On March 31, Colorado-based Natural Grocers estimates eliminated more than 300 million single-use plastic bags and reached $1 million in total donations to food banks associated with all 152 Natural Grocers stores.

Since Earth Day 2009, Natural Grocers has led the fight to reduce single-use plastic bags and end food insecurity in the communities they serve, by eliminating single-use plastic bags from checkout lanes and by donating 5 cents to local food banks every time a customer shops with a reusable bag. 

“We are drowning in a sea of plastic, which is causing harm to people and the planet. Additionally, there are people in our communities that are food insecure. Ten years ago, we saw an opportunity to make a difference and address both plastic waste and hunger simultaneously. So, we decided to eliminate single-use plastic bags at checkout and provide a five cent donation to our local food banks every time a customer remembered to bring in their reusable bags,” said Heather Isely, Natural Grocers executive vice president.

In the 10 years since this initiative began, the company has impacted countless lives and will hit two milestones—$1 million in monetary donations to the local food banks and the elimination of more than 300 million single-use plastic bags from the environment. The $1 million translates to Natural Grocers providing more than 4 million meals to those in need.

“The impact of eliminating single-use bags from our stores is enormous,” said Natural Grocers Co-President Kemper Isely. “As a business, the ripple effect of our choices can redefine the future. 10 years ago, we chose to ditch single-use bags during checkout. We thank our customers for supporting this important initiative over the past decade and for making the decision to shop with reusable bags.”