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Natural Grocers Commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a Special Fundraiser

Natural Grocers®, the premier family-operated organic grocery chain in the U.S., will host a fundraising event on January 20, 2025, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This initiative aims to support the Jack and Jill of America Foundation (JJOAF) by gathering funds that will go towards the College Graduation Assistance Program (GAP) Fund. The ambitious target is to raise at least $45,000 through customer donations and a company commitment of 1% of the day’s sales from their 167 stores across the nation.

The GAP Fund specifically addresses financial challenges faced by students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by providing scholarships that help alleviate tuition debt. Pier Blake, the Executive Director of the Jack and Jill Foundation, emphasized the importance of this partnership, highlighting their commitment to empowering future African American leaders. In 2024, the foundation was able to allocate $125,768 to support 113 students across five HBCUs, and they aim to increase this impact significantly with Natural Grocers’ collaboration.

The Jack and Jill Foundation, founded in 1968, focuses on addressing social issues impacting African American communities. Its extensive philanthropy ensures that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue higher education. The organization has managed to raise over $2 million annually through charitable initiatives, showcasing the tremendous support from families involved in Jack and Jill of America.

Acknowledging Voices of Impact

One student, Annissa D. Owens, who recently graduated from Southern University, expressed her gratitude for the foundation’s contributions to her education. She remarked on how the financial support provided by the Jack and Jill Foundation alleviated her concerns about student debt, allowing her to concentrate on her post-college journey without undue stress.

This collaborative effort between Natural Grocers and Jack and Jill of America is rooted in their shared commitment to benefit the communities they serve. Natural Grocers has been dedicated to community support since its inception in 1955, offering free Nutrition Education programs and promoting access to high-quality natural products. Their efforts extend beyond the fundraising campaign, as Natural Grocers has implemented a year-round give-back initiative that directly benefits various Jack and Jill of America chapters in states like Colorado, Texas, Oregon, and Arkansas.

Participating families from these chapters carry a partnership card that allows a portion of their purchases to contribute directly to the GAP Fund, further emphasizing the continuous support from the community. By presenting this card at checkout, 5% of sales is diverted back to their respective chapters and the Jack and Jill Foundation, promoting a cycle of giving that benefits everyone involved.

Engaging the Community

Natural Grocers encourages community participation in this impactful fundraising event. Customers can participate by making donations of $1, $5, or $10 at the register. All proceeds will contribute directly to the GAP Fund, helping to fulfill the educational dreams of many young individuals.

For more information about this initiative, customers are invited to visit Natural Grocers’ official website, where they can also find their nearest participating store. They can learn additional details about the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and explore ways to directly contribute to the College GAP Fund.

About the Organizations

Natural Grocers has established a reputation since 1955 for providing high-quality, organic grocery choices and ensuring strict quality standards for its products. With a focus on community health and wellness, they remain committed to their founding principles, including their “Commitment to Community.”

Likewise, the Jack and Jill of America Foundation has a long-standing history as the oldest African American-led philanthropic organization in the nation. Their mission remains clear: to address systemic issues affecting African American families and to nurture the potential of children through education, healthcare, and a supportive community environment.

With initiatives like the one on January 20, both organizations work hand-in-hand to uplift communities and invest in the future of their most promising members.