Why Bees Matter: Protecting the Pollinators Behind Our Food

At Market of Choice, we’re passionate about connecting our communities with fresh, flavorful foods grown by dedicated farmers and producers. But behind many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts and other foods we enjoy every day is a tiny workforce that often goes unnoticed: bees. 

These tiny pollinators play a critical role in our food system, helping produce many of the foods that fill our produce departments, inspire our chefs and nourish our families. 

The Buzz About Bees

Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the crops that make up a healthy diet. In fact, approximately 75% of the fruits, nuts and vegetables we eat depend on pollinators to some degree. Without bees, foods like apples, blueberries, cherries, squash, almonds, cucumbers and many others would become far less abundant and more expensive. 

Honey bees also support forage crops that feed livestock, making their impact felt throughout our food system, from produce to dairy and beyond. Their work helps sustain biodiversity, strengthen ecosystems, and support farmers across Oregon and around the world. 

Why Bees Need Our Help

Despite their importance, bee populations face significant challenges. Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, parasites and climate-related pressures all affect bee health and colony survival. These threats don’t just impact pollinators, they affect the future of our food supply. 

Protecting pollinators means protecting the foods we love and the agricultural communities that grow them. 

Supporting SAVE the BEE

An Oregon-based nonprofit, SAVE the BEE is working to create a healthier future for pollinators and people alike. Founded in 2012, this organization supports honey bee health through research, pollinator habitat restoration, education and advocacy. Their mission is simple but powerful: help bees and humans thrive together. 

SAVE the BEE’s work includes:

• Planting pollinator-friendly habitat on farms, ranches, vineyards and public spaces. 
• Funding research into honey bee health and the factors affecting colony survival. 
• Supporting beekeepers and educating communities about pollinator stewardship.
• Helping growers adopt practices that protect bees while maintaining productive farms. 

The organization’s impact has already been significant, including nearly 500,000 square feet of pollinator habitat planted and educational programs that have inspired thousands of people to become advocates for pollinator health. 

How You Can Help

Every one of us can make a difference for bees. 

Here are a few simple ways to support pollinators:

• Plant pollinator-friendly flowers and native plants in your yard and garden. 
• Choose locally produced foods and honey when possible. Market of Choice makes buying local honey and foods easy. We carry many local options. 
• Avoid using unnecessary pesticides in home gardens. 
• Create habitat by allowing flowering plants to bloom. 
• Learn more about pollinator conservation and share what you discover with others. 

You can also support SAVE the BEE directly through a tax-deductible donation. Contributions help fund research, habitat restoration, education programs and efforts to protect pollinators for future generations. SAVE the BEE is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. 

To learn more or to make a donation, visit savethebee.org/donate. Donations of every size help advance projects that support bee health and strengthen the resilience of our food system. According to SAVE the BEE, a $15 donation can help plant 10 square feet of pollinator habitat for hungry bees. 

A Shared Commitment to a Healthy Food Future

At Market of Choice, we believe that caring for our food means caring for the people, farms, and ecosystems that make it possible. Bees may be small but their impact is bigger than life. 

By supporting pollinators, we’re helping ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and other foods that bring color, flavor and nourishment to our tables every day. 

Together, we can help keep our food system thriving, one bee at a time.