Natural Grocers Marks Earth Month with Ladybug Love Campaign

During Earth Month this April, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage teamed up with Rodale Institute to launch its annual Ladybug Love campaign, encouraging communities to protect beneficial insects and support regenerative organic agriculture. The initiative once again highlighted the critical role of pollinators in healthy ecosystems while raising funds for Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training Programs.

This year’s campaign focused on driving donations to support Rodale Institute’s immersive, full-time training programs, which provide education in regenerative organic practices and a pathway to careers in sustainable farming. Through in-store activations and customer engagement efforts, Natural Grocers aimed to raise $100,000 to advance Rodale’s mission.

“We’re honored to be chosen as a cause supported by Natural Grocers and its customers,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. “When shoppers invest their hard-earned dollars in the institute’s work, they’re supporting small family farms, improving the environment and growing the body of scientific research that equips farmers to adopt regenerative organic practices.”

The campaign featured several fundraising components:

• A $1 donation (up to $25,000) from Natural Grocers for every Ladybug Love pledge signed April 1^st to 30^th
• Customer donations of $1, $5, or $10 at checkout
• A $2 donation to Rodale Institute for every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold between April 22^nd to 24^th
• A $5 discount for {N}power members who made or renewed their pledge between April 1^st to 15^th
• Free limited-edition Ladybug Love reusable bags and stickers for {N}power members with purchases made April 22^nd to 24^th

Additionally, shoppers were invited to participate in a Ladybug Count Contest by finding hidden ladybugs in Natural Grocers’ good4u Health Hotline magazine (Volume 93). Correct entries submitted in-store by April 26^th were entered into a drawing for a $500 Natural Grocers gift card.

“Natural Grocers’ Ladybug Love campaign raises awareness about the crucial role beneficial insects play in our food supply and regenerative farming,” said Raquel Isely, VP of Marketing at Natural Grocers. “It’s fitting that this year’s campaign supported Rodale Institute, because its groundbreaking research and farmer-support programs drive meaningful change in agriculture and food production. Through the generosity of our customers and Rodale Institute’s commitment, we can help launch or refine careers in organic agriculture. We are grateful to our customers for sharing our passion to protect beneficial insects, the land and our planet.”

Throughout the month, Natural Grocers also shared educational content and resources promoting regenerative living for food, home, garden and yard. The campaign culminated in a three-day Earth Day celebration from April 22^nd to 24^th, featuring special discounts, giveaways and sweepstakes.

Natural Grocers and Rodale Institute previously partnered during Organic Month in September 2024, continuing a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Family-operated Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. operates 169 stores across 21 states. Based in Lakewood, Colorado, the company ranks No. 95 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.

Founded in 1947, Rodale Institute is a global leader in regenerative organic research and farming solutions. With more than 33 active research projects across 12 sites, the Kutztown, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit works to advance organic practices and equip farmers through education, science and advocacy.