nutrient-rich items like quinoa, brown rice and kale.

• Kombucha – Santa Cruz-based Kombucha Botanica’s Healthy Living Tonic™ will be available on tap.

• Seafood – large seafood counter featuring a vast array of fresh and frozen selections, as well as all the marinades, sauces, seasonings and herbs to complete a meal with seafood as the centerpiece. Whole Foods Market also offers a selection of sustainable seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and ranked by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program.

• Beer and Wine – over 400 wines and over 200 beers are featured.

• Coffee Bar – freshly-brewed espresso and coffee daily from Allegro. ^®

• Nut Butters – grind-your-own organic and almond nut butters.

• Bulk Section – a 30-foot, organically focused bulk department will feature a variety of bulk bins brimming with legumes, grains, flours, nuts and seeds.

• In-Store Dining – outside seating for casual dining.

• Store Tours –shopping tours tailored to special diets such as gluten-free living and store tours for moms, as well tours themed for how to shop on a budget, are available. Private tours can be arranged by request for organizations such as schools and senior centers.

• Health, Wellness & Food – Whole Foods Market works hard to stay on top of food and health issues and to educate its customers on healthy eating. Whole Foods Market private label supplements and body care products offer customers exceptional quality at a value price.

• Whole Foods Market Community Giving Days — at least four times a year, Whole Foods Market sets aside a day on which five percent of the day’s net sales is contributed to a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The next community giving day will be in March and benefit Kids Serve.

• Nickels for Nonprofits – when customers bring in their own bags for groceries they have the option of receiving a five-cent refund (per bag) or donating the money to a selected charity. The first non-profit beneficiaries are the Boys and Girls Club, Whole Planet Foundation and Women’s Community Clinic.

• Donations Out the Back – perishable products that aren’t sold during the day are donated to those in need. Whole Foods Market Stanyan is proud to work with FoodRunners.

• · Kid’s Club – children ages 2 through 8 are eligible to complete a scavenger hunt to receive a free treat.

Store Information

Whole Foods Market San Francisco – Haight Store

690 Stanyan Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

Tel. (415) 876-6740

Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Store Team Leader: Jen Cash

Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/haight

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HaightTwitter: www.twitter.com/WFMhaight

*Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in raising pork and poultry.

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WHOLE FOODS MARKET HAIGHT FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Lunchtime Taco Truck, Wed., Feb. 9 – 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Yummy grilled cheese sandwiches, soup and salad will be available for purchase from Whole Foods Market taco truck in the parking lot.

Valentine’s Day Flower Sale, Sat., Feb. 12 & Sun., Feb. 13 from 12 – 4 p.m.

A wonderful assortment of flowers and Whole Trade™ roses will be on sale in the store’s parking lot. Twenty five percent of the day’s sales will be donated to the Grattan School’s Edible School Garden.

Good Food Celebration, Sun. Feb. 13 from 12 noon – 4 p.m.

Residents are invited to the “Good Food Celebration” on Sunday, February 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will be held in the parking lot and feature ethnic foods from La Cocina members and an assortment of specialty beers from neighborhood favorite Magnolia Brewery, among others. Admission is free and all food items are priced under $5. All profits made from beer sales will go directly back to La Cocina to support its incubator programs for low income food entrepreneurs.

Wed., Feb. 16: Whole Foods Market Haight Opening Day

8 a.m. Store Opens; 9:45 a.m. – Bread breaking

Join our regional and store leadership for a traditional breaking of bread to celebrate the opening of our new store. Additionally, a $47,480 loan check will be presented to Marin’s Rustic Bakery, the latest recipient of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program (LPLP).

The new store will generate clean, reliable on-site fuel cell power via the PureCell^® system provided by UTC Power (utcpower.com).  Fuel cells are one of the cleanest energy-generation sources available in the world and meet the strictest U.S. emission standards.  Highly energy efficient and virtually pollution-free, fuel cells produce electricity, heat and water through an electrochemical process. The UTC Power fuel cell system will generate 90 percent of the store’s electricity needs. The store will use byproduct thermal energy for heating, cooling and refrigeration for an overall efficiency of approximately 60 percent, nearly twice the efficiency of the U.S. grid.

By generating most of its power on-site with a fuel cell, the store will prevent the release of more than 370 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually – the equivalent of planting more than 85 acres of trees. The reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions vs. a conventional power plant are equal to the environmental benefit of removing 92 cars from the road.

