Natural Grocers marked Organic Month in September with special savings for {N}power rewards members, educational programming and a monthlong fundraiser benefiting Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training and Veteran Farmer Training programs.
The Lakewood, Colorado-based retailer set a goal of raising $100,000 for Rodale Institute by Sept. 30 through fundraising efforts at its 174 stores nationwide. Customers were able to contribute $1, $5 or $10 at checkout, while Natural Grocers pledged to donate $1 for every limited-edition Organic Month reusable shopping bag sold for $1.99 and $2 for every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold for $2.99.
Natural Grocers set the same $100,000 fundraising goal last year and ultimately raised $113,220 through customer donations and bag sales across what were then 168 stores.
“Organic agriculture has the power to improve the health of our food, our communities and the planet, but its future depends on the farmers who carry that work forward,” said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers. “That’s why we’re proud to support Rodale Institute and its Farmer Training and Veteran Farmer Training programs. Through education, mentorship and hands-on experience, these programs help equip farmers with the tools they need to succeed and strengthen the regenerative organic movement. Organic Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate that work and invite our customers to invest in the next generation of regenerative organic farmers.”
Natural Grocers announced its formal partnership with Rodale Institute in September 2024 and has since held biannual in-store fundraisers supporting the nonprofit’s farmer training initiatives.
Founded in 1947, Rodale Institute focuses on advancing regenerative organic agriculture through research, farmer training and education. Its Farmer Training and Veteran Farmer Training programs provide hands-on instruction designed to prepare participants to establish or work in regenerative organic farming operations.
“Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient food system, and the support of Natural Grocers advances our goal to catalyze the transition of 10 million acres of farmland to organic and regenerative organic agriculture by 2030,” said Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach. “Farmers are at the heart of the organic movement, and we are proud to celebrate their hard work and dedication during Organic Month alongside Natural Grocers and its customers.”
Alongside the fundraiser, Natural Grocers offered a series of promotions throughout September. From September 4th to 26th, {N}power members received savings on organic products including Natural Grocers Brand Organic Sprouted Bread, Contented Hen Organic Pasture-Raised Eggs, Cascadian Farm cereals and Muir Glen pasta sauces.
Additional offers were available September 17th to 19th, when members could receive a free limited-edition reusable bag with purchase and save up to 50% on select organic products, including kefirlab probiotic shots, Brew Dr. kombuchas and Crofter’s Organic fruit spreads.
On September 17th and 18th, members also could clip a coupon for a free package of Natural Grocers bulk dried organic mango strips with a $15 purchase. Shoppers spending $75 or more during those two days were entered to win a gift basket featuring Natural Grocers Brand organic products.
“Organic Month is a chance to celebrate the quality products on our shelves, the practices behind them and the vendors who provide them,” Isely said. “It’s also an opportunity to help folks discover why and how choosing organic makes a difference. We encourage our customers to read labels, look for the USDA Organic Seal and choose organic when possible because informed consumers make better choices for their health, the health of their communities and the health of our food system.”
Natural Grocers also offered free nutritional education classes at select stores through September 30th, along with organic-focused facts and recipes. Its September For the Love of Organics article in the good4u Health Hotline Magazine spotlighted cranberries.
All Natural Grocers stores are certified organic food handlers and undergo annual inspections by an organic certifying agency to verify that they use processes and cleaning products approved under the National Organic Program.
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. sells only USDA-certified organic produce, along with exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products and free-range eggs. Its grocery products may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, synthetic colors, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The company operates 174 stores in 22 states.
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