BRATTLEBORO, VT — The Brattleboro Food Co-op has donated $19,500 to Foodworks, the food shelf program of Groundworks Collaborative, using unredeemed and proactively donated shareholder patronage dividends from this year’s distribution.

The Co-op returns a share of its profits to its shareholders in the form of patronage dividends in years when it is financially feasible. Shareholders who did not redeem their dividend by June 30 had it automatically directed to this donation; others chose to give their dividend to Foodworks proactively. Together, these contributions total $19,500 for Foodworks.

Foodworks, designed as a welcoming neighborhood grocery store at 141 Canal Street, serves nearly 5,000 individuals annually, including more than 1,200 children, through more than 12,000 yearly shopping transactions. The program, which is the most heavily utilized food shelf in the region, rescues and redistributes over $540,000 worth of food from area grocery stores each year and purchases food at wholesale prices through a partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, offering customers a free choice model of shopping.  Foodworks is open to anyone who could use assistance putting food on the table, with no pre-registration or income verification required.  groundworksvt.org/foodworks-narrative/

“At the Brattleboro Food Co-op, we believe that nourishing our community extends beyond the walls of our store,” said Emilee Hobbs, General Manager of the Brattleboro Food Co-op. “Thanks to the generosity of our shareholders who chose to donate their patronage dividends, we are proud to support Foodworks and help ensure our neighbors continue to have access to healthy food and the resources they need. Together, we’re strengthening our community through the power of cooperation and shared generosity.”

This gift builds on the Co-op’s ongoing commitment to addressing our community’s needs. In addition to supporting hundreds of local vendors as a part of regular business, through its Round Up program shoppers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with proceeds directed to Groundworks Collaborative each month along with another nonprofit. , the Co-op contributes over $8,000 annually in community donations and contributions to area nonprofits, and its Community Partner Program offers a 5% shopping discount to volunteers at partner organizations like Groundworks, recognizing the time and care they give back to the region.

Groundworks Collaborative was established in 2015 following the merger of the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center and Morningside Shelter. Over time, they’ve grown from a small operation with seven staff members to nearly 50 employees helping approximately 5,000 people each year with the most basic of needs: food, shelter, and supportive services.

Groundworks Collaborative operates at the intersection of immediate crisis response and systemic change, addressing the urgent needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness and food insecurity while working toward long-term solutions.

“The Brattleboro Food Co-op has long been an extraordinary partner in our work to ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food with dignity,” said Libby Bennett, Executive Director of Groundworks Collaborative. “This generous gift reflects the power of community coming together to care for one another. Every patronage dividend donated will help stock our shelves, provide healthy food choices, and ensure that thousands of our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need. We are deeply grateful to the Co-op and to every shareholder who chose to invest in our community through Foodworks.”

The Brattleboro Food Co-op is a downtown grocery store owned by over 9,000 shoppers and operated by an amazing team of 140+ staff. Their commitment to support local makers and growers means that, in addition to a full expanse of staple grocery items, a full deli, supplements, and more, shoppers can find products and produce made with care by friends and neighbors in our region.

For more information, contact Ruth Garbus, Marketing & Community Relations Manager

ruthg@bfc.coop 802-246-2813