Local Loan Recipients: Midwest
Whole Foods Market's Midwest Region includes Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.
Featherstone Fruits and Vegetables
Rushford, MN
Jack Hedin established Featherstone Fruits and Vegetables in the spring of 1997 and marketed its first vegetable crop that year. Since that time, the farm has continued to produce and distribute fresh market vegetables and small fruits. The farm produces on 100+ rented acres spread over 6 sites within an 8-mile radius of Rushford, MN. Featherstone has been certified organic for its entire history.
Jack will be using the Local Producer Loan funds to purchase equipment, including a forklift, refrigeration, and coolers. This will allow them to increase their crop quality, predictability, and efficiency.
Loan Program Links
Local Producer Loan Program Profiles on the Whole Story Blog
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The Good On Ya Bar
Jan. 23, 2012 | 2 Comments
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Local Producer: Willie Greens Organic Farm
Jan. 8, 2012 | 1 Comment
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MOOMilk: Maine’s Own Organic Milk Company
Dec. 23, 2011 | 2 Comments
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Local Producer: Epicurean Butter
Nov. 2, 2011 | 18 Comments
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Brad’s Raw Chips
Oct. 20, 2011 | 5 Comments
Loan Recipient Videos
Jim Blumetti of Blumetti's Gourmet Foods discusses his philosophy and plans for his business.
David Rukin of Buzzn Bee Farm talks about how he got into the business of selling honey and pollen products.
Laughing Giraffe Organics of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the best examples of what our Local Producer Loan Program can do for a producer's business.
Boulder Ice Cream has been selling ice cream to Whole Foods Market for about ten years! This long-time partner has used its Local Producer Loan Program funds to finance the expansion of an organic line.