Wegmans employees recently completed a full-circle volunteer initiative – planting, harvesting and delivering fresh produce to families in need.
Through a partnership with America’s Grow-a-Row (AGAR), the employees began their journey in the fields, planting rows of zucchini. Weeks later, they returned to harvest the produce and deliver it to the Interfaith Food Pantry Network in Morris Plains, New Jersey, where it would be distributed.
“Every zucchini planted was a promise to our community,” said Chip Paillex, president and founder of America’s Grow-a-Row. “This year’s partnership with Wegmans exemplifies what it means to come together in service and create transformational impact.”
Wegmans’ Sharon Fielding said giving back to the community reflects one of the grocer’s core values – making a difference.
“The opportunity to participate in a full-circle harvest – from planting and picking to delivering fresh vegetables – deeply supports our mission to help create healthier, better lives for our customers and our community,” she said.
Leaders at the food pantry emphasized the significance of the collaboration and the positive impact it had on the community.
“The Interfaith Food Pantry Network is a community of neighbors helping neighbors, grounded in strong, collaborative partnerships,” said Carolyn Lake, executive director. “Recently, two of our key partners – Hanover Wegmans and America’s Grow-a-Row – came together in a powerful way.
“Longtime supporters and volunteers from Wegmans joined America’s Grow-a-Row in planting and harvesting fresh zucchini, which was then shared with our pantry guests. This kind of hands-on, innovative collaboration is vital to building sustainable solutions to food insecurity and improving the health and well-being of our community.”
[RELATED: Wegmans Begins Pilot Of Instacart’s Caper Carts]