Meet OGC Mission Fund Recipient: Sundance Natural Foods

Sundance’s tagline, “small enough to meet your neighbors, big enough to meet your needs” is a perfect description – they're a natural foods store that’s been around for over 50 years with a homegrown, hippie vibe in beautiful Eugene, OR.  

OGC and Sundance’s relationship goes back decades, to the very beginning of OGC. When OGC was just getting started, we delivered produce using Sundance’s dock while we saved for our first cooler. For years, Sundance was our biggest account.  

At the end of 2023, OGC helped Sundance transition to a purpose trust when Gavin McComas donated his shares so the store could change ownership to a perpetual purpose trust, ensuring that the store will fulfill its mission and values forever. 

Sundance aims to connect with the community and be as organic and sustainable as possible. They walk the walk, doing the right thing for the planet and people’s health. Sundance applied for a Mission Fund grant because their 30-year-old produce display cold case was showing its age – it was breaking down often and causing disruptions. Using the grant funds, they were able to repair the cooler. Now they can provide delicious fruits and veggies to their customers, without fear that the case will constantly need attention.  

“Supporting organic agriculture is important to us and having a cold case that works means we can continue to do that,” shared Andrea Pierce, Produce Manager at Sundance. “Thank you so much for helping out with that, now we reliably provide fresh, delicious produce to our community.” 

OGC’s Mission Fund Grant Program helps grow the organic agriculture movement and supports customers – we target projects that increase the resiliency and viability of our customers, strengthen relationships and address barriers to a consistent supply chain. Sundance Natural Foods is just one of the many organizations the Mission Fund supported in 2023. Find a list of all our recent grant recipients here.