Metcalfe’s Market will celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with its community tradition of distributing reusable shopping bags featuring original artwork from local elementary students for the 12th consecutive year. 
In partnership with 10 local schools, the Wisconsin grocer will give away 3,000 reusable bags, each hand-decorated by students with artwork inspired by what Earth Day means to them. Bags are limited to one per customer and will be available while supplies last at all three Metcalfe’s Market locations.
“Every year, I’m blown away by the creativity and inspiration these students bring to their bags,” said Kelsey Peyton, store director at the Hilldale Metcalfe’s.
“It’s more than just a giveaway; it’s a way for our shoppers to see Earth Day through the eyes of our local kids. We’re so proud to host this tradition for its 12th year, especially when sustainability is so important to how we operate at Metcalfe’s.”
The tradition comes as communities worldwide prepare for the annual observance of Earth Day. Founded in 1970 by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, Earth Day began as a nationwide day of environmental awareness and protest Nelson dubbed a “national teach-in” following a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. The first event on April 22, 1970, drew 20 million Americans to rallies and protests, eventually leading to the creation of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. The 2026 Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.”
The bag giveaway is among the grocer’s signature community events.
The company said the bags are an environmentally-conscious way to bring together families, schools and local shoppers.
Bags will be available at:
- Metcalfe’s Hilldale: 726 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison, WI 53705
- Metcalfe’s Wauwatosa: 6700 W. State St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
- Metcalfe’s West Towne: 7455 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53717
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