Rally for Change

City Market has updated donations at the register starting October 1, 2014! Previously, we selected a different non-profit each month and donated 5 cents for each bag our customers reused (our "Change for Local Non-Profits" program). Every register also included tear off coupons so customers could donate to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. In addition, each year in February we sold $1 Hearts for the Intervale Center and in September $1 Lunch Trays for Hunger Free Vermont, with all donations going to each respective organization. We've consolidated all of these programs into our new "Rally for Change" program which allows customers to "round up" their order at each register, each time they check-out at the Co-op.

Rally for Change

In the name of education, opportunity, and streamlining how we do things here at the Co-op, we created a Rally for Change program! This program allows customers to “round up” their payment at the register (e.g., a $25.42 checkout could be rounded up to $26 for a $0.58 donation). The Co-op will then donate this “round up” change to a variety of local non-profits each month (so, not just one!) that are doing amazing work in our community. Want to round up to the nearest five or ten dollars? You can do that too! Each month, we’ll share who will be receiving the donations (in our newsletter, with store signage and through staff education).

With more than 4,000 transactions each day through our registers, we all have the opportunity to share what we think of as “small change” to rally for bigger community-wide change. This new Rally program will take the place of the “tear off” coupons we have at the registers and will also take the place of our Change for Local Non-Profits (or bag refunds) program.

Not to worry, a large percentage of each month’s donation will go to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and we anticipate that this program will actually increase their donations. Through this new program, we will also continue to offer donations to local non-profits that are on the waiting list for our previous "Change for Local Non-Profits" bag refund program (and any new ones that we add to the list!). Here’s how the donation percentages will work out each month:

  • 40% to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, every month
  • 50% to an organization that aligns with the Co-op’s Global Ends
  • 10% to a local non-profit that may not directly align so closely with our Global Ends, but still works to make our community a better place (much like the Change for Local Non-Profits Program)

This new program gives our cashiers and staff an opportunity to engage with our customers and together we’ll both support and learn more about the organizations that make our community a better place to live. We’re excited to give it a try and are interested to hear what you think!

Rally for Change March 2015March's 50% Rally for Change Recipient: Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf Mural

The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf strives to create an environment that is both dignified and welcoming for the 11,000 community members they serve each year. Along those lines, the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf is planning a mural for their space that will add a vibrancy and warmth that will enhance the experience clients receive when entering into their facility for groceries and services. Vermont artist, Tara Goreau, has created a vision that highlights the community support and the community diversity that allows CEFS to be successful in helping those who are food insecure every day. This mural will be an incredible addition to the Food Shelf!

March's 10% Rally for Change Recipient: Prevent Child Abuse

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCAV) is the Vermont Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and the National Circle of Parents. The mission of PCAV is to promote and support healthy relationships within families, schools and communities to eliminate child abuse. Their goals are to end the intergenerational cycle of abuse; train all who interact with children on proven methods to prevent child abuse and neglect; empower children to be heard; and strengthen their financial position in order to carry out their mission.  PCAV has been serving children and families at significant risk of child abuse and neglect for 38 years by creating, adopting and carrying out innovative, highly effective prevention programs. Last year, PCAV served over 17,000 children, adolescents, parents, caregivers and educators. Currently, they have over 400 collaborating partners statewide, and over 400 volunteers.

Past Recipients

Do you run a local non-profit that aligns with our Global Ends?

Your organization can apply to become a Rally for Change 10% Partner. We are currently filling slots 2 years out (it's a popular program and our community has many amazing non-profits!). Visit our donations page to learn how to apply.