Since 2011, Seward Co-op’s SEED program has raised nearly $2,485,000 for local organizations. Without all of you, this community grant funding would not be possible. To reach $2.5 million in SEED grants, we invite community members to collectively donate $15,000 by our Annual Owner Meeting in October. Learn about the SEED program and how we can reach this goal together as a community.

What is SEED?

One way Seward Co-op lives its Ends Statement to “sustain a healthy community” is through robust community grants. The SEED program is a simple yet powerful community giving opportunity that allows customers to “round up” their grocery bill for recipient organizations that share our commitment to a healthy community. The average donation is around $0.50. Each year, a staff-led committee selects the recipients for the coming year. Co-op shoppers are invited to vote for four Community Choice recipients. Final selections are announced at the Annual Owner Meeting each fall. All funds donated at the register are given directly to the recipient organization at the end of each month, often totaling over $10,000 per month. We are currently accepting applications for 2023 SEED recipients, learn how to apply here.

Many Ways to Contribute to SEED

Round Up Any Amount

When you visit the store at check out, you’ve likely been asked if you’d like to round up for SEED. Generally we encourage a simple round-up to the next dollar, but did you know you can round up any amount? If there’s a particular SEED recipient that resonates with you, or if you’d just like to help the co-op reach our goal, know you can donate any dollar amount to SEED any time!

Round Up with Seward To Go

If you’re not feeling well or are unable to visit Seward Co-op stores for any reason, Seward To Go is a great option to get healthy food options delivered to your door by Soderberg’s Florist and Gifts. You may round up your total for Seward To Go curbside and delivery orders, too. Just add a note at the end of your order with how much you’d like to round up, whether it’s to the next dollar, or more!

Round Up at Customer Service

In the neighborhood and want to give back to the community even when you don’t need any groceries? Stop by the Customer Service desk at either store to donate to SEED!

There are so many wonderful local SEED recipients between now and October, learn about them here, and don’t forget to round up all year to support local organizations that give back to the Seward Co-op community!