The Minnesota Grocers Association is encouraging consumers statewide to “Bag Hunger” by shopping at participating retailers during the 2023 Bag Hunger Campaign. All food and monetary contributions collected in store will go to provide support to local food banks and shelves to benefit families.
MGA’s Bag Hunger Campaign is a three-way partnership with grocers, vendors and consumers aimed at increasing donations to food banks. The MGA coordinates the program across the state and has more than 300 retail participants and 12 vendor partners. Since 2008, the MGA’s hunger campaigns have provided more than 43 million meals and have set a goal of 1.5 million meals for 2023.
“Our grocers and vendor partners share consumers’ concerns for providing food and necessities to local families in need,” said Jamie Pfuhl, president, MGA. “The participating retailers are proud to bring the Bag Hunger Campaign to our communities, to help increase donations to their local food shelves and to benefit area families during these difficult economic times.”
Shoppers can donate purchased food to shelters, buy specifically marked items and contribute to food shelves at the register by signing a grocery list icon displayed at the front of the store. Additionally, the MGA has a reusable bag promotion.
Through social media, customers can receive an MGA reusable bag by “tagging a friend and telling us which grocery store is your go-to and why.” Shoppers can participate on Facebook at @MNGrocers.
The Bag Hunger Campaign will be driving the program online and via social media. The website will have live links to participating vendor and retail websites encouraging consumers to support sponsoring companies and assist in a statewide fight to “Bag Hunger” by shopping for products identified by the logo at their local grocers.
“According to the USDA, more than 34 million Americans live in households that struggle against hunger – one in 12 households experience food insecurity,” Pfuhl said. “By raising funds, increasing public support and promoting local food shelf donations, the Minnesota food industry and consumers truly can make a difference in the fight to end hunger.”
The Minnesota Grocers Association is the only state trade association that represents the food industry of the state. It is one of the oldest trade associations in the state, celebrating 125 years of advancing industry with more than 300 retail, manufacture and wholesale members supporting nearly 1,300 locations statewide. Its member companies employ more than 150,000 union and non-union residents.
Read more association news from The Shelby Report.
