PCC Community Markets shared the results of its 2021 community relations and giving efforts, which included donating nearly 2 million pounds of food and goods and contributing nearly $1 million through donations, in-kind assistance, and funds raised by its community to support local organizations.
Last year, PCC operated 15 locations across the Puget Sound area, all focused on the co-op’s mission to ensure that good food nourishes the communities it serves while cultivating vibrant, local, organic food systems.
“I am proud of the impact we have been able to make throughout the Puget Sound because of the efforts of our dedicated staff,” said Krish Srinivasan, PCC Community Markets CEO, in a statement. “I have served on the co-op’s leadership team since 2018 and have been a member for more than 25 years. I chose to become a member and build a career at PCC because I believe in our focus: supporting our neighbors. I am committed to working with our staff to continue this critical work—doing good in our communities will forever inform our actions and be a cornerstone of what PCC stands for.”
PCC delivered more than 1.5 million meals to local neighborhoods in 2021, 100,000 more than the prior year. Additionally, the co-op supported multiple efforts to nourish its communities, including:
• Hunger Relief: Last year, PCC supported more than 45 organizations with more than $200,000 to assist like-minded local organizations in the hunger relief system.
• Donations and Event Sponsorships: The co-op donated to and sponsored local and regional events and programs through nearly $120,000 in support.
• PCC Grants: In 2021, PCC provided $45,000 in grants to support its local community. In support of the co-op’s longstanding relationship with Ventures, a Seattle-based nonprofit working to empower local entrepreneurs, PCC issued its Diverse Entrepreneur Grant program providing free capital to local, underrepresented small businesses.
• Bags for Good: For every reusable bag used by members and shoppers at checkout, 5 cents was contributed to the PCC Food Bank Program as well as to Washington Farmland Trust. Last year, PCC donated nearly $60,000 through shoppers’ reusable choices.
Since the co-op’s founding in 1953 as a food-buying club, PCC remains dedicated to preserving local farmland and fostering high standards by partnering with Northwest producers, farmers, ranchers, and makers.
“The future of farming in Washington is under threat,” said Melissa Campbell, executive director of Washington Farmland Trust, in a statement. “With the support of partners like PCC Community Markets, we are working to protect farmland and keep land in production by making it accessible to a new generation of farmers. Investing in Washington farmland promotes healthy soil, local food, and thriving rural economies. Simply put: Healthy farms make our communities better.”
PCC was the original founder of the Washington Farmland Trust. In 2021, the co-op provided more than $117,600 to help its critical work.
Also in 2021, the PCC, Neighborhood Farmers Markets, and Harvest Against Hunger worked in partnership with Growing for Good, which supports local hunger relief systems and local farms. And through its In-Store Purchases Equal Local Support, PCC provided nearly $50,000 to the Center for Whale Research, and Long Live the Kings through in-store vendor partnerships.
Related: Winter Fancy Food Show Exhibitors Donate Over 20,000 Pounds of Specialties; Kroger Gives $1.1M to Advance Racial Equity.