“Whole Foods Market is thrilled to be working with UTC and to be as energy efficient as possible,” said Brett Kassell, store team leader, Whole Foods Market San Jose. “We are also excited to be part of this area’s redevelopment and to support South Bay small businesses by featuring local products in our store. I also hope that this long-awaited store will serve as a hub for both local businesses and residents as we have an outstanding team that is here to serve this community – whether it be catering a business lunch, advising on healthy eating or finding the right products for your family.”

The new, 50,000-square-foot store is conveniently located off the Alamaden expressway and features a large indoor and outdoor seating area and interactive and educational kid’s play area; over 200 local Bay Area products; a gluten-free product section; an expanded organic bulk section featuring everything from whole grains and healthy snacks to bath and body care; and a commitment to customer health by offering a Health Starts Here™ consultation area with a Life Cycle BMI and Blood pressure machine.

The new Whole Foods Market is located in the Hoffman/Via Monte Strong Neighborhood, a project area that has received more than $4 million in redevelopment funds.

Highlights that San Jose Whole Foods Market shoppers can look forward to enjoying include:

• Local Vendors – a wide range of products from more than 200 local Bay Area vendors (within 100 miles or less of San Jose) and farmers will be featured including coffee from Barefoot Coffee Roasters, Moksha Coffee, Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting and Verve Coffee Roasters; Coracao Confections chocolate; Mission Minis cupcakes; Sabores del Sur alfajores; Judy’s Love Sticks breads; Grindstone Bakery; Twin Hills; Amorretti; New York Bagel; Sconehenge; Vital Vittles; Black China; Nature Certified eco-baby products; Sukhi’s Indian food; Hodo Soy; Snake Butterfly Chocolate; Farmhouse Culture sauerkraut; Swanton Berry Farm strawberries; Tomatero Farms tomatoes and Small Bees honey and skincare products.

• Meat – special offerings include organic, grass-fed and grass-finished beef and Country Natural grain-finished beef from cattle that spend their entire life on pasture. Also available will be lamb from Pozzi Lamb Growers in Sonoma and Marin counties, Petaluma Poultry and Field to Family air-chilled chicken, buffalo and venison. The store offers the best-tasting, freshest and highest-quality meat available that is carefully raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones.

• Artisan Bakery – featuring Whole Foods Market Artisan Hearth Breads, baked fresh daily along with an array of delectable items like cakes, cupcakes and raw, vegan treats. Also not to be missed are treats from area bakeries including Greenlee’s Bakery cinnamon and raisin bread; California Lavash lavash; Edna’s Success baked goods; and Campbell Bread Baking Company’s delicious breads.

• Prepared Foods – featuring an extensive selection of foods made by a team of talented, in-house chefs. Specialties include a daily selection of house-made soups, extensive organic salad bar, Shawarma station, Italian-style brick oven pizzas and a full-service burrito bar. A wonderful array of healthful and tasty lunch options also will be available on a daily basis including a variety of nutrient-rich items like quinoa, brown rice and kale.

• Kombucha – Kombucha Botanica’s Healthy Living Tonic™ will be available on tap.

• Seafood – a vast array of fresh and frozen selections, as well as all the marinades, sauces, seasonings and herbs to complete a meal with seafood as the centerpiece. Whole Foods Market also offers a selection of sustainable seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and ranked by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program (www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx).

• Coffee Bar – fresh-brewed coffee daily from Allegro^® and organic soft-serve Straus frozen yogurt.

• Nut Butters – four grind-your-own nut butters including organic peanut, honey peanut, organic chocolate peanut and organic almond.

• Bulk Section – a large, organically focused bulk department that will feature a variety of bulk bins brimming with legumes, grains, flours, and nuts as well as olive oil, honey, maple syrup and tamari. Also featured will be a “Build Your Own” snack mix bar which features same-priced cartons customers can customize.

• In-Store Dining – the store features plentiful seating inside and outside.

• Store Tours –the store will offer shopping tours tailored to special diets such as gluten-free living and store tours for moms, as well tours themed for how to shop on a budget.  Private tours can be arranged by request for organizations such as schools and senior centers.

• Customer Service – unique to this store, there will be an electronic customer comment board. This will feature a touch-screen interface where customers can type questions that will be quickly answered by a knowledgeable Team Member.

• Health, Wellness & Food – Whole Foods Market works hard to stay on top of food and health issues and to educate its customers on healthy eating. The store will have a full time Healthy Eating Specialist on site offering one-on-one consultations, guided tours, demonstrations and more.

• Whole Foods Market Community Giving Days — at least four times a year, Whole Foods Market sets aside a day on which five percent of the day’s net sales is contributed to a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

• Nickels for Nonprofits – when customers bring in their own bags for groceries they have the option of receiving a five-cent refund (per bag) or donating the money to a selected charity. The first non-profit beneficiary is Oak Ridge Elementary.

