Paul and Lois Shipman of Fort Collins, Colo. have won a year’s worth of groceries, and they plan on sharing their good fortune with others. Paul Shipman is the grand prize winner of an online contest sponsored by Safeway and the Colorado Proud program, which encourages consumers to buy locally grown and produced products. The Shipmans received 52 $100 gift cards to be used at Safeway stores.“We are so excited to win this wonderful prize and share it with those in need,” said Paul Shipman. “In addition to giving gift cards to family and friends, we plan on giving several to organizations that help people in our community.”
Colorado Proud, created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in 1999, promotes locally grown, raised or processed products to consumers statewide. Currently, the program has more than 1,200 members that include growers, processors, restaurants, retailers and associations.
“Colorado produces a wide variety of high quality food and agricultural products,” said John Stulp, Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Our goal is to encourage people to buy local, because it helps the state’s farmers, ranchers and processors as well as the state economy.”
According to a recent survey, 67 percent of consumers are very or somewhat familiar with the Colorado Proud logo. In addition, 84 percent indicate that they purchase at least some Colorado products.
“Safeway continues to support Colorado Proud and local producers,” said Kris Staaf, Director of Public Affairs for Safeway. “We feel it is important to promote home grown products to our customers.”
To find Colorado products, wineries and recipes, visit http://www.coloradoproud.org/.
