Fort Salonga, NY - January 26, 2017 - Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta and Charlie Reichert, owner of several Suffolk County IGA markets announced that Mr. Riechert will donate the five cent bag fee from his Fort Salonga and East Northport IGAs to Huntington Hospital. In addition, the bag fee collected at his Greenport and Southold stores will go to Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport.
“This idea came to me when people were complaining about charging a nickel for a plastic bag and that the money was going back to the retailer. I asked what they thought if the money went to a local charity and everyone liked the idea so that is what I am doing,” said Charlie Reichert, owner of five IGA stores. “As a local businessman, I think it is so important to give back to the community where you do business,” added Mr. Reichert. According to Mr. Reichert, “Instead of a retailer, like me, keeping the bag fee, it is my contention that we should donate it to a worthwhile organization that provides programs and services that benefit the residents of Suffolk County.”
“This is a terrific program and I encourage other retailers to donate the five cent bag fee to a local charity or community program,” said Legislator Trotta who represents the district where the Reicherts live and where two of his stores are located. “I have known Charlie and his family for a long time and I applaud him for coming up with this idea as he is known for always giving back to the communities where his stores are located,” added Trotta.
“I am reaching out to Shop Rite, Stop& Shop, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Ace Hardware and other stores to see it they will support local charities with their bag fee. Furthermore, if a member of the community has a serious illness than a fund like this might help the family,” said Legislator Trotta. “I think businesses can better spend the money than government and I don’t want government officials sticking their hands into this money. I have no faith in the way county government would spend this money. In my four years as a Legislator, I have seen enough wasteful spending for a lifetime,” stated Trotta.
Legislator Trotta and Charlie Reichert hope that other retailers will join in this endeavor and support their local charities and/or institutions.
Legislator Robert Trotta represents the 13th Legislative District. Legislator Trotta serves on the Legislature’s Economic Development, Parks & Recreation and Veterans Committees.