• Donations Out the Back – perishable products that aren’t sold during the day are donated to those in need.  Whole Foods Market San Jose is proud to work with Second Harvest Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes, Martha’s Kitchen and World Food Bank Inc.

• Kid’s Club – children ages 2 through 8 are eligible to be Kid’s Club members.  Membership cards allow each member to receive one free Kid’s Club treat each time they visit the store. This store features an expanded Mercado, which is a fun, interactive space for kids to play and learn about healthy eating.

Store Information

Whole Foods Market San Jose

1146 Blossom Hill Rd.

San Jose, CA  95118

Tel. (408) 266-3700

Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Store Team Leader: Brett Kassell

Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/blossomhill

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WFMBlossomhill

Twitter: www.twitter.com/WFMblossomhill

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WHOLE FOODS MARKET SAN JOSE NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER CALENDAR

Whole Foods Market San Jose VIP Pre-Store Opening Tours

Dates: November 6, 7 & 8. Tour times range from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Get a sneak peek at the new store during these fun and informative 30-minute tours. All attendees will receive a goodie bag and free lunch. Pre-registration is required via this link: http://tinyurl.com/26duxc6.

Wednesday, Nov. 10: Whole Foods Market San Jose Opening Day

9:45 a.m. – Bread-breaking, 10 a.m. Store opens for business

Join our regional and store leadership for the traditional breaking of bread to celebrate the opening of our new store. San Jose Vice Mayor Judy Chirco and UTC Power’s Director of Stationary Business Neal Montany and store leadership will be in attendance.

Whole Foods Market San Jose Holiday Tasting Fairs, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Dates: November 13, 14, 20 and 21. December 11, 12, 18 and 19. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Everyone is invited to sample Whole Foods Market Holiday offerings. The store will be sampling a variety of prepared foods like potatoes, stuffing, pies and, of course, turkey!

Whole Foods Market San Jose Gluten-Free Shopping Store Tour

Date: November 16 & December 14. From 5-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

If you are dealing with gluten intolerance, please join this free tour to learn all about healthy gluten-free items for adults and kids alike. Please sign up at Customer Service.

Whole Foods Market San Jose Going Vegan and Vegetarian for the Holidays Store Tour

Date: November 18 & December 16. From 2-3 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Vegans and vegetarians are encouraged to join this free store tour to learn about tasty and healthy options for the holidays. Sampling is encouraged! Please sign up at Customer Service.

Whole Foods Market San Jose Healthy Eating Store Tour

Date: December 9. From 5-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Don’t let the Holidays derail you’re healthy eating plans. Take this informative store tour and learn all about tasty, healthy items that are sure to please the palate. There will be plenty of healthy snack sampling! Please sign up at Customer Service.

Whole Foods Market San Jose Holiday Hours

November 23 & 24: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

November 24 (Thanksgiving): 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

December 22 & 23: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

December 24 (Christmas Eve): 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

December 25 (Christmas): Closed

December 31 (New Year’s Eve): 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

January 1 (New Year’s Day): 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The OFRF, a national organization based in Santa Cruz, Calif., focuses on transforming agriculture by fostering the continuous improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming practices. To date, the nonprofit has awarded more than 300 grants, providing more than $2.5 million in support to organic researchers. OFRF also works vigorously to create federal policy changes aimed at helping farmers adopt better organic practices and increase the number of acres in organic production.

“Whole Foods Market has been a leader in providing organic products to consumers for 30 years,” said Bob Scowcroft, executive director of OFRF. “They have consistently supported organic farmers through their purchasing both on a national and local level. We salute Whole Foods Market for achieving the distinction of being the single largest purchaser of family farm-produced organic food in the country. We also thank Whole Foods Market and all of their customers for their generous support during the Northern California and Reno Community Giving Day.”

In addition to its research and policy work, OFRF brings authentic farm voices to federal policy makers through it’s Organic Farmers Action Network, a group of 2,800 farmers and consumers committed to organic farms and food. Through the Network, OFRF has sent organic farmers to Washington D.C. to talk face-to-face with lawmakers and program administrators and kept the Network participants informed on key policy changes. Network efforts have helped gain funding increases for key federal organic programs, and secured Congressionally-promised funding levels for organic research.

“Whole Foods Market wholeheartedly supports the important work that the Organic Farming Research Foundation is doing to promote and support organic farming across the country,” said Danny Olivas, executive marketing coordinator for Whole Foods Market’s Northern California Region.  “Like OFRF, we work alongside government officials, ranchers and farmers and community groups and organizations to advocate the highest standards of organic policy.  We know this donation will support the important work OFRF is doing on behalf of organic farming.”

