Orcas Food Co-op’s Community Hero Program: Donations raised during February through Register Round Up and 3 percent Thursday, Feb. 21 will support Orcas Food Co-op’s Sustainable FARM Fund.

Orcas Food Co-op’s Community Hero Program includes 3% Thursday, Register Round Up and Coins for Community. On the third Thursday of each month 3 percent of the gross receipts of Orcas Food Co-op are donated to pre-selected community organizations. Last month, the Community Hero Program raised $1291.48 in funds to contribute to Friends of Moran, in support of Moran State Park. This month Orcas Food Co-op’s Sustainable FARM Fund will benefit throughout February with 3% Thursday on Feb. 21.

The FARM Fund is a grant program started by the Orcas Food Co-op as a vehicle for increasing local food production and developing sustainable agriculture in San Juan County. “FARM” stands for Food Agriculture Relationships and Markets. Currently FARM Fund grants are funded by a combination of 0.5 percent of all Produce Department Sales, funds raised as part of Community Hero Program and other community donations.

You can also round-up at the register all month long to donate to the Sustainable Farm Fund. It’s easy to round up your purchase. When your cashier asks you if you want to round up, simply say “Yes!” and you can contribute to the grant funds to support farmers to produce more local food. If you’d like to donate more than the roundup you can do that too. Just let your cashier know the amount you want to donate, and they can add it to your transaction. Donating to a great cause couldn’t get much simpler than that!

Organizations are eligible for the program based on their service to the community in the following areas: local community service organizations, organic food, healthy food for children or seniors, environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, human rights, environmental preservation and groups with similar missions and values. The Co-op strives to collaborate with community partners to promote local organizations and their values to our members and the community at large.

If you have any questions contact the co-op’s marketing specialist Susannah Weaver at 360-376-2009 or email marketing@orcasfood.coop.