A savvy group of Madison-area sewers are making a massive difference in our pantry’s sustainability efforts. Boomerang Bags is a national organization that uses the skills and opportunities of individual cities, like Madison, to mobilize and create change.
Boomerang Bags has been operating out of a space in Middleton for a few years, and this July they hit a massive milestone: 1,000 bags made and donated to Madison pantries! “Donating reusable cloth bags to food pantries was how we chose to support our community,” said Madison Boomerang Bag representative, Lois Bergeson. “We wanted to reach people who may not have a quality cloth bag to take with them shopping. Our hope is that the beautiful bags will continue to find uses again and again!”
Bergeson noted that the bags are not difficult to make. They use a basic pattern and sewing techniques, and every bag, even with the personal touches of upcycled patterned fabric, includes the same set of details: a sewn in pocket with the Boomerang Bag logo and a hang tag with the group’s written goals. The simplicity of the bags is deliberate. Anyone who wants to be a part of the Boomerang Bags movement can join, even if they have minimal to no previous sewing experience. Members of the Madison-area group, Bergeson mentioned, are happy to teach anyone who wants to join their group how to make the signature bag.
But the success of the program is not just about making the adorable and functional canvas bags. Bergeson and the rest of the group recognize that in order for the Boomerang impact on plastic waste levels to be truly felt, the bags have to be regularly used by recipients. “In the next few years, we want to make a thousand more bags,” Bergeson said explicitly. “But more than that, we want to see the bags being used by people in the community. We recognize that is something that will happen through sustainability education and working alongside pantries to reinforce the use of our bags with customers.”
Boomerang Bags has donated all 1,000+ of their handmade products to Goodman’s and The River Food pantry, much to the patrons and pantries delight. The group currently meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Blue Bar Quilts in Middleton from 10am-2pm, and they are in the process of expanding their volunteer operation to Madison’s east side. All anyone needs to join is a passion for sustainability and desire to help the community — sewing skills are valued but not necessary!
Those interested in getting involved can come to the next meeting at Blue Bar Quilts or reach out to Lois Bergeson at boomerangbags.dane@gmail.com.