For more information, visit: wholefoodsmarket.com or ofrf.org

Santa Rosa residents are invited to the “Whole Foods Market Big Time Barbeque Bash” on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event is an outdoor barbeque featuring fun for the entire family including a delicious selection of meat and seafood on the grill, live music and an opportunity to meet local ranchers and attend workshops to learn everything from buying, cutting and marinating meat.

“Whole Foods Market is excited to be part of the town’s revitalization and to support the business community by featuring local products in our store,” said Wes Walston, store team leader, Whole Foods Market Coddingtown.  “We’re also committed to giving back to the neighborhood through our Nickels for Non-Profits Program, Community Giving Days and by providing healthy eating education. Furthermore, we hope to serve as a community center and gathering place where customers can attend classes, take store tours, attend events as well as sit and sample a few beers with friends in our new Tap Room.”

The new, 49,700-square-foot store is conveniently located off the 101 freeway and easily accessible to customers living west of the freeway as well as neighboring communities including Windsor and Healdsburg. Unique features of the new store include a one-of-a-kind Tap Room – constructed almost entirely from locally salvaged wood – that features 16 beers on tap including a local selection and hard-to-find beer; a Health Starts Here® Lecture Center that will serve as both a Health Starts Here education center for Whole Foods Market customers as well as a gathering place for local Santa Rosa organizations; products from more than 125 Sonoma county producers and farmers; an expanded organic bulk section featuring everything from whole grains and healthy snacks to bath and body care and a commitment to educating customers on Whole Foods Market 365 Everyday Value® items.

Décor elements include natural lighting provided by two large skylights; polished concrete flooring; locally sourced hand-fired tiles made from highly-recycled materials and soffits (the underside of any construction element) made from locally salvaged old growth redwood and wainscoting. Green store design elements include Glycol refrigeration system; cool, reflective roof and glass dairy doors with motion activated LED lights.

Highlights that Santa Rosa/Coddingtown Whole Foods Market shoppers can look forward to enjoying include:

• Local Tap Room – customers will be able to enjoy 16 beers on tap including a great local selection and hard-to-find beer in a charming, rustic tap room located within the store. Local beers on tap include Lagunitas IPA and seasonal beer, Sierra Nevada Jack and Ken’s, Iron Springs Oatmeal Stout and Moonlight Brewing. Additionally, approximately 350 beers will be available in the store for purchase which customers are welcome to consume in the Tap Room. Customers will need to be at least 21 years of age to enter the room and be required to show proof of age upon entrance.

• Health Starts Here Lecture Center – an intimate classroom-style layout that seats up to 20 people will serve as both a venue for Whole Foods Market Health Starts Here lectures on healthy eating as well as be open to Santa Rosa civic groups and non-profit organizations that need occasional meeting space.

• Local Vendors – a wide range of products from more than 125 Sonoma county producers and farmers will be featured including Crumb Hither baked goods; Rawk Me Organics raw, vegan, organic ice cream; Mateo Granados’ line of Mayan habanero sauces; Primavera tortilla chips, salsa, hand-made tortillas and tamales; Alexander Valley Gourmet™ pickles; Café Gratitude raw foods to go; Harvest Time spring rolls; The Hummus Guy hummus, dips and spreads; Gipson’s Golden honey; Artisan Bakers baked goods; Full Circle Baking Company baked goods; Salmon Creek Ranch pasture-raised organic duck eggs; Vibranz Kombucha; St. Benoît Yogurt and yogurt cheese; McClelland’s Dairy organic European-style butter; Dry Creek Peach & Produce and Quetzal Farms produce; Devoto Gardens flowers; Two Rock Valley cheese; Coast Roast Coffee, Taylor Maid and Ecco Caffé organic coffee and Bohemian Creamery Italian-style cheeses.

• Local Producer Loan Program – also featured will be baked goods from Rohnert Park’s Grindstone Bakery and raw, vegan organic foods from Lydia’s Organics – Whole Foods Market’s latest LPLP recipients. For more information, please visit (wholefoodsmarket.com/values/local-producer-loan-program.php).

• Meat – special offerings include super-local Panorama organic, grass-fed and grass-finished beef sourced from ranches in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties and Country Natural grain-finished beef from cattle that spend their entire life on pasture. Also available will be locally-raised lamb from Pozzi Lamb Growers in Sonoma and Marin counties, Petaluma Poultry and Field to Family air-chilled chicken. The store offers the best-tasting, freshest and highest-quality meat available that is carefully raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones.

