While the partial government shutdown has temporarily ceased, local food pantries have experienced an influx of visitors and food distributed over the past few weeks.
To help them replenish their shelves and to prepare for another potential surge if the government shuts down again or SNAP recipients aren’t able to stretch their benefits through February, the Co-op is launching a “Round Up at the Register” program for local food assistance.
Starting February 1, cashiers will be asking customers to round their shopping total to the next full dollar, with proceeds benefiting our local food pantries — St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army (both Marquette and Ishpeming locations).
“Many of our neighbors are struggling to get by without the promise of a paycheck or guarantee of government-funded food assistance in the coming months,” said Sarah Monte, MFC Outreach Director
“Together, we can help lessen the burden and feed our community.”
Additionally, the Co-op will be rewarding its owners who choose to contribute to its in-store donation bin that also benefits the local food pantries listed above. The Co-op will be offering TRIPLE Owner Rewards points on select items from its food pantry list until further notice. Look for special tags on shelf-stable Field Day label products like mac & cheese and peanut butter and other necessities like
laundry soap and toilet paper. Every MFC Owner is automatically enrolled in the Owner Rewards Program, earning points on every purchase, every day — redeemable on anything in the store.
The Marquette Food Co-op is the area’s only natural and organic grocery store, collectively owned by more than 5,000 community members in Marquette and throughout the Upper Peninsula. Following its Global Ends Policy, the Co-op takes a collaborative leadership approach to positively impact our community and is committed to providing access to wholesome, local, and organic food. Outreach and education, both in the Co-op and the Marquette community, are at the core of its mission. To read more about the Co-op’s guiding principles and actions, visit marquettefood.coop.
