The Grain Train Natural Foods Markets has launched a new program to support local nonprofits.
The Cents of Community initiative allows shoppers to round up their purchases at the register, with the extra change going to a selected nonprofit each month, according to a community announcement.
Community members can nominate their favorite nonprofits, and Grain Train owners will vote on which organizations to feature throughout the year. Each month, a different organization will be highlighted, and shoppers can choose to round up their purchases to support that cause.
How the program works
The program is rooted in the cooperative principle of concern for community, one of the seven guiding principles that have shaped cooperatives worldwide. The Grain Train, which has served Northern Michigan since 1971, said that the launch of the program reflects its long-standing mission to make a difference “one bite at a time.”
“Of all seven cooperative principles, ‘concern for community’ might be the most tangible,” Michael Walter, CEO of Grain Train Natural Foods Markets, said in the announcement. “Our community is generous and looks out for each other, and we’re looking forward to helping these important organizations with their missions by giving our shoppers an opportunity to make a very real difference.”
How to participate
Community members can nominate local nonprofit or cooperative organizations that align with the Grain Train’s mission through September. During National Co-op Month in October, Grain Train owners will vote on which organizations to feature throughout the following year. Each month, a selected organization will be highlighted, and shoppers can round up their purchases at checkout to support that month’s cause, with funds presented directly to the organization.
To maximize impact, July — the Grain Train’s highest sales month — will be reserved annually for The Manna Food Project, an area food bank that distributes food to more than 32 local pantries.
Eligible organizations must be based in Northern Michigan, hold nonprofit or cooperative tax-exempt status and align with the Grain Train’s guidelines and mission statement. The program does not fund political or religious groups, sports teams, individuals or organizations that discriminate. Organizations may only be selected once every two years to ensure broad community support.
Community members are encouraged to participate by nominating their favorite organizations and joining as owners to take part in the voting process. For more information about Cents of Community, to submit a nomination or to learn more about becoming a Grain Train owner, visit graintrain.coop.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Grain Train launches Cents of Community program to support local nonprofits
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