New changes to our Bag It Forward program are paving the way for us to make an even greater impact in our communities in a way that continues to align with our values and commitment to addressing food insecurity.
In Oregon, 1 in 5 people are at risk of hunger, and within our BIPOC communities, that rate is even higher. At New Seasons Market, we believe access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food is not a privilege but a basic human right.
That's why we're committed to addressing food insecurity in the neighborhoods we serve through our partnerships with local nonprofits working to create greater food access.
We donate to, sponsor, volunteer with, and show up for our hunger partners through multiple fundraising programs, including our well-known Bag It Forward program.
Each time a customer shops with a reusable bag, we donate 5 cents—through our Bag It Forward program—to local nonprofits focused on food access and equity (along with giving Neighbor Rewards members 10 bonus points!).
In the past, we have dispersed donations by store locations, but starting this May, we'll distribute bag credit donations evenly among 25 community partners. This change allows us to do more good for more community members.
Total donated since we started the Bag It Forward program in 2016: $1,427,140
Of course, none of this would be possible without you. So, thanks for shopping sustainably with your reusable bags!
This year, for the first time, our Mission Advisory Council served as the selection committee for our Bag It Forward community partners, who will receive donations from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025. With a scorecard and rubric, the council scored 76 program applications submitted by nonprofits based on our three focus areas:
Food Access: Meeting the immediate needs of food insecurity by offering nourishing and culturally specific foods
Environmental Action and Justice: Prioritizing the maintenance and renewal of our environment in support of a healthy regional food network
Neighborhood Education: Prioritizing learning experiences for communities on the growth, nourishment, and preparation of food to increase health and well-being
Narrowing down the incredible list to just 25 applicants was no easy task, but we're honored to have landed on the following list of applicants making huge impacts in our communities:
Sisters of the Road
Supporting low-income and houseless individuals through charitable and educational programs
El Programa Hispano Catolico
Fighting systemic inequities to better serve and empower Latine children, families, and seniors
Artist Mentorship Program
Working to engage all voices to create a diverse and inclusive environment in which youth can thrive
Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center & Rosemary Anderson High School
Providing services in alternative education, mentoring, family outreach, employment training, and placement
Serendipity Center
Providing the best environment for students to heal and become educated, productive community members
Oregon Community Food System Network
Strengthening regional food systems to deliver better economic, social, health, and environmental outcomes across the state
St. Johns Center for Opportunity
Advancing equity through community building and people-centered economic development
Feed The Mass
Empowering and connecting the community through food, wellness education, and meal services
Raphael House of Portland
Helping domestic violence survivors and their families find safety, hope, and independence
All Saints Episcopal—Outreach Program
Providing groceries, hot meals, clothing, and other basic needs to those who are most vulnerable
All Good Northwest
Offering safe, low-barrier shelter, and comprehensive services for those navigating the challenges of accessing and retaining housing
Bradley Angle
Providing safe shelter and support to help those affected by domestic violence rebuild safe and prosperous lives
Store to Door
Supporting independent living for seniors and adults with disabilities by providing an affordable, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service
Center for Positive Aging
Offering no-cost services aimed at empowering seniors in the community to learn, connect, and grow
Our Streets
Addressing homelessness, food insecurity, environmental injustice, civilian oppression, and youth engagement
Rogue Farm Corps
Providing real-world opportunities for beginners and advanced students of agriculture
Path Home
Empowering families with children to get back into housing and stay there
Jefferson High School PTSA
Supporting community through food pantries, clothing donations, grants, scholarships, and more
Project LEDO
Offering hands-on science and technology programs for children from BIPOC and low-income communities
Rahab’s Sisters
Building community hospitality for women and gender-diverse individuals marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence, and substance abuse
Rose Haven
Providing community, support, and love for Portland neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty
Working Theory Farm
Empowering youth through the shared work of farming to grow food for partner organizations to distribute to families in need
Brown Girl Rise
Cultivating solidarity between girls and non-binary youth of the global majority
Family Justice Center of Washington County
Offering wrap-around services that provide safety, healing, and hope to anyone impacted by violence and abuse
2g3ther Foundation
Helping families in need, setting children up for success, and supporting the homeless
Building Community
We’re all about creating strong partnerships with organizations that support food access and equity in our communities. See how your support helps us make an impact.
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