A community-oriented market offering healthy food, grown locally in the region, is hoping to raise $400,000, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

This is the first fundraising being made by Food Matters Markets Inc. It is being offered in the form of debt and is not being made in connection with a merger, acquisition or exchange offer.

Founded in 2012, Food Matters Markets prioritizes partnering with local farmers and businesses in order to ensure customers receive fresh and local grocery items to support local economies and preserve natural resources. It is based on the motto “Quality Matters, Local Matters, Health Matters, Food Matters.”

The market currently has three locations in North Carolina: Brevard, Hickory and Morganton.

Michael Cianciarulo, chief executive officer and co-owner of Food Matters Markets, has experience in the supermarket industry from working for Gooding’s Supermarkets and from being CEO of Earth Fare between 1998 and 2008.

Companies relying on Reg D exemption do not have to register their offering of securities with the SEC, but they must file what’s known as a Form D electronically with the SEC after they first sell their securities.