About
What is the program?
The Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to give back to the local communities that make up the Hannaford footprint Through this program, shoppers and supporters are provided with an easy way to make a difference every time they make a simple purchase
How does it work?
With each purchase of a $2.50 Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag, a $1 donation is redirected to a local nonprofit chosen by local store leadership. This donation helps support important community initiatives, with a different nonprofit selected each month to benefit from the contributions made by shoppers.
What impact has the program had since inception?
Since the Fight Hunger Bag Program launch in April 2014, and the Community Bag Program launch in October 2015, the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program has: Donated over $3,459,789 to local causes, provided more than 16,129,710 meals to those in need, helped eliminate 123,805,050 single-use plastic bags, and supported 6,389 nonprofits within the Hannaford community
This low-effort, high-impact program is a win-win for both shoppers and the communities we call home Together, we’re creating a more sustainable future, supporting local organizations, and making a lasting difference where it matters most.
2024 Sales
Total Program Sales *January - April 2024: Only Hannaford Helps Reusable Bags Available **May 2024: 99 cent bags return to all stores.
January: 100,465
February: 114,101
March: 116,217
April: 109,548
815,912
May: 91,989
June: 38,246
July: 40,526
August: 39,507
September: 43,420
October: 38,498
November: 40,512
December: 42,883
3,140
$815,912
4,062,500
24,477,360
2024 Analysis
Record-breaking sales in Q1 marked the start of a strong year for the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program The out-of-stock 99-cent bag contributed to increased sales, with January selling 100,465 Community and Fight Hunger Bags. Numbers continued to rise, reaching 114,101 bags sold in February and an all-time high of 116,217 bags sold in March.
In April, the program raised $109,548 in donations, followed by $91,989 in May This dip was anticipated in Q2 due to the return of the 99-cent reusable bag During June, the program generated $38,246 for local nonprofits, signaling the return to typical historical program averages.
To kick off Q3, sales picked up in July with 40,526 bags sold. August saw a slight dip to 39,507 bags sold before rising to 43,420 in September Sales remained consistent through Q4, with 38,498 bags sold in October, followed by 40,512 in November and 42,883 in December.
In total, 815,912 bags were sold in 2024, generating the highest funds ever raised in a single year for the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program. The program ' s strong performance highlights its expanding impact and continued success in supporting local nonprofits and promoting sustainability
2025 Forecast
Q1 is anticipated to kick off the year with 112,000 bags sold, with monthly numbers projected in the 36,000- 39,000 range through March Moving into Q2, sales are expected to decrease slightly to around 110,000 bags sold, beginning with around 35,000 bags in April and climbing to 39,000 bags sold in June.
Sales are projected to rise in Q3, with 117,000 bags sold, raising significant funds for local organizations In alignment with historical sales trends, numbers are expected to be in the 40,000 range in July, before dropping to around 36,000 in August Bags sold are anticipated to increase to around 41,000 in September to coincide with the back-to-school season.
Q4 is projected to see sales reach 120,000 bags, driven in part by seasonal holidays and shopping trends.
Overall, the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program is projected to raise $459,000 to support local nonprofits in 2025
District Impact
The performance of the top districts demonstrates the potential all Hannaford locations have to increase bag sales and impact local nonprofits through program donations
Top10Districts:CommunityBag
Top 10 Districts: Fight Hunger Bag
Store Impact
The exceptional performance of these highlighted top-selling stores exemplifies the impact that can be achieved through this program. These stores have set the standard, demonstrating how every location can make a meaningful difference in its own community.
Top10Stores:CommunityBag
Top 10 Stores: Fight Hunger Bag
2024 Program Highlights
Throughout the year, the PSIM team works closely with nonprofits during their benefiting months and keeps an optimized, up-to-date database of active and engaged nonprofits Below, we’re proud to showcase key highlights, milestones, and the impactful efforts made in 2024, all of which reflect the continued growth and success of this program
Highest Earning Year In Program History
In 2024, the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program achieved its highest earning year, raising a total of $815,912 for local nonprofits. Community Bags contributed $422,129 to this total, while Fight Hunger bags accounted for $393,783. A shortage of the 99-cent bags throughout the Hannaford footprint led to record-high sales, with over 100,000 bags sold each month in the first quarter Sales in the second quarter leveled off, staying consistent with historical program trends through the remainder of the year
Champion Organizations
Two nonprofits were tied as top earners in the Fight Hunger Bag Program this year: Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York BackPack Program and the Maine School Nutrition Association, each raising $4,103 to further their missions. In the Community Bag Program, the Capital Region chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention raised the most funds, with $3,720 in donations.
In Focus Stories
This past year, the PSIM team connected with several nonprofits that have benefited from the Hannaford Reusable Bag Programs over the years Together, we created eight "In Focus" stories that showcase the lasting impact of these programs. These stories highlight how the Hannaford Programs raise awareness for important causes and support the missions of these organizations.
Earned Media
When a nonprofit organization is selected to benefit from the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, organizations are given all the marketing tools they need to promote their selection month to their support networks. Each mention of Hannaford in print and online generates earned media and increases brand visibility By advertising their selection, nonprofits/hunger relief organizations are spreading information about Hannaford and strengthening its reputation as a community-oriented store.
Words of Gratitude
"Thank you so much for supporting Bring It! after school program at the Hannaford Derry location. I shop there regularly and have seen the names of so many non-profits that are helped thru the Community Bags Program It was exciting to see Bring It! highlighted in the month of March. We at Bring It! appreciate the Community Bags program and will put the donation to good use.”
Linda Burke Program Coordinator
"National Brain Tumor Society is incredibly grateful to have been included in the Hannaford Reusable Bag Program in March 2024. This opportunity not only raised crucial funds for brain tumor research but also helped raise awareness of our organization to a wider audience. Brain tumors are some of the toughest and most complex diseases on the planet The support from the program will help to advance our mission and fuel the breakthroughs we need to find a cure Thank you for including us!"
Michelle Scollins Associate Director, Corporate Partnerships
"I'd like to personally express my thanks to you, Hannaford's leadership and your employees. These are welcome funds that will help us to meet expenses Specifically, it will help us to continue providing educational programming, books and information resources to the communities of the Upper St John Valley Our municipal funding is welcome, but the truth is that public funding cannot sustain the library on its own It is gifts like yours that help us fill the extensive gap in our annual budget Hannaford has shown itself to be a generous neighbor, and I am grateful you are here I look forward to working with you in the coming years "
Andrew Birden
Library Director
