Bean counting isn’t usually this benevolent.

The Food Co-op has announced its 2023 Beans 4 Bags recipients. 

Each year, members of the Food Co-op nominate their favorite local nonprofits to receive funds via the Beans 4 Bags program. The nominations are then narrowed down to 12 as well as the food bank by the Co-op Board’s Community Engagement Committee.

“This year the co-op had more organizations apply for these funds than ever before. Each of the groups do great work, which made it a super tough decision. The groups selected represent the values that are important to our co-op and community: food access, land and sea stewardship, people/housing, and cooperative principles,” said Kenna Eaton, the co-op’s general manager.

Here’s how the program works.

The Food Co-op rewards people for sustainability efforts by giving 8 cents back for each reusable bag used. Shoppers can then either keep the bag credit, or get a bean. Those who choose a bean can choose where that money goes by dropping that bean into a jar, which represents one of three nonprofits in the Jefferson County Community.

Nonprofits are nominated by members/owners and chosen by a committee.

Two jars are rotated out bi-monthly, and the third jar represents the Jefferson County Food Bank, which is supported year round.

In addition to the Jefferson County Food Bank, the other 2023 recipients are The Warming Center and Bayside Housing (January/February), StyroCyclers/Beyond Waste and PT Potential (March/April), Dove House and JUMP! Playground (May/June), Marine Science Center and Community Build (July/August), The Food Bank Growers & Heartberry Playschool (September/October), Camp Beaisite and Housing Solutions Network (November/December).

To learn more about the Beans 4 Bags program, go to Foodcoop.coop/beans-for-bags.