Quincy, Massachusetts-based Stop & Shop has launched its annual Turkey Express program, a month-long initiative dedicated to donating holiday meals to hunger relief organizations and families in need ahead of Thanksgiving.
Stop & Shop has a history of giving back to the communities it serves with a focus on fighting hunger, an issue that continues to be prevalent amidst inflation and rising food costs. According to Feeding America, in 2021 alone, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help.
Stop & Shop will deliver 25,000 Thanksgiving turkeys, equaling a total of nearly 400,000 pounds, to 30 community partners and hunger relief organizations across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. The Turkey Express program has helped communities put a Thanksgiving meal on their tables for more than a decade.
Shady Brook Farms has also donated thousands of turkeys to increase the grocer’s efforts to assist its 12 regional partner food banks and other local hunger relief organizations. The donation is part of Shady Brook’s Farm ‘Guide to Good’ campaign.
“With many of our neighbors facing continued hardship, the work that food banks and hunger relief organizations continue to do for our communities is essential, especially during the holiday season,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop.
“We are thankful for their partnership and that of our supplier partner Shady Brook Farms as we work together to help ensure more families are able to enjoy a holiday meal with loved ones this year.”
Stop & Shop’s annual Turkey Express program will have a kickoff at the Nanuet, New York, store. With support from Shady Brook Farms, 500 Thanksgiving turkeys will be donated to the Food Bank of Hudson Valley with the help of New York Football Giant alumni Joe Morris and Stephen Baker “The Touchdown Maker.”
Turkey Express donation events will continue across the Northeast throughout November with the help of more celebrities and surprise guests at Stop & Shop stores, regional food banks and other community partners.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Stop & Shop this year, working together to meaningfully give back and support local communities in need,” said Hannah Kern, Shady Brook Farms marketing manager. “Families continue to face hardships and if we can make their holiday a bit brighter with a delicious and nutritious turkey meal, we know we’ve made an impact that goes beyond fighting hunger.”
To learn more about Stop & Shop’s efforts to support hunger relief, visit stopandshop.com/pages/our-purpose.
