Natural Grocers Renews Effort to Eliminate Pesticide Use

In honor of Earth Month, Natural Grocers is partnering with Beyond Pesticides for its sixth annual Ladybug Love campaign.

Natural Grocers, a longtime leader of the organic movement through national advocacy efforts, will be encouraging its communities to pledge to protect beneficial insects and further Beyond Pesticides' critical mission of converting local parks and playing fields to pesticide-free management practices.

Natural Grocers' sixth annual Ladybug Love campaign aims to bring awareness to the insects that play a crucial role in the stability of our food supply and regenerative farming. Fundraising efforts will benefit a nonprofit partner, Beyond Pesticides, for its Organic Parks Project to help reduce synthetic pesticide use at local parks in Natural Grocers' communities. 

Raquel Isely, vice president of Marketing for Natural Grocers said, "Over the last five years, our customers' commitment towards our Ladybug Love campaign have enabled Beyond Pesticides to convert a dozen parks and playing fields to pesticide-free zones from Arizona to Utah, with more in the works. We know that protecting these tiny, beneficial insects  makes a real difference in regenerating our planet. Cleaner air, water and land make for a healthier food supply – a principle Natural Grocers has championed since 1955. We thank our customers in advance for their generosity and enthusiasm towards this cause in 2023.”

Customers can take or renew their pledge online and commit to not using chemicals that harm ladybugs and other beneficial insects at home, in yards, gardens and to support 100% organic produce. Natural Grocers' goal is to raise $25,000 in April for the Organic Parks Project with Beyond Pesticides through the following in-store fundraising opportunities:  

• Natural Grocers will donate $1 to Beyond Pesticides for every Ladybug Love pledge signed, whether it's a first-time signer or a renewed pledge, from March 31 – April 30.
• For every Ladybug Zip Pouch sold from April 22 - 24, Natural Grocers will donate $2 to Beyond Pesticides.
• {N}power members who make or renew their pledge from April 1 – 15, will receive $5 off their purchase on Earth Day, April 22. 
• {N}power members will also receive a free limited-edition Ladybug Love reusable bag and free sticker with purchase April 22 – 24.