Creswell shoppers will be able to assist in restoring waterways and protecting the environment as the result of a recently forged partnership between Ray's Food Place, Organic Valley and EcoUnit to create a shopper rewards program that provides EcoUnit credits redeemable to support several environmental stewardship projects in southern Oregon and northern California.

Through the end of the year, a purchase of any Organic Valley product from Ray's Food Place will earn shoppers EcoUnit credits that can be redeemed to support projects of their choice through a simple four-step process.

Shop at Ray's Food Place and purchase Organic Valley products.

Receive 10 EcoUnit credits for a single Organic Valley purchase or 25 credits for purchase of two or more Organic Valley products.

Collect vouchers at the checkout that contain EcoUnit credits.

Visit http://ov.ecounit.com to sign up and to register EcoUnit credits to support environmental projects such as willow tree planting along Hay Creek, a lower tributary of Oregon's John Day River; restoring the Deschutes River basin habitat; cedar-tree planting efforts along Oregon's Elk River; or reviving and protecting salmon runs of California's Blue Creek and Klamath River.

In addition to supporting environmental causes, Ray's Food Place shoppers who participate in the EcoUnit promotion will also be eligible to enter to win one of three prizes of a year's worth of Organic Valley dairy products.

"We believe this partnership is a great fit for our company and our commitment to supporting the communities that we are a part of," said Greg Sandeno, vice president and COO of C&K Market, Inc., parent company of Ray's Food Place.

"Together with Organic Valley and EcoUnit, Ray's is doing its part to work towards a sustainable future for our families," Sandeno added.

"Consumers today are learning that their buying decisions impact the environment, especially when it comes to food purchases," said Tripp Hughes, director of category management for Organic Valley.

"Now, shoppers in southern Oregon and northern California who make environmentally responsible choices, like using reusable bags and purchasing local and organic products, also have the chance to make a real difference in the region's watershed," Hughes said.

By partnering with Organic Valley and Ray's Food Place, San Francisco Bay area-based EcoUnit hopes to create awareness of the loss of forests and degradation of fresh water supplies.

C&K Market is a family-owned company based in Brookings, Oregon, that operates grocery stores including Ray's Food Place, Shop Smart and Price Less Foods, as well as a chain of retail pharmacies under the Pharmacy Express brand.

Organic Valley is the largest cooperative of organic farmers in the United States. Organized in 1988, it represents 1,398 farmers in 32 states and one Canadian province.

Organic Valley produces a variety of organic foods, including organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce and juice sold in supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide.

Founded in 2007, EcoUnit develops programs to motivate consumers to make eco-smart choices at the grocery store.