• Artisan Bakery – featuring Whole Foods Market Artisan Hearth Breads (made with organic flour), baked fresh daily along with an array of delectable items from area bakeries including Crumb Hither’s mini cupcakes. Unique to this store, the bakery will also be using spent grain (grains left over from the beer brewing process) from the Russian River Brewery to create tasty, breads which will change based on seasonal beers. All breads feature a distinct nutty flavor reminiscent of the beer that is brewed from the same grains. To start, one bread variety will be featured at a time.

• Prepared Foods – featuring an extensive selection of foods made by a team of talented, in-house chefs. Specialties include a daily selection of house-made soups, extensive organic salad bar, Italian-style brick oven pizzas and a full-service burrito bar. A wonderful array of healthful and tasty lunch options also will be available on a daily basis including a variety of nutrient-rich items like quinoa, brown rice and kale.

• Kombucha – Kombucha Botanica’s Healthy Living Tonic™ will be available on tap.

• Seafood – a vast array of fresh and frozen selections, as well as all the marinades, sauces, seasonings and herbs to complete a meal with seafood as the centerpiece. Local fish will also be sourced from The Tides in Bodega Bay. Whole Foods Market also offers a selection of sustainable seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

• Coffee Bar – fresh-brewed coffee daily from Allegro^®.

• Nut Butters – four grind-your-own nut butters including organic peanut, honey peanut, chocolate peanut and almond.

• Bulk Section – a large, organically focused bulk department that will feature a variety of bulk bins brimming with legumes, grains, flours, and nuts as well as olive oil, honey, maple syrup and tamari. Also featured will be a “Build Your Own” snack mix bar which features same-priced cartons customers can customize as well as a Whole Body Bulk Bodycare area where customers can refill shampoos, soap and lotions, to name a few. Special to this store will be a new, local bulk line of organic beauty products by Petaluma’s MoonEssence.

• In-Store Dining – the store features a cozy eating venue inside the store. Customers can also purchase food to enjoy in the Tap Room.

• Store Tours –the store will offer shopping tours tailored to special diets such as gluten-free living and store tours for moms, as well tours themed for how to shop on a budget.  Private tours can be arranged by request for organizations such as schools and senior centers.

• Health, Wellness & Food – Whole Foods Market works hard to stay on top of food and health issues and to educate its customers on healthy eating. To bring this concept to life, the store will offer regular store tours, talks and demos with trained Team Members, local health practitioners, cookbook authors and chefs.

• Whole Foods Market Community Giving Days — at least four times a year, Whole Foods Market sets aside a day on which five percent of the day’s net sales is contributed to a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The next Community Giving Day will be held on Oct. 26 to benefit the Organic Farming Research Foundation.

• Nickels for Nonprofits – when customers bring in their own bags for groceries they have the option of receiving a five-cent refund (per bag) or donating the money to a selected charity, (three organizations are selected each quarter). The inaugural slate of recipient non-profits is Anova Special Education School and ReThink Your Drink Campaign.

• Donations Out the Back – perishable products that aren’t sold during the day are donated to those in need.  Whole Foods Market Santa Rosa is proud to work with Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sonoma County’s largest hunger-relief organization, which acquires food and distributes it in Sonoma County through its own food assistance programs.

• Kid’s Club – children ages 2 through 8 are eligible to be Kid’s Club members.  Membership cards allow each member to receive one free Kid’s Club treat each time they visit the store.

The Whole Foods Market Santa Rosa store on Yulupa Avenue will continue to serve local residents.

Store Information

Whole Foods Market Santa Rosa – Coddingtown

390 Coddingtown Mall

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Tel. (707) 542-7411

Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Store Team Leader: Wes Walston

Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/coddingtown

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WFMCoddingtown

“Whole Foods Market is excited to be able to supply our North Bay stores with the highest quality, locally-sourced organic, grass-fed and grass-finished beef available.” said Dan Neuerburg, meat coordinator for Whole Foods Market, Northern California.

Panorama Meats, a long-time Whole Foods Market regional supplier of organic, grass-fed and grass-finished beef, now exclusively provides Whole Foods Market North Bay stores with beef locally raised in Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties. North Bay stores include Mill Valley/Miller Avenue, Mill Valley/Blithedale, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa/Yulupa, Santa Rosa/Coddingtown (opening on September 22), Sebastopol, Sonoma and Napa.

Whole Foods Market’s recently-opened Mill Valley/Blithedale store was the first store in the region to carry the super-local beef, which is raised at Lunny Ranch in Inverness and Diamond W Ranch in Petaluma and is also processed super-locally in Merced.

