Terri Larsen presents funds brought in through propane for pets to NESPCA. (Submitted photo/Terri Larsen)

By Angie Rolheiser

Earth Day

Prairie North Coop gives back while reducing environmental footprint

Apr 22, 2021 | 3:09 PM

Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prairie North Coop (PNC) was still able to generously give back to local communities last year.

In 2020, the PNC donated over $115,000 to over 220 organizations and non-profit groups.

This Earth Day, marketing manager Terri Larsen told northeastNOW the Coop has been able to also implement additional environmental programs to reduce waste.

“Through the LOOP program, local farmers receive waste from grocery stores and then it is fed to farm animals or used in their operations,” Larsen said.

The sustainability report for 2020 looks through the lens of the social, economic, and environmental aspects of business to make decisions to ensure viable operations while having a positive impact on the community.

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“The general public may not know about the efforts we make on a day-to-day basis when it comes to the environment,” Larsen said. “The report being released on Earth Day really highlights all of those things that we naturally do as a cooperative.”

Whether through the food stores, home and building centres, ag divisions, environmental efforts, like recycling pesticide, seed or oil containers, tires or batteries, encompass all aspects of business, Larsen said .

A new agronomic program called Grown with Purpose helps push yields and increase efficiency with on-farm practices that are mindful of air, soil and water quality.

The PNC continues their efforts to give back to the community in 2021.

“Next Thursday, we have propane for pets where 50% of all propane sold will go to the North East SPCA,” Larsen said. “In addition, there will be donations made on coffee sales and car washes.”

Over $10,000 was brought in for North East Outreach and Support Services through Fuel Good Day in September.

Donations were also made to local food banks in Kelvington and Melfort, kitty litter was given to the NESPCA, and materials donated to the heliport build. Through Communities in Full Colour, 150 gallons of paint was distributed throughout the service area.

PNC operates out of 18 locations in St. Brieux, Spalding and Naicam, Melfort, Archerwill and Kelvington.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser