Change Matters

Change Matters generates thousands of dollars per month for local non-profit organizations through donations collected at our registers. We also partner with co-op vendors to donate a portion of their sales during select months through our Product Partners program.

Over the last four decades, our grant programs, food donations, paid staff volunteer service hours and other giving projects have built community gardens, fed hungry families, brought local produce into our kids’ classrooms, expanded fresh food access and much, much more. We’re committed to building a strong, equitable food system for all.

Currently, our community giving dollars are rebuilding and investing in our neighborhoods, addressing the hunger crisis, and uplifting our Black, Indigenous, Immigrant, Refuge and other communities of Color.

The 2023 Change Matters partners have been selected. If you’re interested in applying for 2024, check back in September to fill out an application.

Change Matters

Our Change Matters program generates thousands of dollars for local community-enrichment organizations through small change donations collected at the registers. Our Product Partners program boosts donations through partnerships with co-op vendors who donate a portion of their sales. Simply round up your purchases or shop the featured products at the Wedge or Linden Hills Co-op to make a lasting impact in your community.

We’re focusing our Change Matters efforts on three key initiatives:

  • Empowering Black, Indigenous, and other communities of Color
  • Supporting organizations working in hunger relief
  • Supporting up-and-coming farmers of Color through partnerships with local farm associations

2023 CHANGE MATTERS RECIPIENTS

MONTH ORGANIZATION TOTAL RAISED PRODUCT PARTNER TOTAL RAISED
January Tubman Nordic Naturals   will donate $1 per unit sold, and From the Ground Up  will donate 25 cents per unit sold
February In Black Ink Gustola Granola will donate $1 per unit sold, and Botanical Lucidity will donate 10% of total sales
March Food for the People Seven Sundays will donate $1 per unit sold, and Wonderstate will donate 50 cents per unit sold
April Grand Risings Farm Four Sigmatic  will donate 25 cents per unit sold, and Equal Exchange will donate 50 cents per chocolate bar sold
May Midtown Farmer’s Market Jonny Pops will donate 25 cents per unit sold, and Triple Crown Organic BBQ Sauces will donate 75 cents per unit sold
June Urban Roots Forage Kombucha will donate 50 cents per unit sold, and SK Coffee will donate
July TC Food Justice Bizzy Coffee will donate $1 per unit sold, and Equal Exchange will donate  $1 per packaged coffee sold
August Avenues for Youth Jonny Pops will donate 25 cents per unit sold, and Triple Crown Organic BBQ Sauces will donate 75 cents per unit sold
September Tamales y Bicicletas Bizzy Coffee will donate $1 per unit sold
October Immigrant Law Center Nordic Naturals will donate $1 per unit sold
November Division of Indian Work Taking Stock will donate 25 cents per unit sold, and Seven Sundays will donate $1 per unit sold
December Owner’s Choice Vote (Candidates: Repowered, The Food Group, North Country Food Alliance) Sun Leaf Naturals will donate 10% of total sales

2022 CHANGE MATTERS RECIPIENTS

MONTH ORGANIZATION TOTAL RAISED PRODUCT PARTNER TOTAL RAISED
January Big River Farms (A program of The Food Group) $8,747.75 From the Ground Up Snacks is donating 25 cents per product sold, and Four Sigmatic is donating 50 cents per product sold during January. $206.25
February Du Nord Foundation’s Community Market $7,479.03 Ferndale Market is donating 5% of total sales during February. $621.91
March Hmong American Farmers Association $8,823.43 Seven Sundays is donating $1 per product sold during March. $255.00
April Neighborhood Youth Academy $9,560.32 Klean Kanteen is donating $1 per product sold, and Peace Coffee is donating 50 cents per product sold (bulk & packaged) during April. $1,149.62
May Haven Housing $11,297.22
Ancient Nutrition is donating $1 per product sold during May.
 $104.00
June The Link $10,432.57 Big Watt Beverage Co is donating 10% of total sales and Nordic Naturals is donating $1 per product sold during June. $674.07
July Sharing Our Roots $9,461.80 Bizzy Coffee and Gustola Granola are donating $1 per product sold during July. $1,743.00
August Good in the Hood $9,526.02 Jonny Pops is donating 10% of total sales during August. $558.78
September Black Men Teach $9,484.19 Bizzy Coffee is donating $1 per product sold, and Forage Kombucha is donating 50 cents per product sold during September. $1,373.00
October Juxtaposition Arts $9,014.12 Alaffia is donating 25 cents per product sold during October. $34.25
November Somali American Farmers Association  $8,804.74 Food Bldg is donating 25 cents for every Baker’s Field Flour and Bread, Alemar Cheese, Red Table Meats, and Aliment Pasta product sold during November. $567.01
December Appetite For Change Taking Stock is donating 10% of total sales during December.