Hannaford Supermarkets has reached a significant milestone with the launch of its 200th school-based food pantry, expanding its Fuel Kids at School program at a time when student food insecurity is on the rise.
Since launching in 2019, the grocer’s Fuel Kids at School initiative has invested more than $1.6 million to establish and support pantries across New England and New York, in partnership with school districts, food banks and hunger relief organizations. The program now serves students from preschool through college, providing consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.
“At Hannaford, we’re deeply committed to doing our part to help kids, families and communities thrive,” said Mike Vail, president of Hannaford Supermarkets. “School pantries play a vital role in ensuring students have access to the nourishing food they need, so they can focus on learning and reaching their full potential. Through continued investments in our Fuel Kids at School initiative and the incredible work of our community partners, we’re proud to support the growth and success of future generations.”
The 200th pantry opened in September at Portland High School in Maine. Hannaford donated $10,000 to renovate the space, add refrigeration and storage and stock it with fresh food for students. School leaders estimate the pantry could serve as many as 500 students in grades 10-12 each month.
The opening comes amid rising demand. According to Good Shepherd Food Bank, more than 23,000 Maine families accessed school-based hunger relief programs in 2024 – up from 11,000 in 2023.
“The Portland Public Schools appreciates this generous gift from Hannaford,” said Superintendent Ryan Scallon. “This initiative to ensure students have access to nourishing food supports the Whole Child priority in our strategic plan, which commits us to working to make sure all students have what they need to engage in school and graduate prepared and empowered.”
The program also has made a lasting impact in New York’s Troy City School District. The first pantry there opened in 2019 at Troy High School with support from Hannaford and the Regional Food Bank, and a second pantry launched in 2024 at Troy Community School. Both serve as models for neighboring districts.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Hannaford’s Fuel Kids at School program over the last several years,” said Troy City School District Superintendent John Carmello. “Their grant enabled us to create and stock school pantries where students have access to the nutritious food they need in order to be ready to learn.”
For more information about Hannaford’s Fuel Kids at School program, visit Hannaford.com/HannafordHelps.
About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets operates 188 stores across the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Founded in 1883, the Scarborough, Maine-based grocer employs nearly 30,000 associates across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. In 2024, Hannaford donated more than 27.6 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and supported about 135 community partners. The company continues to focus on expanding fresh food access, advancing youth development and supporting healthier lives.
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