Change for Local Non-Profits

Check out our Change for Local Non-Profits page for the latest info.

In May, we surveyed readers to ask about their thoughts on potential changes to our 5 cent bag refund.

City Market currently offers 5 cents back to customers for each bag they reuse. In our May survey, respondents overwhelmingly agreed that rather than giving this money back to shoppers, we could all have a larger community impact by sharing the change with our local non-profits. As of July 1, we've decided to go ahead and make this change. On average, these bag refunds amount to over $1,000 per month. Each month, we will be designating a local non-profit to receive the bag refunds.

Burlington's Local Motion will be our first recipient of the July bag donations. Due to the recent damage caused by spring weather, the Colchester-South Hero Causeway is badly in need of major repairs. According to Local Motion's website, "The extensive damage will likely mean that parts of Vermont's most popular multi-use trail will be closed for much of the season and Bike Ferry service is unlikely." To assist with fundraising efforts, Local Motion is hosting a fundraising "soiree" at Snow Farm Vineyard on Thursday, June 23 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Event rescheduled to August 6th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. They'll be selling raffle tickets to fundraise for trail repairs. For more information, contact Chapin Spencer at 802-861-2700.