About
What is the program?
The Shaw's & Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to give back to the local communities that make up the Shaw's & Star Market 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 $3.00 Give Back 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 its launch in March 2019, the Shaw's & Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program has donated over $566,501 to local causes, provided more than 1,117,730 meals to those in need, helped reduce 134.02M single-use plastic bags, and supported 3,300 nonprofits within the Shaw's & Star Market 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.
60,769
Market Sept: Banner-Wide Selection $60,769
106,080
1,823,070
35,930
849,480
2024 Analysis
Throughout 2024, the Shaw’s and Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Programs demonstrated steady sales.
The Shaw’s program began the year with consistent numbers in the mid to high 5,000 range. Q2 saw a minor dip, with sales temporarily falling into the high 4,000 range between April and June. Sales remained steady through June before experiencing a slight increase in July and August. Numbers continued with minimal fluctuations in Q3 before a slight increase heading into Q4, driven by the holiday season.
At Star Market, sales remained steady at around 2,000 bags per month throughout the first half of the year. September, however, experienced a notable shift in this trend. In honor of a former team member, stores implemented the second annual banner-wide selection, which raised $5,895 for the Frank McPartlin Scholarship at Archbishop Williams High School. This initiative exceeded the sales of last year’s banner-wide selection, showcasing a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Following the special selection, sales returned to their typical range from October through December, reflecting the usual program patterns.
Overall, both programs exhibited steady and reliable performance in 2024, with notable seasonal fluctuations and a successful banner-wide initiative in September at Star Market. These results provide a solid foundation for continued success in the year ahead.
2025 Forecast
*Star Market Sept Forecast: Banner-Wide Selection
Total 2025 Forecast: 62,000 Bags Sold
The Shaw's and Star Market 2025 forecast reflects the consistent and steady sales of previous years. The Shaw's GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program is forecasted to see sales between 4,500- 5,500 throughout the year. Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program is projected to remain steady in the 2,000 range throughout 2025. A potential increase to 6,200 bags is expected in September if a special banner-wide initiative is implemented in honor of the late Frank McPartlin, a former member of the Star Market team. PSIM looks forward to a great 2025 in the Shaw's & Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program!
StarMarket Shaw’s
District Impact
The performance of the districts demonstrate the potential all Shaw's & Star Market locations have to increase bag sales and impact local nonprofits through program donations.
Shaw’s: Sales by District
Star Market: Sales by District
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.
Shaw’s: Top 10 Stores
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.
Star Market Achieves Highest Sales Month Across Both Programs
September in Star Market was the highest selling month between both the Shaw's & Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Programs. These sales were 132% higher than Star Market’s second-highest selling month for the year and 4% higher than Shaw’s highest selling month. This notable achievement was attributed to the efforts made in September in honor of a former employee, which positively influenced sales performance.
Surpassed 500,000 Bags in Lifetime Sales
In 2024, Shaw’s and Star Market collectively surpassed a significant milestone, achieving over 500,000 lifetime bags sold through the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program. The year concluded on a strong note, with total sales reaching 566,488 bags sold, and generating $566,488 in donations for local nonprofits since the program’s inception.
District 5 - Top Selling Shaw's District
Throughout 2024, district 5 maintained the top spot for the year surpassing all other districts with 17,047 bags, resulting in $17,047 donated to local nonprofits.
Earned Media
When a nonprofit is selected to benefit from the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program, nonprofits are given all the marketing tools they need to promote their selection month to their support networks. Each mention of Shaw's or Star Market in print and online generates earned media and increases brand visibility. By advertising their selection, nonprofits are spreading information about Shaw's or Star Market and strengthening its reputation as a communityoriented store.
Words of Gratitude
“Thank you so much for thinking of us and helping us #BeatCF!!”
Christie Salema Director Team Trevor
“I wanted to reach out to thank you so much for your generous donation to RESPOND through the Star Market Give Back Where It Counts Reusable Bag Program. Star Market has been a valued partner of ours, and I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support.
We are deeply thankful for your partnership. Your donations are making an impact on the lives of survivors in our shared community.”
Brielle Miller Philanthropy and Engagement Assistant RESPOND, Inc
“Thank You!! CareWays Collaborative is so delighted to have the generous support of Star Market through your Reusable Bag Program. Please know that you are helping to make a difference for so many children and families.
We appreciate this partnership with Star Market. Please know that you are helping us achieve our goals of helping as many children as possible and elevating the healthcare delivery in the countries we work with.
Many thanks.”
Katie Small Director of Development CareWays Collaborative - Boston
