LAKEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Black
History Month, Natural Grocers announces its partnership renewal
with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (JJOA) in support of JJOA's
College Graduation Assistance Program (GAP) Fund. Following Natural
Grocers 2020's inaugural campaign, which raised over $130,000, Natural Grocers will donate 1% of all
purchasesi on Sunday, February
28, 2021 to the College GAP Fund, which provides scholarship
endowments to students attending Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs.)
In honor of Black History Month, Natural Grocers & Jack and
Jill of America renew partnership to support HBCU students
Every year, a number of seniors attending HBCUs are ineligible
to graduate due only to small unpaid bills. JJOA's fundraising
initiative, and Natural Grocers corporate sponsorship, provide a
direct lifeline for HBCU students who are in good academic standing
and on track to graduate but are faced with the ever-growing
problem of tuition debt.
Supporting America's Families Together
The partnership
between the two entities was born of a shared value system of
commitment to the communities and families they serve through
education and empowerment.
Natural Grocers, the nation's largest family operated organic
and natural grocer retailer, has a longstanding history of giving
back to its communities. With 160 stores in 20 states, Natural
Grocers commitment is manifested by supporting the health and
wellbeing of its communities with free Nutrition Education and
high-quality affordable health and wellness choices that are
accessible to all.
Founded in 1938, JJOA is proudly engaged with 252 chapters,
representing more than 40,000 family members nationwide. The
organization is dedicated to nurturing future African American
leaders by strengthening children through leadership development,
volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty.
"As one of our Founding Principles, commitment to the health of
our communities is a true reflection of why our parents founded
Natural Grocers in 1955 and it remains a guiding beacon for the
company," remarked Kemper Isely,
Natural Grocers Chairman and Co-President. "We are proud to join
Jack and Jill of America in our collective purpose-driven mission
to invest back into the growth and future of our communities."
Communities Supporting Communities
In addition to the
national fundraising campaign on February
28, the partnership has extended to a year-round give-back
program with 12 JJOA regional chapters based in Denver, CO, Dallas,
TX and Little Rock, AR.
Every JJOA member in these markets has received a Natural Grocers +
Jack and Jill of America Partnership card, which when presented at
a Natural Grocers checkout automatically triggers an uncapped 5% of
sales give-back to the organization. Member have also received
additional cards to share with friends and family. The 5%
sales-based donation is broken down as such:
- 2.5% of the purchases go to the JJOA College GAP Fund, to help
make a lasting impact in the lives of HBCU students
- 2.5% of these purchases go directly back to participating local
JJOA chapters.
"This partnership aligns with our mission of nurturing future
African-American leaders," said Kornisha Brown, National President,
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. "In Natural Grocers, we have a
partner who did more than just recognize the need to uplift our
future leaders by helping HBCU students graduate on time. They
acted."
Visit the Natural Grocers' store locater to find the
nearest participating store. Additional details on the partnership
can be found here.
About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural
Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding
specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care
products and dietary supplements. The products sold by Natural
Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain
artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or
partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only
USDA certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised,
non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural
Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer
affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, safe and convenient retail
environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based
Nutrition Education programs to help customers make informed health
and nutrition choices. The Company, founded in 1955, has 160 stores
in 20 states.
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
Jack and Jill
of America, Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with
children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American
leaders by strengthening children through leadership development,
volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. National
theme is The Power to Make a Difference, We Can Do More. Twitter
@jackandjillinc and Facebook @jackandjillinc
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