Natural Grocers is teaming up with Rodale Institute for its annual Ladybug Love campaign throughout April, with this year’s fundraising efforts benefiting Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training Programs.
Running April 1-30, the campaign encourages customers to protect beneficial insects while supporting regenerative organic agriculture. This year’s Farmer Training Programs are full-time programs that prepare farmers for careers in regenerative organic crop and vegetable production by advancing organic practices and soil health.
“The Ladybug Love campaign highlights the role beneficial insects play in building healthy soil, resilient farms and a more sustainable food system,” said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers. “Rodale Institute’s science-driven research and immersive farmer training programs are helping advance regenerative organic agriculture in meaningful, measurable ways. With the support of our customers, this campaign helps cultivate the next generation of organic farmers while reinforcing our shared responsibility to care for the land, protect biodiversity and nourish the planet.”
Natural Grocers exceeded its $100,000 fundraising goal during last year’s campaign, raising $113,220 for Rodale Institute through customer donations and product sales.
How to Participate
Natural Grocers is aiming to raise $100,000 in April for Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training Programs. Customers can participate in several ways. Natural Grocers will donate $1 – up to $25,000 – for every Ladybug Love pledge signed at naturalgrocers.com from April 1-30. Customers can also donate $1, $5 or $10 at the register throughout April, and Natural Grocers will donate $2 for every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold April 1-30.
{N}power members who make or renew their pledge from April 1-15 will receive $5 off their purchase April 22-24 and a free limited-edition Earth Day-themed reusable bag and sticker with any purchase that same weekend.
Count the Ladybugs Sweepstakes
Through April 25, customers can enter a sweepstakes by counting the ladybugs hidden throughout Natural Grocers’ good4u Health Hotline magazine (Vol. 105) for a chance to win a $500 Natural Grocers gift card. Entries must be submitted in-store by April 25.
Earth Day Events
The campaign culminates in a three-day Earth Day event April 22-24, featuring deals, giveaways and special offers for {N}power members. Customers can pick up the April Health Hotline at their local Natural Grocers or visit naturalgrocers.com for more information.
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NYSE: NGVC) operates 169 stores in 21 states. The Lakewood, Colo.-based retailer sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products and free-range eggs.
Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through research, farmer training and education. With more than 33 active research projects across 12 sites, the Kutztown, Pennsylvania-based organization is a global leader in regenerative organic research and solutions.
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