In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Albertsons Cos. Inc., along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at ending the cycle of hunger in local communities – from a customer-driven campaign to funding key initiatives and collaborating with national organizations.
“With food insecurity on the rise, we’re doubling down on innovation, collaboration and empowering communities,” said Jennifer Saenz, chief commercial officer at Albertsons Cos. and board chair of the foundation.
“Hunger Action Month is a powerful reminder that together, we can take meaningful action toward a future where no family goes hungry.”
Empowering customers to give back
Throughout September, the company’s Nourishing Neighbors charitable program will raise funds to support hunger-relief efforts.
Customers shopping at any Albertsons Cos. banner – including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme and Tom Thumb – will have the opportunity to donate at the register.
More than 100 local food banks, food pantries and other community organizations will receive Nourishing Neighbors grants funded by customer donations.
Innovation Spark Grants
The foundation also announced the first five recipients of this year’s Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Spark Grants, with more to follow.
Now in its third year, the grants are awarded to nonprofits that develop programs designed to create long-term solutions and help people achieve food security.
The grants, ranging from nearly $200,000-$900,000, are part of the foundation’s annual $10 million commitment to ending the cycle of hunger through various initiatives. The initial recipients of the 2025 Innovation Spark Grants are:
- NeighborShare: Awarded a $900,000 grant to provide rapid and flexible financial assistance to Massachusetts families in crisis through a technology-enabled platform that connects donors with community needs;
- Food Research and Action Center: Presented a $600,000 grant to strengthen state-level implementation of SNAP Employment and Training programs, aiming to bridge the gap between food insecurity and workforce development;
- National Health Foundation (Los Angeles): Received a $600,000 grant to engage youth with lived experience of food insecurity in researching, designing and advocating for systemic, community-informed solutions;
- FareStart (Seattle): Awarded a $290,000 grant to launch an externship program in partnership with Safeway and Albertsons to provide job training and inclusive workplace support for those working to overcome poverty; and
- 4MyCiTy (Maryland): Given a $193,500 grant to support the expansion of food access through a mobile app that enables delivery of rescued food and generates income opportunities for individuals experiencing food insecurity.
“Over the past two years, the Innovation Spark Grants have fueled bold ideas aimed at reshaping the hunger relief landscape with $18 million total in funding,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, president and executive director of the Albertsons Companies Foundation.
“This year, we’re expanding our approach to ensure that organizations of all sizes, from grassroots initiatives to large-scale programs, have a chance to bring their ideas to life. Every spark has the potential to ignite lasting change, and we’re excited to support even more visionary nonprofits in the journey ahead.”
Childhood hunger relief
As summer comes to a close, the foundation is celebrating the success of its Summer EBT awareness initiative, launched in 2024 in partnership with nonprofits including Feeding America, Food Research and Action Center, Gift Card Bank, Hunger Free America, No Kid Hungry, Partnership for a Healthier America and WhyHunger.
The initiative provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child during the summer months to reduce hunger when students lose access to free or reduced-price school meals.
This year, SummerEBT.org received more than 360,000 visits, unlocking an estimated $4 million in benefits for families.
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