New Seasons Market has teamed up with Zero Foodprint to kick off the Restore Northwest Grant Program, providing direct financial support to local farmers and ranchers to improve sustainability.
“We believe in fostering an environment where sustainability and the prosperity of our local partners go hand-in-hand,” said Athena Petty, senior manager of sustainability at New Seasons Market.
“This grant initiative is part of our greater effort to nurture a healthy environment. Through [New Seasons Markets’] collaboration with Zero Foodprint, we together harness the collective power of our community to make tangible, environmental impacts through progressive farming practices.”
This funding initiative is backed by New Seasons Market’s Partner Fund, sourced from its Partner Brand, a private label devoted to purposeful change. Qualified projects that work toward improving water usage, cutting carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, boosting soil health and promoting resilience across agricultural practices are eligible for funding of up to $25,000.
“Through the Restore Northwest Grant Program, we’re empowering farmers and ranchers to adopt regenerative practices that can significantly benefit our climate,” added Anthony Myint, executive director of Zero Foodprint. “This shared vision with New Seasons Market is crucial for building a resilient food system for generations to come.”
Current and potential New Seasons Market vendors and supply chain partners in Oregon and Washington are encouraged to apply by Sept. 17. More information and the application portal can be found here.
“We would not be in a position to be kicking off Restore Northwest had it not been for the jumpstart provided to us by New Seasons Market and its more than 25 vendor partners, who – during April – celebrated Earth Month with the ‘Building Better Soil for a Healthier Future’ campaign,” Myint said.
“Each pledged 1 percent of their month’s sales to Zero Foodprint, generating nearly $60,000 to lead the change.”
[RELATED: New Seasons Market’s ‘Nourish Our Neighbors’ Helps Local Nonprofits]
Additional funders of the Restore Northwest Grant include:
- Mad Agriculture, an organization focused on catalyzing regenerative agriculture by supporting farmers in holistic land stewardship and fostering a farm-first community dedicated to nurturing the health of the planet through sustainable practices.
- Tillamook County Creamery Association, a farmer-owned cooperative based in Oregon that has been producing dairy products since 1909, with a commitment to robust community values and natural ingredient sourcing.
- Bob’s Red Mill, a brand in the natural foods industry that offers a range of whole-grain, organic and gluten-free flours, cereals and baking mixes, with a dedication to preserving nutritional integrity through traditional stone milling processes.
Additionally, restaurants donating 1 percent of sales to the Restore Northwest Grant include: Astera, a Southeast Portland restaurant dedicated to the Horticultural Cuisine of Cascadia, and Hayward, a McMinnville-based restaurant and 2024 James Beard Award Nominee for Best New Restaurant.
