You can make a positive impact in your own community just by shopping at Bargain Grocery — where you shop with a purpose, for a purpose.
Not only does the store create dignified access to healthy, affordable food, but the profits are returned to the community.
Where your dollar goes
The profits made by the store benefit Compassion Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding needs in our community, and meeting those needs. This has allowed Compassion Coalition to give more than $20 million in donated goods each year (including furniture, personal hygiene products, food, school supplies, and more) and serve more than 350,000 individuals in our community and across New York state annually.
The reason we exist
Bargain Grocery is the vehicle that allows Compassion Coalition to give back to our communities in a variety of ways, and to be a completely self-sustaining entity. This means that Compassion Coalition does not rely on any government grants or ongoing funding for any operational costs. This allows us to meet needs that would otherwise not be met in our community by other nonprofits, schools, or emergency food pantries due to strict grant regulations.
We welcome all community members
In addition, Bargain Grocery hires people who have barriers to employment, including refugees, people with disabilities, and those who overcame addiction issues. Over the last four decades, Utica has welcomed more than 16,000 refugees from over 30 countries. In creating work opportunities, we are furthering our goal of helping all of those in the community life happier, healthier lives.
