The Ways We Give
Lakewinds Natural Foods is committed to upholding the Cooperative Values and Principles adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance. In response to the cooperative principle, Concern for the Community, Lakewinds has established donation programs that serve our community.
Fundraising/Donation Program
Lakewinds Natural Foods is committed to contributing to our community. One of the ways we give back is through our fundraising donation program. This program is ideal for silent auctions or drawing for your fundraising event. The Lakewinds’ donation committee gives donations in the form of a product gift basket (total value of $50–$75) to organizations whose programs or projects serve the community also served by Lakewinds. Lakewinds has a limited budget for donations. We give consideration to nonsectarian, nonpartisan organizations and events that fit the following criteria:
• Cooperative and/or community based businesses
• Environmentally responsible organizations
• Non-profit entities
• Sustainable food producers
• Program or project serves the communities also served by Lakewinds
Click here to apply for the program or stop by our customer service desk for an application. Our donations committee meets once per month, so we request that you submit your application at least six weeks in advance. We cannot expedite requests that do not reach us before our monthly meeting. We limit one donation per organization in the fiscal year (June- July).
Patch the Planet Program
Lakewinds Natural Foods’ Patch the Planet program is a store-sponsored program that rewards shoppers who reuse cloth, paper or plastic bags for their groceries. When they reuse a bag, customers earn a green patch valued at 5¢. The customer can apply the money towards his/her next purchase, or donate the patch to an environmental cause pre-selected by the Lakewinds’ marketing team. For current recipient information, look for collection boxes located at each register.
Change for Hunger Program
Change for Hunger is an established tradition at Lakewinds Natural Foods. This is a 100% customer-supported program. Our shoppers donate money at the registers at our Minnetonka and Chanhassen locations, and each quarter the money is given to a pre-selected non-profit that addresses the issues of poverty and hunger in the community also served by Lakewinds. For current recipient information, look for collection boxes located at each register.