BRATTLEBORO-The Brattleboro Food Co-op recently donated $19,500 to Foodworks, the food shelf program of Groundworks Collaborative, using unredeemed and proactively donated shareholder patronage dividends from this year’s distribution.
The co-op returns a share of its profits to its shareholders in the form of patronage dividends in years when it is financially feasible. Shareholders who did not redeem their dividend by June 30 had it automatically directed to this donation; others chose to give their dividend to Foodworks proactively. Together, these contributions total $19,500 for Foodworks.
Foodworks, designed as a welcoming neighborhood grocery store at 141 Canal St., serves nearly 5,000 individuals annually, including more than 1,200 children, through more than 12,000 yearly shopping transactions.
The program, which is the most heavily utilized food shelf in the region, rescues and redistributes over $540,000 worth of food from area grocery stores each year and purchases food at wholesale prices through a partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, offering customers a free choice model of shopping.
Foodworks is open to anyone who could use assistance putting food on the table, with no pre-registration or income verification required, according togroundworksvt.org/foodworks-narrative.
“At the Brattleboro Food Co-op, we believe that nourishing our community extends beyond the walls of our store,” said General Manager Emilee Hobbs in a news release. “Thanks to the generosity of our shareholders who chose to donate their patronage dividends, we are proud to support Foodworks and help ensure our neighbors continue to have access to healthy food and the resources they need. Together, we’re strengthening our community through the power of cooperation and shared generosity.”
In addition to supporting hundreds of local vendors as a part of regular business, through its Round Up program, Co-op shoppers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with proceeds directed to Groundworks Collaborative each month along with another nonprofit.
The Co-op says it contributes more than $8,000 annually in community donations and contributions to area nonprofits, and its Community Partner Program offers a 5% shopping discount to volunteers at partner organizations like Groundworks, recognizing the time and care they give back to the region.
“The Brattleboro Food Co-op has long been an extraordinary partner in our work to ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food with dignity,” said Groundworks Collaborative Executive Director Libby Bennett. “This generous gift reflects the power of community coming together to care for one another. Every patronage dividend donated will help stock our shelves, provide healthy food choices, and ensure that thousands of our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need.”
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.