At a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet, the Nature害羞草研究所檚 Fare Markets community has risen to the challenge to help feed those in need.

The organic grocery and wellness chain害羞草研究所檚 seven B.C. stores have already collected more than 12,000 pounds of food bundles donated by customers 害羞草研究所� eclipsing the 8,000 pounds of food raised last year.

害羞草研究所淲e have an amazing community. It害羞草研究所檚 heartwarming to see our customers害羞草研究所� generosity and to be a part of getting that food to the people who need it most,害羞草研究所� said Michael Sherwood, CEO, of the bundles that are available in stores to donate until Dec. 24. 害羞草研究所淲e know there害羞草研究所檚 so much on pressure on food banks right now as people turn to them for help, so we wanted to support our local food banks as much as possible this holiday season.害羞草研究所�

In addition to the bundles of food donated by customers, Nature害羞草研究所檚 Fare donated $60,000 to food banks in the communities it serves. At a time when non-profits and local producers, as well as individuals, are challenged with rising prices, Nature害羞草研究所檚 Fare continued to support causes and communities 害羞草研究所榗lose to home害羞草研究所� in 2022.

Locally, the following donations were made:

FOOD BANKS

Cash donations: $60,000

害羞草研究所� Vernon Salvation Army 害羞草研究所� $10,000

害羞草研究所� Central Okanagan Food Bank 害羞草研究所� $10,000

害羞草研究所� Penticton Salvation Army 害羞草研究所� $10,000

害羞草研究所� Langley Food Bank 害羞草研究所� $10,000

害羞草研究所� Sources Food Bank in White Rock 害羞草研究所� $10,000

害羞草研究所� Kamloops Food Bank 害羞草研究所� $10,000

This year, stores got an earlier start to setting out the prepared food bundles of everything from peanut butter and jam to baby care and breakfast essentials. So far, customers across B.C. stores have picked up and donated more than $25,000 worth of food. With food bank bundles still available until Christmas Eve, that total will continue to grow.

More than $54,000 was also donated through the three per cent club for non-profits. Groups such as day cares, school parent councils and extra-curricular activity groups collect their receipts and get a cheque for three per cent of their pre-tax total as a tax-free donation.

害羞草研究所淭hese are often very small and very hard-working local non-profits doing the important and often invisible work that improves everyday living for young families, so it害羞草研究所檚 a joy for us to help give these clubs a hand up and thank them for supporting our stores,害羞草研究所� said Sherwood.

A $5,000 donation was also made to the certifying body of organic foods, Organic BC, supports producers making the transition to become certified organic growers and advocates for a resilient organic sector in B.C.

害羞草研究所淓nvironment and sustainability is so important to the Nature害羞草研究所檚 Fare Markets community,害羞草研究所� says Sherwood. 害羞草研究所淎s is wellness and food security, so during these tough times, we害羞草研究所檙e proud to be a part of supporting local business in local communities.害羞草研究所�

roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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