Wild Oats Supports Family Farms and FARM AID 2005

Wild Oats Supports Family Farms and FARM AID 2005

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:OATS), a leading national natural and organic foods retailer, today announced its support of the 20th anniversary of FARM AID in Chicago, Ill. on Sept. 18, 2005.

As a proud supporter of locally grown produce, family farms and the environment, Wild Oats will be providing natural and organic food to feed the artists and media during this all-day music event. In addition, Wild Oats will be giving away five pairs of lawn tickets for the FARM AID concert at each of its Chicagoland area stores in Hinsdale and Evanston. Customers can enter to win the tickets at Wild Oats stores. Wild Oats will also be sampling Wild Oats Organic Thompson Raisins at FARM AID's Organic World Expo.

"We're thrilled to support an influential and progressive organization like Farm Aid," said Perry Odak, President and CEO of Wild Oats Markets. "Wild Oats has always been an advocate of family farms, local communities and the environment, so partnering with FARM AID is a perfect fit for our organization."

The mission of FARM AID is to keep family farmers on their land. FARM AID's goal is to bring together family farmers and citizens to restore family farm-centered agriculture. Family farmers ensure safe, healthful food, protect natural resources, and strengthen local economies.

Wild Oats promotes health and well-being among customers, employees, local communities and the environment. Season to season, local growers and regional farms provide Wild Oats stores with the widest variety of the highest quality produce from which to choose. The heart of Wild Oats stores is a vast selection of organic produce, grown using methods that work with nature and strive to protect the soil for our future. The organic food, sustainable seafood, environmentally friendly household cleaning products as well as most other items Wild Oats sells help protect and preserve our environment for future generations.

Community giving and involvement is an integral part of Wild Oats' culture. Wild Oats contributes to communities through several initiatives: in-kind or general donations, the Wooden Nickel Program and food donations. Wild Oats is also a strong supporter of Fair Trade products, helping family farmers in developing countries receive a fair price for their products.

About FARM AID

Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001. Farm Aid has raised more than $27 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. Through public education and direct grants, Farm Aid supports national, regional and local efforts to build and strengthen family farm food production.

About Wild Oats

Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada. With annual sales of more than $1 billion, the Company operates 112 natural foods stores in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.wildoats.com.

Source: Wild Oats Markets, Inc.

CONTACT: Sonja Tuitele of Wild Oats Markets, +1-720-562-4984

Web site: http://www.wildoats.com/

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