At a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet, the Nature鈥檚 Fare Markets community has risen to the challenge to help feed those in need.
The organic grocery and wellness chain鈥檚 seven B.C. stores have already collected more than 12,000 pounds of food bundles donated by customers 鈥� eclipsing the 8,000 pounds of food raised last year.
鈥淲e have an amazing community. It鈥檚 heartwarming to see our customers鈥� generosity and to be a part of getting that food to the people who need it most,鈥� said Michael Sherwood, CEO, of the bundles that are available in stores to donate until Dec. 24. 鈥淲e know there鈥檚 so much on pressure on food banks right now as people turn to them for help, so we wanted to support our local food banks as much as possible this holiday season.鈥�
In addition to the bundles of food donated by customers, Nature鈥檚 Fare donated $60,000 to food banks in the communities it serves. At a time when non-profits and local producers, as well as individuals, are challenged with rising prices, Nature鈥檚 Fare continued to support causes and communities 鈥榗lose to home鈥� in 2022.
Locally, the following donations were made:
FOOD BANKS
Cash donations: $60,000
鈥� Vernon Salvation Army 鈥� $10,000
鈥� Central Okanagan Food Bank 鈥� $10,000
鈥� Penticton Salvation Army 鈥� $10,000
鈥� Langley Food Bank 鈥� $10,000
鈥� Sources Food Bank in White Rock 鈥� $10,000
鈥� Kamloops Food Bank 鈥� $10,000
This year, stores got an earlier start to setting out the prepared food bundles of everything from peanut butter and jam to baby care and breakfast essentials. So far, customers across B.C. stores have picked up and donated more than $25,000 worth of food. With food bank bundles still available until Christmas Eve, that total will continue to grow.
More than $54,000 was also donated through the three per cent club for non-profits. Groups such as day cares, school parent councils and extra-curricular activity groups collect their receipts and get a cheque for three per cent of their pre-tax total as a tax-free donation.
鈥淭hese are often very small and very hard-working local non-profits doing the important and often invisible work that improves everyday living for young families, so it鈥檚 a joy for us to help give these clubs a hand up and thank them for supporting our stores,鈥� said Sherwood.
A $5,000 donation was also made to the certifying body of organic foods, Organic BC, supports producers making the transition to become certified organic growers and advocates for a resilient organic sector in B.C.
鈥淓nvironment and sustainability is so important to the Nature鈥檚 Fare Markets community,鈥� says Sherwood. 鈥淎s is wellness and food security, so during these tough times, we鈥檙e proud to be a part of supporting local business in local communities.鈥�
roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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