3:35pm | Two local artists were selected as finalists in a contest to design a new reusable bag at Fresh & Easy grocery stores. More than 1,300 contestants entered and the field was narrowed down to eight finalists that include Samantha Flores of Lakewood and Peter Prayotamorakul (design pictured at right) of Long Beach.
Visit freshandeasy.com/designabag to see the designs and vote for your favorite. The winning design will be printed on a reusable bag and sold at Fresh & Easy stores to encourage the use of canvas bags instead of harmful plastic bags. The company also prides itself on selling locally-grown produce and using energy-efficient practices at its stores.
“I am a graphic designer and when a friend of mine showed me the ad for the contest, I knew I had to apply since I like the store so much,” reads Prayotamorakul’s description. “What I was trying to convey in my design was that even farmers, who have access to the freshest food, ship at the store because everything is so fresh there.”
Finalists receive a $100 store gift card and the winner will receive one year’s worth of free groceries.
“We are actively trying to increase reusable bag usage in our stores, so it made sense to enlist the creativity of our customers to help design a bag that people will really want to use,” said Roberto Munoz, Fresh & Easy Director of Neighborhood Affairs.
Fresh & Easy has three Long Beach locations at 6436 Spring Street, 1340 E. 7th Street and 4930 Paramount Blvd.