MIDLAND, Texas, May 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers launched its Midland Strong campaign last month and has now introduced a t-shirt fundraiser to help the Midland community replace the income it lost due to oil field lay-offs.

This new fundraiser supports American workers in two ways. First, buying an American-made t-shirt provides jobs for those who manufacture them. Second, for every t-shirt purchased, Natural Grocers is donating $5 to Midland Need to Read, a non-profit organization that helps Midland adults prepare to find new jobs by providing continued education and work skills training.

"Keeping jobs in America is key to boosting the economy and the American dream nationally, which is what we are trying to do locally in Midland by supporting the Need to Read program," said Heather Isely, executive vice president of Natural Grocers.

Natural Grocers hopes to raise over $750 for Midland Need to Read's services, including its Adult Literacy and G.E.D. preparation programs, and English, reading, writing, math and technology classes. The community can easily order the limited edition shirts by visiting the Natural Grocers' website.

"Over the last year, the economic landscape in the Permian Basin has drastically changed," explained Jessica Smith, the resource development director at Midland Need to Read. "Many [Midlanders] are looking for new jobs and must enhance their literacy skills. Midland Need to Read provides tutoring services and other resources for these adults, so that they may find sustainable employment."

The Midland Strong t-shirt fundraiser, which Natural Grocers is forgoing any profit from, is just one way the company is giving back to the local community. In conjunction with the launch of the campaign, Isely created the seven-day good4U Midland Menu Planner and recipe list, which feeds a family of four for an average of less than $24 per meal.

Additionally, the store has provided free classes about how to eat to deal with stress, the Eggcellent Adventure healthy Easter egg hunt, and a 5 percent day where the community and Natural Grocers raised more than $1,000 for a Midland non-profit, Casa De Amigos.

 "We are here and part of this community," said Larry Parker, the Midland store manager. "By supporting local organizations through donations and fundraisers, we are helping them help others in our community."

The Midland Strong t-shirt fundraiser will run throughout the Midland Strong campaign, which will conclude on September 24 with a family-friendly 5K.  For more information, visit the Midland store page.

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 Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has over 3,000 employees and operates more than 100 stores in 19 states.

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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage