Member News

In celebration of the record-return of $105 million to members in Patronage payments and the many ways #PartnershipPays with GreenStone, the cooperative once again committed $20,000 to the local community through the 2021 Member Grown Outreach program. These dollars directly support local organizations and their mission of bettering the communities in which GreenStone members reside.

Both members and employees had the opportunity to get involved to help select the organization and determine how the $20,000 donation would be divided. Employees kicked off the program by nominating organizations aligned with GreenStone’s focus. Of those, three were selected for members to vote on: The Father Fred Foundation, Macomb Charitable Foundation and the F.R.E.S.H. Project. Starting Patronage Week, March 8, and running through March 19, members were invited to cast their vote online. After tallying the votes from members, we are proud to announce the final results of the 2021 Member Grown Outreach Program:

The Father Fred Foundation, headquartered in Traverse City and serving five local Michigan counties, Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, is a foundation focused on caring for people in need and sharing their services to provide the best care possible. They offer food, clothing, financial services, and support to assist struggling families. The dollars received through GreenStone’s Member Grown Outreach program will support their continued mission of caring for the community.

Located in the Shawano and Menomonee Counties in Wisconsin, The F.R.E.S.H. Project brings nutritional and fresh produce to their local communities while increasing consumer awareness of local farmers. F.R.E.S.H. stands for food, resources, education, sustainability, and health. Their team of volunteers are dedicated to educating families and individuals on the benefits of healthy eating, in addition to teaching about the importance of where that food comes from and the farmers who produce it. Dollars donated support the organization’s goal of feeding more families and providing knowledge on healthy eating and the importance of buying fresh, produce from local farmers.

Serving Macomb, Mich., the Macomb Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on assisting children who live at or below the poverty level. They provide financial services to assist with transportation and unpaid bills, temporary housing, supplies, food, clothing, education and essentials. GreenStone’s donation will allow them to focus on their mission of not just providing each child a better life, but a life filled with genuine kindness and humility. GreenStone remains committed to members and our local communities and is honored to have played a small role in helping these local organizations serve our neighborhoods. ■

We would also like to extend a thank you to all members who participated in the voting process helping make this year’s Member Grown Outreach program a success! Members who participated in the online voting were entered in a drawing for a chance to win the gift basket from their local branch valued at $105. Congratulations to the winners! For more information on GreenStone’s continuous support of agriculture and rural communities, visit www.GreenStoneFCS.com/community.