Whole Foods lends $2.5 million to local producers

AUSTIN, Texas Whole Foods Market announced that its Local Producer Loan Program has provided producers throughout the United States with $2.5 million in low-interest loans.

Whole Foods Market launched the Local Producer Loan Program and awarded its first loans in early 2007 with a commitment to fund up to $10 million in low-interest loans. Since the program began, nearly 50 loans have been made to businesses throughout the United States, with an additional 20 applications pending.

"Whole Foods Market is committed to helping grow local businesses, not only by providing access to these loans, but also by providing an outlet to sell their unique artisanal products," said Betsy Foster, Whole Foods Market global VP growth and business development. "We are thrilled to have assisted in the growth of local businesses nationwide. It's exciting to hit this milestone."