MGA Names Winners In Minnesota’s Own Contest

The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) has named its winners for the 2015 Minnesota’s Own display contest. MGA organizes the annual contest to help fight hunger in the state; since 2008, participants have provided more than 34 million meals.

Best Single Creative Display Silver Plates are awarded to one vendor and one retailer who create in-store displays that best depict the “Fight to End Hunger” campaign and are required to use both in-store advertising and vendor products. This year’s winners were Baxter Cub Foods in Baxter, and Post Consumer Brands, based in Lakeville, for its display in Coborn’s Sauk Rapids store. Each will receive $1,000 to donate to the food charity of its choice.

The Best Overall Program Support Silver Plates honor one retailer and one vendor who complete the same requirements as the Single Creative Display Silver Plates but also collaborate with other campaign participants. This year, the award was given to Chris’ Food Center in Sandstone and Kemps, based in St. Paul. Both also received $1,000 to donate.

The Best Circular Award was given to Miner’s Inc. of Hermantown. This award honors retailers who encourage greater program outreach and engagement with communities as well as expand the awareness and reach of the program. Miner’s received $500 to donate to the food charity of its choice.

Faribault Foods Inc. in Faribault was awarded the Best Marketing Campaign Award.

The Minnesota’s Own program brings together retailers, vendors and community food banks across the state to help fight hunger. Retailers encouraged customers to donate grocery items in-store or round up their purchases at the register.

 “The success of the ‘Minnesota’s Own’ campaign is driven by the exceptional efforts and generosity of our members, vendor partners, community food support agencies, and most significantly, Minnesota’s grocery customers,” said Jamie Pfuhl, president of the MGA. “The excitement and dedication demonstrated by all partners, participants, and community members is inspiring. We are proud to play a role in this collective effort to end hunger in Minnesota’s communities. Congratulations to our Silver Plate, Circular, and Best Marketing Campaign award winners for their wonderfully creative, engaging, and effective efforts.”