For More Information:
Susan Dewhirst
Tom's of Maine
1-800-FOR-TOMS
sdewhirst@tomsofmaine.com

Tom’s of Maine and Shaw’s Supermarkets Partner to Provide Increased Access to Dental Care

120 million Americans have no dental insurance

Shea and her sister at the York County Community Health Care Center, a Dental Health for All™ recipient.
Photo by Allison Grappone

(February 12, 2007 - Kennebunk, Maine)—Shaw’s Supermarkets and Tom’s of Maine are pleased to announce a partnership to help increase access to dental care and educate consumers about the link between oral and whole body health through Tom's of Maine Dental Health for All™ program. During the month of February, Shaw’s Supermarkets will help support the Dental Health for All™initiative with circular ads, displays, and donations of toothbrushes to dental programs. Together Tom’s and Shaw’s will donate over $30,000 in cash and in-kind donations to help the Vermont Dental Care Programs based in Winooski, Vermont, and Comprehensive Community Action based in Cranston, Rhode Island.

"Tom’s of Maine and Shaw’s Supermarkets are long time partners in helping people throughout New England obtain quality products and support their communities. Through their continued support of Dental Health for All™ Shaw’s is helping us make significant strides in solving this pressing public health issue,” said Tom’s of Maine cofounder and CEO Tom Chappell. "Oral health is such an important part of overall good health. Shaw’s is proud to partner with Tom’s of Maine to do our part in addressing this important effort,” said Carl Jablonski, Shaw’s President.

Tom’s of Maine began the Dental Health for All™ program in 2004 in response to the Surgeon General’s report about oral health. The study found that over 120 million Americans have no dental insurance and many wait over 12 months for an appointment at public dental clinics, where it’s not unusual to see three-year-olds needing multiple root canals, extractions, and stainless steel crowns. In addition, many millions more have trouble obtaining the dental care they need because they can’t afford it or because they live in underserved areas where dentists are scarce or nonexistent.

To help solve this public health issue, Tom’s of Maine began the Dental Health for All™program, with goals to increase access to dental care and to educate the population about oral health. Since its inception, the program has made a significant impact—retailers like Shaw’s and consumers have joined Tom’s in making over $670,000 worth of donations to over 65 dental clinics nationwide, helping tens of thousands of people in need receive quality, affordable dental care. For more information about dental health issues and how you can support Dental Health for All™ please visit www.tomsofmaine.com/dhfa.

About Tom's of Maine
Founded in Kennebunk, Maine, by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970, Tom's of Maine creates effective personal care products using simple, natural ingredients derived from plants and minerals. Tom's of Maine products—toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, deodorant, and soap—do not contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, flavors, or animal ingredients; are tested for safety and efficacy without the use of animals; are biodegradable; and are packaged in earth-friendly ways. Our philosophy of "Natural Care" guides us in doing what is right for our customers, employees, communities, and environment. We fulfill our Natural Care mission by donating 10% of our profits to charitable organizations; by encouraging our employees to use 5% of their paid time in volunteer work; by adhering to our standards of natural, sustainable, and responsible; and by not testing on animals. Visit www.tomsofmaine.com for more information and to let us know what you think of our products!

About Shaw’s Supermarkets
Shaw’s, Osco and Star Market are a division of SUPERVALU INC. Throughout the six New England states, there are more than 200 store locations employing approximately 30,000 associates. SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest companies in the United States grocery channel with 2,500 retail grocery locations holding leading market positions. SUPERVALU also provides distribution and related logistics support services to more than 5,000 grocery retail endpoints across the country. SUPERVALU currently has approximately 200,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.shaws.com or www.supervalu.com.

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