Nourishing food is always top of mind for the folks at SLO’s community-owned grocery store, and this summer is no exception. With enthusiastic customer participation, SLO Food Co-op donated $2,783.62 to the SLO Food Bank in July as part of its popular 2% Tuesdays program.
Designed to give back 2% of each Tuesday’s total sales to a worthy local nonproft, the program has allowed the Co-op to donate more than $5,685.55 to San Luis Obispo County area nonprofits last year. A little more than halfway through 2021, SLO Food Co-op is poised to soar past that total with flying colors.
This July through August 2021, SLO Food Co-op has now set its sights on raising funds for SLO-based 40Prado Homeless Services Center. In addition to serving much-needed meals, the nonprofit offers essential day-to-day services like showers and laundry facilities, as well as help with housing and employment.
“The enthusiasm from our shoppers for our 2% Tuesdays Program this year has been incredible, creating lasting positivity in our community,” said SLO Food Co-op Communications Coordinator Kasey Main. “The funds raised for SLO Food Bank during our 2% Tuesdays May/June initiative will provide 19,486 meals to those in need. We are excited to continue that positive energy with our next 2% Tuesdays recipient. It felt natural to shift our attention to 40Prado Homeless Services Center, a nonprofit developed to feed, shelter and support this population.”
40Prado is the only full time, 24-hour center serving the homeless population on the Central Coast. Everyday between 90 and 100 people take advantage of the shelter’s services, many of whom are women and children.
“40Prado provides a safe haven and a comprehensive array of services and resources to meet basic needs for those in need,” added SLO Food Co-op General Manager Zack Sheppard. “We know this amazing nonprofit relies heavily on financial support from the community to continue daily operations, including weekend hours, the children’s program, general supplies, facility repairs and maintenance. We are so proud to throw our support behind this nonprofit.”
SLO Food Co-op is currently open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The team is happy to shop for customers during regular store hours, Monday through Friday.