Natural Grocers Launches 13th Annual Checkout Hunger Program to Benefit Local Food Banks

DENVER - Nov. 17, 2015 - PRLog -- DENVER (Nov. 17, 2015) – Natural Grocers has partnered with Food Bank of the Rockies (http://www.foodbankrockies.org/), the largest private hunger-relief organization in Colorado, to launch the 13^th Annual Checkout Hunger Program to benefit local food banks.

Checkout Hunger is a donation-matching program launched by #NaturalGrocers and Food Bank of the Rockies in 2003. The program encourages consumers to donate $1 to $5 upon checkout at their neighborhood Natural Grocers throughout November and December. Natural Grocers will match consumer donations up to $50,000 and donates the funds raised to food bank partners in the 18 states served by Natural Grocers.

“Nearly 1 in 4 Colorado kids lives in a family struggling with hunger. Every dollar raised through Checkout Hunger becomes four meals for hungry children. We are extremely grateful for this partnership and thankful for the generosity of Natural Grocers and their customers. Their continued support makes these programs possible,” said Kevin Seggelke, president and CEO of Food Banks of the Rockies.

Customers can receive more information about Checkout Hunger in-store and donate at checkout counters at every Natural Grocers across Colorado.

“We partner with nonprofits like Food Bank of the Rockies because they provide a vital service and resource to those who are in need,” said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers. “Knowing so many Colorado families and children go hungry during the holiday season and year-round, we feel a social responsibility to help by supporting local food banks with Checkout Hunger.”

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE- NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com (https://www.naturalgrocers.com/)) is a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers has over 2,700 employees and operates more than 100 stores in 18 states. Founded in Colorado in 1955, the company is celebrating its 60^th anniversary in 2015.

About Food Bank of the Rockies

Food Bank of the Rockies, a non-profit organization, distributed nearly 44 million meals last year through our direct service programs and partner agencies, serving clients in Northern Colorado, including Metro Denver, and the entire state of Wyoming. 1 in 7 Coloradans, including nearly 1 in 4 Colorado children, struggle with hunger.  Since 1978, FBR has provided more than 519 million meals to people in need in our community. Food Bank of the Rockies is a member of Feeding America.  For additional information, please visit www.foodbankrockies.org.  “Like” FBR on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/foodbankrockies), follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/foodbankrockies) and subscribe to our blog (http://www.foodbankrockies.org/blog/)!

About Checkout Hunger

Checkout Hunger is a donation matching program launched by Natural Grocers and Food Bank of the Rockies in 2003. Just in time for the holiday season, when consumer gift-giving is at its peak, the program encourages consumers to donate $1 to $5 upon checkout at their neighborhood Natural Grocers throughout November and December. The company matches consumer donations up to $50,000 total and donates the funds raised to food bank partners nationwide. Visit your local Natural Grocers (https://www.naturalgrocers.com/store-locations/) for more information.