Feeding Our Community During the Government Shutdown
Many of you have been asking how the Co-op is going to help support our staff and community with the impending cuts to SNAP benefits in November. This is a quick note to share what we’re doing. The Co-op started as a place to feed Skagitonians and care for each other, and that is exactly what we will continue to do today, tomorrow, and into the future because we believe no one should go hungry.
For our shoppers and community:
Feeding Change Register Donation Program + Skagit Food Distribution Center
We launched our Feeding Change register donation program on September 1st, so our shoppers have the opportunity to donate to Skagit Food Distribution Center at checkout. The Food Distribution Center is the main distribution hub for all of our area food banks.
Amount Raised = $22,324. We have raised $22,324 so far!
Matching October Donation = $10,929+ : Today, October 29th, the Co-op Board unanimously approved to match the Feeding Change donation total for the month of October. We have raised $10,929 so far in October, and the Co-op will be matching the total at the end of the month. If you are able and feel compelled, you can add to this total by donating at checkout.
WIC
The Co-op is a WIC-approved grocery store, and as of right now, WIC funding is still coming through and is expected to continue through the middle of November.
Produce Match
SNAP customers with remaining EBT balances can still use their Produce Match coupons in November.
Neighbors in Need Tokens for Tomorrow Bin and Donation Bin
There is a bin at the end of each register for customers to donate Tokens for Tomorrow to the Neighbors in Need Food Bank. There is also a barrel near the registers, so customers can donate food to Neighbors in Need.
Skagit Gleaners Donation
The Deli donates extra food to the Skagit Gleaners at the end of most days. The Gleaners has a free public food distribution program open to people in need.
For Our Hard-Working Staff:
$5 Lunch Discount Every Day for All Employees
The Co-op will be increasing our staff lunch discount from $3 to $5, and we are encouraging staff to use it once every day – even on the days they are not working. The $5 discount will be in effect for the entire month of November.
The current policy states the discount is meant for food to be consumed here at the Co-op during staff lunch breaks. But during this time, staff are encouraged to use their discount to purchase food to take home.
Turkey Lounge | November 23-27
Every year, we put together a Turkey Lounge to feed employees during one of the busiest weeks of the year. We will be doing that again this year and are currently looking at catering options – we will make sure that the night crew is also fed!
Additional Resources
You can also visit the Skagit County website to learn about other food resources available to you and your family: Community Food Resources.