Facts about organic, grass-fed beef:

• Supplier is Panorama Meats (www.panoramameats.com).

• 100 percent grass-fed and grass-finished beef programs require a commitment to the land; ranchers must carefully manage their natural resources. Most grass-fed ranchers are independent, selling beef from their own property, or belong to a small, locally-focused producer group.

• Beef cattle are born with the ability to convert grasses, legumes and herbaceous plants into protein. Meat from animals that spend their lives grazing has a more favorable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. In addition because grass-fed cattle are typically leaner than cattle that are fed grain, almost all cuts have less fat than grain-feed beef.

• 100 percent grass-fed and grass-finished beef has a distinct, vibrant flavor.

General Cooking tips:

• Grass Fed:
  • Since it’s leaner than grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef usually takes about 30 percent less time to cook. Test with a meat thermometer.
  • When using grass-fed beef in favorite recipes, lower the cooking temperature of the oven by about 25°F. The cooking time will stay about the same.
  • When cooking on the grill, let the flames burn down more than normal for other meat.

• All Beef:
  • Don’t start with cold beef straight from the refrigerator. Starting ice cold can result in poorly cooked meat, so let the meat warm to almost room temperature.
  • Always use tongs, never a fork, to turn the beef. Piercing causes precious juices to be lost.
  • Remember to let the meat rest to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing.
  • If you are using a meat thermometer, a rare steak will register 135°F, medium-rare to medium will register between 145°F and 155°F.
  • Thaw the meat in the refrigerator.  Don’t defrost it in a microwave oven.

All meat sold at Whole Foods Market must meet the company’s strict quality standards, which require that animals are raised on a vegetarian diet without being administered antibiotics or added growth hormones. In addition, all producers must meet specific and rigorous animal welfare standards that apply to all stages of an animal’s life and environment.

More information can be found online at wholefoodsmarket.com and recipes can be found online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes.

The new, 24,000-square-foot store features a one-of-a-kind, green store design where food truly is the star. The store is reminiscent of an open-air farmers’ market, as it features produce – much of which is sourced from local Marin farmers – front and center outside the store,  immediately upon entry through the rolled up, garage-style, glass doors. Most notably, the store was built within the existing structure, using 90 percent of the construction and demolition debris. Unlike other Whole Foods Market stores, no drywall was used so there are plenty of unfinished, original wood walls and an exposed, high ceiling. Additional décor elements include exposed refrigerators and coolers; pallet wood for signage; overstocked ceramic tiles from local manufacturer McIntyre Tile that accent the coffee bar and used bicycle tire rims, donated by a local bike shop, repurposed to create a trellis that hangs above the cash wrap and customer service. Additional green store elements include ENERGY STAR appliances, membrane roof, energy-efficient plumbing and an energy management system.

“This store really celebrates our connection to local farmers and producers, the environment and Mill Valley, which is the epicenter of the natural and organic food movement,” said David Lannon, president, Whole Foods Market, Northern California.  “A team of very talented, passionate people was behind this store’s development and took special care to work with existing, salvaged and recycled materials to create a store that’s a celebration of both food and design.”

The Whole Foods Market Mill Valley store on Miller Avenue, a landmark store for the Company since 1989, also will continue to serve local residents. This store was opened by co-CEO Walter Robb as the region’s 2^nd store and Company’s 11^th store nationally at that time. The new store adds to this tradition of service to Mill Valley and is a testament to the support local shoppers have given Whole Foods Market over the years. “Mill Valley has embraced Whole Foods Market since we first arrived in 1989,” said Lannon.  “The success of Whole Foods Market nationally is largely due to the success of our first Mill Valley store and to the vision and leadership of Walter Robb.”

Mill Valley residents are invited to the “Whole Foods Market Neighborhood Jubilee” on Sunday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event is an outdoor festival featuring fun for the entire family including a Ferris wheel, high striker (strongman game), and bounce house, as well as a selection of carnival games operated by local non-profits including Eco Moms, Teens Turning Green, Nancy’s List and Marin Agricultural Land Trust.  There also will be live Bluegrass music performed by Blue Savannah and Dr. Elmo and Wild Blue as well as a variety of food sampling by over 50 local Whole Foods Market vendors. A June calendar of events can be found below.

Highlights that Mill Valley Whole Foods Market shoppers can look forward to enjoying include:

• Fruits and Vegetables – new, farmers’ market-style layout that features a variety of local growers who deliver produce daily, direct to the store. Unique to this location, customers will be able to select produce from their favorite grower, as all their offerings will be displayed together on tables – just like a farmers market – versus by category.

