By Brenda Camp, Owner Relations
Our FOOD for ALL (FFA) program makes shopping at the co-op more accessible for those in our communities who are experiencing food insecurity, and in turn, participation in the program significantly impacts the food ecosystem, locally and globally.
The FOOD for ALL program is a key co-op initiative for Nourishing Communities Together. The program is fully funded by your generous round up donations.
The FFA program provides access to no-cost co-op ownership, affordable nutritious natural food, and shopping experiences where all feel welcome. Qualifying individuals receive a 20% discount on their groceries at the co-op.
FFA participants report having greater access to fresh nutritious food for their families, especially in the current economic climate with inflation raising food costs at the same time SNAP benefits are being cut significantly.
“There are many barriers to being healthy and maintaining wellness. Because of the FFA program, I can afford to buy much more healthful food than I could before.”
The number of FFA participants has grown steadily as economic challenges have escalated. The greatest increase came after the FFA discount replaced the Double Produce Dollars incentive.
*August 1, 2021 launched Double Produce Dollars incentive for FFA participants.
*July 5, 2023 launched 20% discount for FFA participants.
FFA participants shop “co-op values.” They spend the largest amount of their grocery dollars at Weaver Street on fresh produce, and they purchase a higher percentage of local and co-op produced products than owners not participating in the program.
“I like supporting the co-op and being able to purchase local and sustainable produce and animal products. With this program, I am able to support local farmers and get better quality fruit, vegetables, eggs, and milk for my family.”
The FFA program has a significant economic impact on the co-op. Weaver Street Market benefits from the increased sales, which in turn support our local farmers and producers as well as our co-op producers around the world.
$1,338,000 in sales from FFA participants
with more than 65% for local and co-op products
When you round up your grocery transaction, you are supporting this community program. FFA participants have received more than $332,500 in grocery benefits funded through the Round Up program.
The level participation in the Round Up program continues to exceed the amount of funds needed to support the FFA program. In July, we will start donating $10,000 a month from the round up funds to our community partners to provide nutritious food for the families they serve. More information about this opportunity will be announced soon.
Thank you all for nourishing our communities together!