Whole Foods Market(R) Helps Shoppers Prepare for Back-to-School Season

Market Wire, August, 2008

As part of its "Be Good to Your Whole Body" campaign in its Whole Body departments, Whole Foods Market will focus on health and wellness for children of all ages during the months of August and September. In-store lectures and podcasts will offer suggestions for building the immune system, managing stress and options for kid-friendly body care to ensure an energetic kick off to the school year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone(1). Strengthening the immune system and good nutrition are essential at this time of year when kids are headed back to the classroom.

In-store lectures by Whole Body experts will provide shoppers with ideas and tips for getting a healthy start to the school year. Topics include:

--  Nutritional needs for kids kindergarten through college
--  How to get more essential fatty acids into a child's diet
--  Supplements and herbs that build the immune system
--  Building up the "good bugs" -- probiotics and supplements in kids'
    diets
--  The big three for kids: exercise, stress management and sleep
    

Several resources are available online, including a video podcast with Lynda Fassa, founder of the organic cotton clothing company Green Babies and author of "Green Babies and Sage Moms," on how 'tweens and teens benefit from "natural" products. Four audio podcasts are available online: natural oral care for kids, essential fatty acids and back-to-school brain power, building a healthy immune system for a healthy school year, and "Does your Child Need a Multi" about why kids can benefit from a daily multivitamin. Check local store listings for events and more information.

About Whole Foods Market®

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market ( www.wholefoodsmarket.com ) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2007, the company had sales of $6.6 billion and currently has more than 270 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Whole Foods Market motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"(TM) captures the company's mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Whole Foods Market, Fresh & Wild(TM), and Harry's Farmers Market® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Wild Oats® and Capers Community Market(TM) are trademarks owned by Wild Marks, Inc. Whole Foods Market employs more than 53,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 11 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine.

(1) (CDC, 1996)

Media Contact: Janette Rizk (310) 752-4400 ext. 164 Email Contact