SpartanNash announced on Friday that, with support from the SpartanNash Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, it has raised $400,000 for 126 local food pantries across the country.
The money was largely raised through in-store fundraising, where shoppers could choose to donate at checkout. Leadership teams at each SpartanNash-owned grocery store selected a recipient community food pantry, so funds raised through this effort stayed local.
“The holidays can put a strain on household budgets, and with inflation, everyone is feeling their grocery bills get a little tighter,” said Adrienne Chance, SpartanNash SVP of communications and executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation, in a statement. “That’s why this year, it was especially important for us to team up with community members to help our neighbors.”
According to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including nine million children, in the U.S. are food insecure. Feeding America estimates that for every dollar donated, the organization secures and distributes 10 meals to people facing hunger.
“The commitment from SpartanNash and their loyal customers in the fight to end hunger gets stronger every year,” Great Plains Food Bank chief development officer Marcia Paulson said in a statement. “This gift from SpartanNash comes at a crucial time for us and will go a long way in feeding our neighbors in need this holiday season. We cannot thank SpartanNash and their store guests enough for all they do.”
Additionally, as part of SpartanNash’s recent Investor Day, the company donated $25,000 worth of food to Feeding America from its Our Family private-label brand.
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