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Community Support

Minnesota’s food industry is devoted to giving back to the community.  Grocers use cutting-edge technologies to ensure our buildings are as energy-efficient as possible.  Our industry is a leader in environmental initiatives, making reducing, reusing, and recycling priorities. MGA members have strong local ties, supporting ball fields, churches, and Minnesota’s food shelves.

Bag Hunger Campaign

The Bag Hunger Campaign is a state-wide campaign coordinated annually by the MGA that engages Minnesotans in the fight to end hunger in their neighborhoods. Since 2008, participants in the MGA’s hunger campaign programs have provided over 44 million meals to hungry families in Minnesota.

The Bag Hunger Campaign brings together numerous retail members, vendor partners, and community hunger relief partners to fill the plates of those in need across the state. Participating stores and vendors offer multiple opportunities for customers to contribute to the campaign. Some stores encourage customers to donate grocery items in-store or round up their purchase totals at the register, contributing the price difference to feed local families. Others prominently display the names of customers who donated money on shopping list icons in their stores.

2023 SILVER PLATE AWARD WINNERS

Best Creative Partnership
Hugo’s Family Marketplace and Russ Davis Wholesale
Kowalski’s Market and Russ Davis Wholesale
Lunds & Byerlys, Post Consumer Brands, and Prairie Farms Dairy

Best Campaign Execution
Teal’s Market

Best Innovative Marketing
Knowlan’s Super Markets, Inc./Festival Foods

Best Community Hunger Support
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia

As part of the program’s ongoing efforts to make meaningful impacts in the communities we serve, participating companies were also given the chance to be awarded Campaign Champions. These companies, for their above-and-beyond support, receive an award and $500 to donate to the food charity of their choice as well as a press release sent to local media.

2023 CAMPAIGN CHAMPIONS

Aldi, Inc.
Chris’ Food Center
Cub Foods
Super One Foods/Miner’s, Inc.
Rush Foods, Inc.

Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year Contest

Minnesota grocers recognized for promoting locally grown products

Eight Minnesota retailers who demonstrate excellence in locally grown and produced products have been named a 2025 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year by the Minnesota Grocers Association in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Grown program. Along with awards given by region, a new beer, wine, and spirits award was given to recognize excellence in liquor stores.

This year’s winners include: