MIDLAND, Texas, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers is pulling out all the stops for its upcoming Midland Strong Grill & Chill event. Part of a six month series of events to unite and strengthen the Midland community, the cookout will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Midland store located at 3116 N. Loop 250 W.

In alignment with Natural Grocers' founding principles and commitment to community, the Grill & Chill provides an opportunity for Midland friends and neighbors to spend time together. Midlanders are encouraged to bring or buy a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the West Texas Food Bank to support local residents who are unable to purchase food during the current economic hardship. West Texas Food Bank bins will be set up throughout the store for customers to deposit donations.

Natural Grocers and Mayor Pro Tem Lacy will also present a check for $1,035.15 to Casa De Amigos at 12:30 p.m. This money was raised on March 23 during Natural Grocers' Easter celebration, when 5% of daily total sales were allocated for Casa De Amigos.

"Everyone gathering together for a fun afternoon while supporting the West Texas Food Bank at the same time is a win-win!" said Heather Burrus, nutritional health coach at the Midland Natural Grocers. "We want the Midland community to know that Natural Grocers is here to support their health and wellness needs especially during tough economic times."

The Shades, a Midland-based rock n' roll band, will play music from 12 to 2 p.m., while neighbors and store team members showcase their grilling skills. The cookout menu will feature a selection of smoked turkey, ground beef patties, Italian hot links, veggie burgers and sides, which represent the variety of quality, grass-fed meats the store carries.  Finally, customers can enter a drawing to win a prize supplied by EPIC Bars, 100% grass-fed animal based protein bars.  

For more information, visit the Natural Grocers website. Join the #NaturalGrocers social conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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, affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in 1955 in Colorado, Natural Grocers has over 3,000 employees and operates more than 110 stores in 19 states.

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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.