California Food Processor installs photovoltaic solar energy system

United Natural Foods Employs Solar Power in Rocklin, California Facility

from www.prnewswire.com

Installation of 1.19 Megawatt Solar Power System by American Capital Energy


Expected to Provide 1.5 Megawatts Annually of Clean Energy Production

DAYVILLE, Conn., July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Extending its
commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives, United Natural
Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) (the "Company") today announced plans to install
a 1.19 megawatt solar power system that will cover 175,000 square feet of
rooftop at the Company's 487,000 square foot distribution facility in
Rocklin, CA. To develop and install the new solar power system, the Company
contracted with American Capital Energy, a Massachusetts-based firm
specializing in solar power project integration.

Construction of the Rocklin solar power project began in July 2007,
with the power-generating panels expected to be in operation by the end of
summer of 2007. The Rocklin solar power system will utilize more than 7,000
Sharp 170 solar modules, two SatCon 500 kW inverters and the Unirac S-5
mounting system for a non-penetrating and low-profile installation.

When completed, the solar power system is expected to provide an
average of approximately 1,500,000 kWh annually of clean energy production
at this facility, which is the equivalent of powering 140 average American
households for a year, and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 19 metric
tons annually. According to industry statistics, the solar power system is
believed to be the fourth largest solar array in California and the sixth
largest in the United States.

Michael Funk, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "This
solar power system is yet another example of United Natural Foods'
commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives. Further, it is
especially gratifying to work towards protecting the environment while at
the same time improving our infrastructure to enhance efficiencies and
lower costs. It's truly a win-win situation where everyone benefits."

The Rocklin facility is the headquarters for UNFI's Western Region;
employs approximately 550 people; serves customers in northern California,
northern Nevada, southern Oregon, and Hawaii; and is the largest facility
in Company's nationwide distribution network. United Natural Foods has the
largest warehouse capacity of any distributor in the natural products
industry and, with the recently announced plans to open a facility in
Sarasota, Florida, it will have more than 3.7 million square feet of space
at 16 distribution centers nationwide.

Focus on a Greener Environment

"United Natural Foods remains committed to a greener environment by
investing in technology that will allow us to operate more competitively
while utilizing clean, renewable energy," said Thomas A. Dziki, United
Natural Foods Vice President of Sustainable Development. "We continue to
explore ways to reduce the environmental impacts associated with
conventional electricity use in keeping with the natural charter of our
business."

"We are proud to partner with United Natural Foods in driving their
solar initiative and look forward to working with them in building momentum
behind the solid business case for solar energy implementation," said Tom
Hunton, president of American Capital Energy. "Going solar currently
provides companies a real competitive advantage, which will only increase
as the cost for energy continues to escalate."

Project Consistent with United Natural Foods Commitment to Reduce
Greenhouse Gases

United Natural Foods has an ongoing commitment to Environmentally
Responsible Initiatives. As part of these efforts, in February 2007, the
Company announced its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration
between the EPA and companies with truck fleets designed to increase energy
efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
United Natural Foods' fuel saving strategies reduced over 14,200 metric
tons of CO2 emissions from its Eastern Region fleet from 2005 to 2006. It
accomplished this by directing its drivers to reduce excessive engine
idling and through the increased use of low-friction lubricants.