The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) hosted its eighth annual Bipartisan Bag-Off on Feb. 26 at the state Capitol, highlighting Minnesota’s food industry and its impact on serving consumers, providing careers and investing in its communities.
The bag-off featured representation from each of the four legislative caucuses and a member of the governor’s administration: Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Grant Hauschild, Representative Liz Reyer and Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Tikki Brown.
The contest provided an insider look at the importance of baggers, who are responsible for the last experience customers have in-store. In addition, the event used reusable bags, which demonstrate the food industry’s commitment to consumer choice and the well-being of the communities.
A panel of MGA members judged the contestants based on speed, weight distribution between the bags, proper bagging technique, style, attitude and appearance.
Special guest judge Brett Willhite, executive director of weights and measures at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, oversaw the scales. Each contestant received a $500 donation to be presented to a food charity in their district.
Johnson won the contest, receiving a trophy and $1,000 to donate to a food charity of his choice.
The MGA also donated $2,000 on behalf of its 2024 Bag Hunger Campaign to Second Harvest Heartland, which was accepted by Sarah Moberg, chief operating officer.
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About MGA
The Minnesota Grocers Association has more than 300 retail, manufacturer and wholesale members supporting nearly 1,300 locations statewide. Its member companies employ more than 150,000 union and non-union Minnesotans.
MGA advances the common interest of all those engaged in any aspect of the food industry as a leader and advocate in government affairs.