SoCal Grocers and L.A. Distributing 50K Reusable Bags

In celebration of Earth Day on Tuesday, members of the California Grocers Association (CGA) are teaming up with the City of Los Angeles to give out about 50,000 reusable shopping bags at more than 40 stores throughout the city.

CGA’s president Ronald Fong said the objective is to encourage customers to make the bags a habit. “Reusable shopping bags are a readily available, viable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional shopping bags,” Fong said. “We commend the City of Los Angeles for taking the lead in reusable bag awareness and education and hope this event sets the stage for partnerships with other municipalities throughout the state.”

Retailers in the giveaway are Albertsons, Inc.; El Super, Food 4 Less, Henry’s Farmers Market, K.V. Mart, Pavilions, Ralphs Grocery Co., Smart & Final Stores, Superior Grocers, and Vons. Each City Council district will have at least one participating store.

The two-day event began this morning at 6:00 am, with each customer getting one free bag per transaction, while supplies last. The polyester-like fiber bags are made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled water, soda, and food containers, and carry the message, “Great Taste & Zero Waste.”

Reusable bag use has increased since the implementation of AB 2449, the statewide plastic bag recycling law, last July. Along with requiring grocers to provide in-store plastic bag recycling, the law also calls for grocery retailers to provide reusable shopping bags for sale.

The CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies.