LAKEWOOD, Colo., June 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers gave away over 1,000 prizes valued at approximately $14,000 last weekend as a part of the good4u Nutrition Challenge Sweepstakes. The month-long program rewards shoppers for attending free nutrition classes in the store by distributing $5 gift cards to every attendee and raffling off gift cards of $100 each as well as grocery bags valued at over $125. The program continues through July 24, 2016 and Natural Grocers will give out an estimated 17,000 prizes valued at over $100,000.

Visit www.naturalgrocers.com/nutrition-challenge to learn more and find participating locations

Sweepstakes eligible classes include:

• Veggies: It's What's for Breakfast
• Quick Class: Got Chocolate!
• Quick Class: What's the Fermented Fuss?
• Quick Class: Eggs-Beyond Breakfast
• Dinner: More Veggies, Please!
• Quick Class: Tasty Turmeric!
• Quick Class: It's Zucchini Zoodle Time!

"We developed these classes to make it really easy for our shoppers to take a few minutes out of their day and learn something that can truly benefit them," said Heather Isely, Natural Grocers' Executive Vice President. "This is just one more way for us to demonstrate our commitment to supporting and educating the communities we serve."

What is the good4u Nutrition Challenge Sweepstakes?
With nutrition education at the forefront of Natural Grocers' five founding principles, the company is always investing in new ways to encourage shoppers to learn more about healthy foods.

The good4u Nutrition Challenge Sweepstakes makes eating healthy fun by teaching quick and engaging classes and offering prizes to those who take the time to learn about new foods. There's also a Family Fun Challenge activity that encourages families to learn about a new vegetable while earning the chance to win a weekly gift-card prize.

Feed a family of 4 for under $25
In addition to nutrition classes, Natural Grocers EVP, Heather Isely has put together a series of recipes that feed a family of 4 for $25 or less per meal. The recipes include breakfast and lunch for 5 days of cooking and include meals such as broccoli, ham and cheese muffins, Cuban black bean stuffed roasted bell peppers, and an apple-berry pie smoothie. View the Nutrition Challenge meal planner to download the recipe list.

Try the new limited time Nutrition Challenge Trail mix
Natural Grocers' first limited edition bulk product is made from the freshest, healthiest and most affordable items around. The mix includes trail mix staples such as almonds and raisins, but breaks the mold by adding in cacao nibs, coconut, banana chips, tart cherry and more. This mixture was created by Natural Grocers' Nutritional Scientists with summer activity in mind. Available in stores while supplies last.

Get to know US speed skating athlete Sugar Todd
To top off an already exciting program, Natural Grocers has included recipes and tips from Sugar Todd, who is being featured during the promotion. Shoppers can get access to Sugar's recipes and tips by joining Natural Grocers' {N}power rewards program, which offers weekly savings and store coupons to customers.

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, Always Affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has more than 3,000 employees and operates more than 120 stores in 19 states.

Sweepstakes Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 18 YEARS OR OLDER.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Sweepstakes starts June 24, 2016 and ends July 24, 2016.  For Official Rules and complete details, visit: www.naturalgrocers.com/sweepstakes.  Sponsor:  Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc.

About Sugar Todd
Sugar Todd is a current member of the US Speed Skating team who competed in the 2012 Single Distance Championships, the 2013 World Sprint Championships and the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

Natural Grocers recently announced a sponsorship agreement with Sugar Todd, who is "Fueled by Natural Grocers."

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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.