Thanks a Million, Upper Valley!
In 2015, a few whip-smart Co-op employees had an inspired idea: give shoppers the option to round up their orders to the next full dollar amount at checkout. The Co-op would then donate the extra change to our area community partners. We launched the program the following summer, calling it Pennies for Change.
This year, Pennies for Change hit a huge milestone—$1 million dollars donated directly to Upper Valley non-profits since June 2016. (That's a hundred million pennies, people!) It's the largest donation in Co-op history, and we owe it all to our members, shoppers, and employees. So well done, you!
How to Make a Donation
Help us reach another million. Round up your change in stores, add to your online order, or consider donating directly to our three main food access partners.
Thank Yous
Here are some thank you notes from community partners we have helped so far:
- Friends of Mascoma
- Friends of Veterans
- Good Beginnings
- Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center
- Leauge of New Hampshire Craftsmen
- Ledyard Charter School
- Listen Community Services
- Mascoma Cooperative Preschool
- Mascoma River Greenway Coalition
- Stepping Stone
- Upper Valley Haven
- Upper Valley Humane Society
- Upper Valley Trails Alliance
- Windsor County Partners - May 2017
- Windsor County Partners - June 2017
About the Program
The Pennies for Change program is one of the Co-op’s many giving programs. Customers can donate their change to our community partners by rounding at the registers to the next full dollar amount
For the first half of 2021, the Co-op is making a small change to the structure of the Pennies for Change program. While we will continue to support our three food access partners (receiving 60% of the total), the remaining 40% will be awarded to two organizations. This reflects the number of applications received so that every applicant is receiving the maximum amount of funding available.
We hope you continue to support the program and our community partners that work so hard to make the Upper Valley an amazing place to live and work! Thank you!
January Totals
Community Partners
Headrest: $2,173.12
A non-profit organization with a mission to assist those affected by substance use disorder, experiencing a crisis, or in need of support by providing effective programs and treatments.
Upper Valley Land Trust: $2,173.12
A non-profit organization helping landowners and communities in its region protect lands that have important natural resource values and help define the rural character of the Upper Valley.
Food Access Partners
Listen: $2,173.13
LISTEN provides services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.
Haven: $2,173.13
The Upper Valley Haven is a non-profit, private organization that serves people struggling with poverty by providing food, shelter, education, service coordination, and other support.
Willing Hands: $2,173.13
Willing Hands serves people in need of all ages throughout our Upper Valley region. We supply produce to food shelves, free community meals, daycare & rehabilitation programs, and to families & seniors in subsidized housing. We serve everyone free of charge.
Cumulative Totals
Total Member Donations Since June 2016: $997,043.00
Total Collected January 2021: $10,865.63
Total Collected YTD 2021: $10,865.63
Policy on Cooperative Giving
The Co-op’s Board of Directors has established the following policy on cooperative giving and are organized under the following four themes:
- Food assistance to alleviate hunger
- Community building (including support of regional agriculture)
- Promotion of cooperative principles and activities
- Environment, energy and sustainability
All applicants must be a 501(c) 3 organization. If you have any questions, please call 802-765-2841 or send an email erogers [at] coopfoodstore.com (Emily Rogers).
Fund Distribution
Of the funds collected each month, 60 percent goes to our food access partners: LISTEN Community Services, Upper Valley Haven, and Willing Hands. The remaining 40 percent is split between two other community partners.
These two partners change on a monthly basis. These community partners will be assigned as 20 percent partners based on alignment with the four themes above.
How to Become a Community Partner
Applications are accepting on a rotating basis but are reviewed twice annually (December and July). Awards are made for the following 6 month period.
Hanover Store
45 South Park St.
Hanover, NH 03755
(603) 643-2667
8 am-8 pm
Lebanon Store
12 Centerra Pkwy
Lebanon, NH 03766
(603) 643-4889
8 am-9 pm
WRJ Store
209 Maple St.
WRJ, VT 05001
(802) 295-3400
8 am-8 pm
Co-op Market
43 Lyme Road
Hanover, NH 03755
(603) 643-2725
M-F: 6 am-8 pm
Sat-Sun: 7am-6pm
Service Center
–Hanover
51 South Park St.
Hanover, NH 03755
(603) 643-6650
M-F:8am-4:30pm
Service Center
–Norwich
63 US 5 South
Norwich, VT 05055
(802) 526-9103
M-F: 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Co-op Kitchen
193 A St.
Wilder, VT 05088
(603) 442-4406
M-F: 6 am-2 pm