• Local Vendors – a wide range of products from more than 375 Bay Area farmers and producers will be featured including flourChylde Bakery, Pacheco Ranch Winery, Rustic Bakery, Navitas Naturals Allstar Organics, Easy Living Foods, Marin Pasta Works, Red Hill Farms, Farmstead Cheese Company, Cowgirl Creamery, Wild Pear Company and a host of Marin County wineries including Kalin Cellars and Kendric Vineyards.

• Meat – special offerings include local Panorama organic, grass-fed beef sourced from Marin County ranchers and Country Natural pasture-raised beef. The store offers the best-tasting, freshest and highest-quality meat available that is carefully raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones as well as hand-made sausage and a professional butcher who can prepare any cut to order.

• Artisan Bakery – featuring Whole Foods Market Artisan Hearth Breads (made with organic flour), baked fresh daily along with an array of delectable items from area bakeries including flourChylde’s wheat-free desserts, Crumb Hither’s mini cupcakes and two of La Cocina’s entrepreneurs: Delicias Salvadoreanas, featuring delicious El Salvadorian pastries, and Sabores del Sur, with award-winning Alfajores (traditional South American shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche).

• Prepared Foods – featuring an extensive selection of foods made by a team of talented, in-house chefs. Specialties include a daily selection of house-made soups, extensive organic salad bar, Italian-style brick oven pizzas and a full-service burrito bar. A wonderful array of healthful and tasty lunch options also will be available on a daily basis including a variety of nutrient-rich items like quinoa, brown rice and kale. Notably, up to two locally-sourced ingredients will be in each prepared-food item.

• Kombucha – Kombucha Botanica’s Healthy Living Tonic™ will be available on tap. Kombucha Bontanica is a Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program recipient. More information on the loan program can be found at wholefoodsmarket.com/values/local-producer-loan-program.php.

• Seafood – a vast array of fresh and frozen selections, as well as all the marinades, sauces, seasonings and herbs to complete a meal with seafood as the centerpiece. Whole Foods Market also offers a selection of sustainable seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

• Coffee Bar – fresh-brewed coffee daily from Allegro^®.

• Nut Butters – grind-your-own almond and peanut butter.

• Bulk Section – a variety of bulk bins brimming with legumes, grains, flours, and nuts as well as olive oil, honey, maple syrup and tamari.

• In-Store Dining – the store features a cozy eating area near the entrance for dining and relaxing.

• Store Tours –the store will offer shopping tours tailored to special diets such as gluten-free living and store tours for moms, as well tours themed for how to shop on a budget.  Private tours can be arranged by request for organizations such as schools and senior centers.  These tours will start in June and will be free.

• Health, Wellness & Food – Whole Foods Market works hard to stay on top of food and health issues and to educate its customers on healthy eating. To bring this concept to life, the store will offer regular store tours, talks and demos with trained Team Members, local health practitioners, cookbook authors and chefs.

• Whole Foods Market Community Giving Days — several times a year, Whole Foods Market sets aside a day on which five percent of the day’s net sales is contributed to a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The next Community Giving Day is on opening day, June 9, and will benefit Marin Organic (marinorganic.org).

• Nickels for Nonprofits – when customers bring in their own bags for groceries they have the option of receiving a five-cent refund (per bag) or donating the money to a selected charity, with three organizations being selected each quarter. The inaugural slate of recipient non-profits is North Bay Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower, Respecting Our Elders and Marin Conservation League.

• Donations Out the Back – perishable products that aren’t sold during the day are donated to those in need.  Whole Foods Market Mill Valley is proud to work with Marin Community Food Bank, Respecting Our Elders and The Redwoods.

• Kid’s Club – children ages two through eight are eligible to be Kid’s Club members. They receive a membership card which allows them to receive one free Kid’s Club treat each time they visit the store.

Store Information

Whole Foods Market Mill Valley – Blithedale

731 East Blithedale

Mill Valley, CA 94941

Tel. 415-381-3900

Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Store Team Leader: Dori Beron

Website: wholefoodsmarket.com/storesbeta/blithedale/

Facebook: facebook.com/WholeFoodsMarketMarin

Twitter: twitter.com/WFMMarinCo

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WHOLE FOODS MARKET MILL VALLEY/BLITHEDALE JUNE CALENDAR

Tuesday, June 1: Whole Foods Market Mill Valley/Blithedale Store Tour and County Line Harvest Farm Tour

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Enjoy a sneak peek of the new Whole Foods Market store on E. Blithedale followed by tour of County Line Harvest Farm (countylineharvest.com) in Petaluma with Owner/Farmer David Retsky. Transportation will be provided and participants will also enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch.  David is an accomplished farmer, growing premier baby greens for retailers and restaurants in the Bay Area and training new apprentices every year on County Line Harvest’s 32 acres. His vision for the future includes preserving farmland and mentoring and inspiring the next generation of farmers in Marin. To register, contact Susan Grelock, susan.grelock@wholefoods.com or tel. 415-389-7348.

