LAKEWOOD, Colo., March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- When
historically cold weather and winter storms hit Texas in February
2021, Natural Grocers quickly implemented disaster relief
efforts to help communities across the Lone Star State. Driven by
its Founding Principles, including commitment to community and to
its good4uSM Crew, Natural Grocers supplied free water,
donated to food banks facing a dramatic increase in need, and
launched its Severe Weather Pay program to provide financial relief
to its Crew members in Texas.
As cities and towns across Texas grappled with water supply issues,
Natural Grocers was ready with clean water at no charge to
customers. Tapping into their reverse osmosis water filtration
machines, which disinfects water without boiling through an
ultraviolet sterilization process, stores were able to provide
drinkable water to customers who were without power and water for
days. In the days and weeks following the storm, the retailer
launched a companywide fundraising initiative to support
Texas hunger relief programs,
raising over $108,000 for Feeding
Texas, a statewide network of local food banks leading an effort to
end hunger in the state. From February
22 through March 14, customers were able to donate at
the register at 160 stores in 20 states. Annually, Natural Grocers
supports food banks in the 20 states where it operates, and
fundraisers have become a key element of the company's commitment
to the community throughout the year.
"We have ongoing partnerships with food banks in every city and
town where we operate because we believe that everyone deserves
access to fresh water, high-quality foods, and household
essentials," remarked Heather
Isely, Natural Grocers' Executive Vice President. "When we
see a community that needs immediate and focused relief, we heed
that call and trust that our customers will show up with us, which
they always do. Our Texas Crew was going through the same hardships
as everyone else, and we wanted to make sure they were not required
to use paid time off or risk losing wages if they couldn't get in
for their shifts or if their store couldn't open. We wanted to show
our appreciation to those Crew members who were able to serve their
communities and offer world-class customer service through it
all."
Due to the severe weather conditions, many businesses in
Texas, including Natural Grocers,
were faced with potential store closures, adjusted hours, and staff
who could not safely get to work. Banding together, good4u Crew
members opened as many locations as possible to provide much-needed
essentials to their communities throughout the storm and in the
days that followed. In appreciation for the Crew's enduring
community support, notwithstanding their own difficulties
brought on by the storm, the organic and natural grocery retailer
developed a Severe Weather Pay program to benefit their Texas Crew.
To ensure that Crew members were supported throughout the storm,
the Severe Weather Pay program included daily bonus pay for those
who made it to their stores, and regular hourly pay for time missed
when inclement weather caused store closures or made it impossible
for Crew to safely travel to their stores.
Natural Grocers operates 25 stores in Texas, with its Preston & Forest location
currently under renovation and scheduled to reopen shortly with a
contemporary layout and 40% larger footprint. To find the closest
Natural Grocers store, click here.
About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an
expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body
care products, and dietary supplements. The products sold by
Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not
contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or
partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only
USDA certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised,
non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural
Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer
affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, safe, and convenient
retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free
science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers make
informed health and nutrition choices. The Company, founded in
1955, has 161 stores in 20 states.
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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.