Last updated on October 4th, 2024
ShopRite Partners In Caring is marking its 25th anniversary by raising money and awareness around food insecurity with the annual Cheerios contest.
The long-running fundraiser, in partnership with Cheerios maker General Mills, encourages ShopRite stores to compete to raise money to curb hunger in local communities. Associates from participating ShopRite stores who raise the most money get pictured on a Cheerios cereal box in March.
To kick off the milestone, a special ShopRite 25th Anniversary Team Cheerios box is on store shelves. Launched in 1999 with the goal of raising money to support local food banks, senior centers and other nonprofits providing food assistance, SRPIC has become ShopRite’s hunger-fighting initiative, raising about $65 million for food banks and hunger-fighting organizations that support more than 2,500 charities over the past 25 years.
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“While SRPIC works all year-long to serve the communities where ShopRite stores operate, the Cheerios fundraising contest each September is a much loved tradition that unites our customers, associates and the community in the fight against hunger,” said ShopRite spokesperson Karen Meleta. “The theme for this year’s contest, ‘Team and Community,’ captures the spirit of ShopRite Partners In Caring.”
Last year, the annual Cheerios contest in September helped raise more than $1.5 million for SRPIC. It also coincided with “Hunger Action Month” in September. Many ShopRite stores welcome community leaders and first responders to participate as celebrity guest baggers to raise awareness about food insecurity.
ShopRite customers can also support local hunger-fighting organizations by rounding up their change at checkout or making a donation directly on the self-checkout screen. In addition, customers can contribute to the cause using the pin pad at self-checkout stations. The 2024 fundraising competition runs through Oct. 5.