Support Your Community

Bag It Forward: Supporting Food Access and Equity

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. 

A reusable grocery bag sitting on a counter featuring an artistic depiction of Crater Lake National Park on the side.

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! 

Feed the Mass volunteers preparing meals.
Feed the Mass

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 EpiscopalOutreach 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

A garden setting with three team members from Growing Gardens.

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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