Lakewood, Colorado-based Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage will raise money for Rodale Institute‘s Farmer Training and Veteran Farmer Training programs through September, with a goal of $100,000 by Sept. 30.
The fundraiser marks Organic Month at the retailer. Customers can contribute $1, $5 or $10 at checkout at Natural Grocers stores nationwide. The company will donate $1 for every limited-edition Organic Month reusable shopping bag sold, priced at $1.99, and $2 for every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold, priced at $2.99.
The retailer set the same $100,000 target last year and finished at $113,220, raised through bag sales and customer donations across what were then 168 stores. Natural Grocers announced the Rodale partnership in September 2024.
“Organic agriculture has the power to improve the health of our food, our communities and the planet, but its future depends on the farmers who carry that work forward,” said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers. “That’s why we’re proud to support Rodale Institute and its Farmer Training and Veteran Farmer Training programs. Through education, mentorship and hands-on experience, these programs help equip farmers with the tools they need to succeed and strengthen the regenerative organic movement. Organic Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate that work and invite our customers to invest in the next generation of regenerative organic farmers.”
Founded in 1947, Rodale Institute is a nonprofit focused on regenerative organic agriculture through research, farmer training and education. Its two training programs give trainees hands-on instruction meant to support regenerative organic operations.
“Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient food system, and the support of Natural Grocers advances our goal to catalyze the transition of 10 million acres of farmland to organic and regenerative organic agriculture by 2030,” said Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach. “Farmers are at the heart of the organic movement, and we are proud to celebrate their hard work and dedication during Organic Month alongside Natural Grocers and its customers.”
Alongside the fundraiser, Natural Grocers will offer {N}power members discounts on organic products from Sept. 4-26, with additional offers Sept. 17-19. The retailer also will offer free nutritional education classes at select stores through Sept. 30.
All Natural Grocers stores are certified organic food handlers, inspected each year by an organic certifying agency to confirm they use only processes and cleaning products approved under the National Organic Program.
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers sells only USDA-certified organic produce along with pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products and free-range eggs. Its grocery products may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, synthetic colors, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The company operates 174 stores in 22 states.