Portland, Oregon-based New Seasons Market has contributed more than $1.2 million to community-based initiatives in 2022, surpassing its 2021 giving by $100,000.
The grocer supports various organizations through its partnerships, such as Donate Dinner, Bag It Forward, Community Hunger Relief Fundraiser, Gift It!, Give!Guide and Cans for Kids.
“Being a contributing partner to our communities is at the heart of New Seasons Market, our staff and our customers,” said Nancy Lebold, CEO. “We are proud to collaborate with so many wonderful organizations, which work to create a better Portland.”
In addition to its giveback programs, New Seasons Market supports nonprofit partners through sponsorships, in-kind donations and financial investments. Beneficiaries work in three areas of focus: neighborhood education, environmental action and justice and food equity, with more than $1 million alone funding organizations working to create greater food access.
“In a year of tremendous growth and collaboration, New Seasons Market has been building connections across nonprofits to maximize the impact of our work,” said Jason Skipton, executive director for Growing Gardens.
“New Seasons Market is investing and supporting a food system that is led by strong and innovative nonprofit partners. Their support offers customers a way to better understand our work in the community. From every nickel of the Bag It Forward program to sponsoring the Hunger category in the Give!Guide, these are all ways that uplift our work.”
New Seasons Market’s giving spans across the state, with 24 percent given in Multnomah County, 8 percent in Clackamas County and 7.8 percent in Washington County, with the remainder benefiting organizations across multiple counties and the Pacific Northwest.
“Since day one, we’ve donated 10 percent of our after-tax profits to local organizations. This, in addition to our numerous community-based initiatives, hopefully creates greater awareness for the needs of our community while identifying ways we can all give back,” Lebold said. “In addition to our giving, we remain resolve in our commitment to sustainability.”
In April, the grocer launched a circular recycling system, collecting No. 1 PET plastics. It converts the plastics into containers used for grab-and-go items at its 19 stores. Since the launch, customers have donated more than 88,000 pounds of No. 1 PET plastic.
“At New Seasons Market, we’re proud to have a team dedicated to philanthropy and sustainability, without whom we could not be so active in the community,” Lebold said. “They work tirelessly to support our partners.”
Founded in 2000 by three families and 50 friends, New Seasons Market is a team of about 2,700 staff across 19 stores in Oregon and Washington, serving a mix of locally sourced and organic items, as well as classic grocery favorites and chef-made grab-and-go meal solutions.
