ShopRite launched its annual Check-Out Hunger campaign, a holiday-season fundraiser inviting customers to support local food banks by adding donations at checkout. The initiative runs through the second week of January, uniting ShopRite stores across the region to help neighbors facing hunger during one of the busiest periods for food banks.
The campaign launch follows the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) 25th Annual Turkey Drive, which collected donated turkeys and food items at ShopRite stores and other retailers across the state on Nov. 22. CFBNJ President and CEO Elizabeth McCarthy visited the ShopRite of Livingston to promote both the food drive and the Check-Out Hunger campaign launch.
The efforts build on $1.25 million in food and funds that ShopRite Partners In Caring, the retailer’s signature hunger-fighting initiative, recently contributed to regional food banks to help families impacted by the federal government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits.
During the Turkey Drive, shoppers donated frozen turkeys, holiday pantry staples and money to help CFBNJ provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need throughout New Jersey.
“We’re deeply committed to addressing food insecurity because our stores are owned and operated by families who are part of the communities we serve,” said Alexandra Emery, manager of sustainability and corporate social responsibility for ShopRite.
“Our associates are passionate about supporting Check-Out Hunger, and every donation made at checkout helps strengthen local food banks at a time when demand is especially high. Together with our customers, we can ensure more families have access to meals throughout the holiday season.”
As food insecurity continues affecting families, this year’s Check-Out Hunger campaign encourages greater participation and generosity. Customers can support the effort by making donations at checkout, and many stores will feature special fundraising activities and food drives designed to boost local food bank resources during their peak service period.
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ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, New Jersey, and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. Hundreds of ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland serve millions of customers each week.
Through ShopRite Partners In Caring, the program that began in 1999, ShopRite has donated $65 million to food banks supporting more than 2,500 charities. As title sponsor of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, ShopRite has donated $45 million to local organizations, hospitals and community groups.