Thursday, June 3: Whole Foods Market Mill Valley/Blithedale Store Tour and St. Benoît Tour

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Enjoy a sneak peek of the new Whole Foods Market store on E. Blithedale followed by tour of St. Benoît’s (stbenoit.com) yogurt making facility in Sonoma. Transportation will be provided and participants will also enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch.  St. Benoît, a Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program loan recipient, is dedicated to the concept of “terroir” and only uses local, certified organic ingredients.  In addition to sourcing only organic Jersey milk, they purchase all the fruit and honey used in the yogurt at Bay Area farmers markets.  Sustainability also is very important to St. Benoît.  They make their yogurts on a farm that is a model of sustainable agriculture and have developed and utilize a reusable ceramic container to hold the yogurt and eliminate packaging waste.  St. Benoît yogurt is available in all Whole Foods Market Northern California locations. To register, contact Susan Grelock, susan.grelock@wholefoods.com or tel. 415-389-7348.

Sunday, June 6: Whole Foods Market Mill Valley Jubilee

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: FREE

This free event is an outdoor festival featuring fun for the entire family including a Ferris wheel, high striker (strongman game), bounce house as well as a selection of carnival games operated by local non-profits including Eco Moms, Teens Turning Green/BYOBag Marin, Felidae Fund, Kiddo!, Nancy’s List, Trips for Kids, Growing up for Good, Mill Valley Children’s Garden, “10,000 Rain Gardens” Project and Marin Agricultural Land Trust.  There also will be live Bluegrass music performed by Blue Savannah and Dr. Elmo and Wild Blue as well as a variety of food sampling by over 50 local Whole Foods Market vendors.

Marin Organic is an association of organic producers in Marin County whose livelihood is based on a respect for nature and a sense of place. The organization and its members are dedicated to continually improving farming practices, promoting the ethical, creative and patient enterprise of sustainable, organic agriculture, and encouraging a preference for locally produced food. Marin Organic’s initiatives have also established Marin Organic as a model for other counties and countries, exemplifying how to solve present challenges in the food system and society.

“We are what we eat, individually and as a society.  You can trace most challenges that we face today back to our lack of relationship to our soil, to our farmers and the way we grow our food.  Today’s solutions must be environmentally sound, economically viable and socially just,” said Helge Hellberg, executive director, Marin Organic. “We are thrilled about our partnership with Whole Foods Market for this Community Giving Day and beyond. No other national grocery chain is as committed to local, organic and sustainable food production as Whole Foods Market.  We look forward to working together on many initiatives and campaigns and collectively bringing the field closer to home.”

The Marin Organic School Lunch and Gleaning Program

Twice a week, Marin Organic visits its member farms and harvests, or “gleans,” produce with slight cosmetic blemishes, such as crooked potatoes, oversized zucchini or discolored beets that would otherwise be left in the field.

This food is then delivered to public and private schools and low-income resource centers in Marin County.  To date, more than 140,000 pounds of free, certified organic foods including potatoes, squash, kale, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, lemons, meat and eggs have been added to the lunches of Marin schoolchildren.

By supplementing weekly orders placed by schools for local, organic foods with gleaned products, the Marin Organic School Lunch and Gleaning Program enables 12,000 students to choose nutritious, local food options, every week, while the schools and community centers stay within their tight food service budgets. In addition, Marin Organic Farm Days directly connect children to nature through visits to local farms where students learn, hands on, about sustainable farming and help harvest food for the program. “This unique program is a true solution for the farmer, the schools and community centers,” said Hellberg.

“Whole Foods Market enthusiastically supports the important work that Marin Organic is doing to promote eco-literary in the Bay Area and across the country,” said Danny Olivas, executive marketing coordinator, Whole Foods Market, Northern California Region.  “Like Whole Foods Market, Marin Organic works alongside government officials, ranchers and farmers and community groups and organizations to advocate the highest standards of organic policy.  We know this donation will support this fearless organization’s programs and allow them to continue their incredible work with farmers and communities locally and worldwide. We invite our communities to come shop on June 9^th, knowing their purchases will make a difference.”

More information can be found online at wholefoodsmarket.com or marinorganic.com.

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