Donations

The Co-op regularly makes donations to organizations doing good work in the community. To apply for a donation, please fill out the donation request form (PDF) and do one of the following

Drop it off at the service desk.
Mail: Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Bellingham WA 98225, Attn: Donations
Fax: 360-734-6816

Please submit your request at least 14 days before your event. Most donations are given in the form of gift certificates in the $10 to $35 range. Because of the volume of donation requests, not all requests can be filled.

Community Shopping Days

Community Shopping Days (CSDs) offer shoppers a way to directly support the work of local, environmental, and socially responsible groups.

CSDs are held the third Saturday of each month. On that day, the designated group receives 2 percent of Co-op sales (approximately $650–$850). Community groups educate Co-op shoppers about their programs by setting up a bulletin board display for the month of their CSD and by setting up an info table at the front of the store on their shopping day. A feature article in the Co-op newsletter highlights each group’s activities. CSDs are awarded to organizations with a focus on food, environmentally sound agriculture, peace, human rights, environmental issues, and youth education.

The Board of Directors approves 12 groups recommended by the Member Affairs Committee, based on the policies of the Co-op and member input.

To apply for a CSD, read our letter of instructions (PDF). Deadline every year is early September (date to be announced annually).

Scrip Program

Scrip Program Scrip dollars are offered as Co-op support to local education organizations. The Co-op donates 5% of school supporters' purchases on scrip to that school. Schools must apply for the program; schools that have missions congruent to the Co-op's values are given preference.

To apply for the scrip program, fill out the scrip application form (PDF) and return it to the Co-op Service Desk or fax or mail it.

Farm Fund

The Co-op's Farm Fund was established in 2001 to benefit the local farming community and to encourage ecological and socially responsible stewardship of local farmland. A portion of the Co-op’s donation budget is set aside each year for support of local, sustainable agriculture.

With the help of an advisory committee of farmers and Co-op members, the Farm Fund helped launch the Whatcom Fresh labeling program and assisted the Bellingham Farmers Market with a countywide marketing program. The Farm Fund’s most recent project, “Food to Bank On!,” creates partnerships between new growers, experienced farmers, and area food banks to provide fresh, organic, and locally grown produce to the community. Food to Bank On! had an extremely successful debut in 2003, and the program has grown to include nine new organic farms in 2005. Some Co-op suppliers are adding their support to the program by helping to sponsor the Farm Fund’s Food to Bank On! program this season. They are:

Bellewood Acres
Nancy’s/Springfield Creamery
Natural Factors
Tony’s Coffee and Tea
Santa Cruz Organic

Watch for Farm Fund updates in the Co-op newsletter, pick up a Farm Fund brochure next time you’re at the store, or see the Farm Fund brochure (PDF) online.

How to get involved

Join the Farm Fund Committee, or contact Jean Rogers if you are a new, local organic farmer interested in the Food to Bank On! program.

Donations are accepted at all the Co-op check stands. Tax-deductible contributions are possible through Sustainable Connections, a local, non-profit organization administering Food to Bank On! for the Co-op. Make donations by visiting www.sustainableconnections.org and clicking Donate, or by mailing a check payable to Sustainable Connections/Farm Fund to: Sustainable Connections, 119 N. Commercial St., Suite 350, Bellingham WA 98225.

For more info about the Farm Fund, contact Jean Rogers or call 360-734-8158. Co-op suppliers who are interested in sponsoring the program can contact Sustainable Connections at 360-647-7093 or email Derek Long.