Grocers nationwide are turning the calendar’s most giving stretch into action, with September bringing Hunger Action Month, the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and the back-to-school season. From first-responder supply drives to college football sack challenges, retailers across the country are channeling checkout donations, associate volunteerism and supplier partnerships into support for their communities. Here’s a look at some recent efforts.
Kroger Atlanta
Kroger’s Atlanta Division hosted its “Stock the Station” donation drive Sept. 10 in observance of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, 25 years after the attacks. Customers throughout Georgia, eastern Alabama and South Carolina purchased requested supplies while shopping and placed them in collection bins, with first responders on site at many stores to greet customers and accept donations for the communities they serve.
“This event is a direct and heartfelt way to support those who help keep us safe every day while paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of September 11,” said Tammie Young-Ennaemba, head of communications and public affairs for the division.
Food Lion
Food Lion is marking Hunger Action Month with three Food Lion Feeds initiatives throughout its 10-state footprint: The Great Pantry Makeover, in which associates will renovate 33 local food pantries backed by a $190,000 investment and more than 92,000 pounds of shelf-stable food; Sack To Give Back, providing 1,000 meals for every quarterback sack recorded by 35 participating colleges, up to 30,000 meals per school; and the Apple Bag Campaign, running Sept. 16-Oct. 6, which has helped provide more than 55 million meals since 2014. 
The Salisbury, North Carolina-based grocer also announced its Summers Without Hunger campaign provided the equivalent of more than 27 million meals to more than 110 feeding partners this summer, and its charitable foundation’s fall/winter grant cycle is open through Sept. 17.
“Caring for our communities is at the heart of what we do, and Hunger Action Month gives us an opportunity to see that care come to life,” said Kevin Durkee, manager of Food Lion Feeds.
ShopRite
ShopRite has launched its annual ShopRite Partners In Caring Cheerios Contest with General Mills, running through Oct. 3 under the theme Mission: End Hunger. Stores compete to raise funds for local hunger-relief organizations, with top-performing stores earning their 
associates’ photos on a limited-edition Cheerios box in March, and participating locations also will host Help Bag Hunger events this month, inviting local officials and first responders to bag groceries and raise awareness. Since 1999, ShopRite Partners In Caring has raised nearly $65 million for more than 2,500 local charities.
“What makes the Cheerios Contest so special is that it turns a friendly competition among stores into an opportunity to make a lasting impact,” said Alexandra Emery, manager of sustainability and corporate social responsibility for ShopRite.
Albertsons
Albertsons Companies‘ Acme Markets and Safeway stores in the East Region have launched their first campaign with cause marketing organization Healthy Family Project, running through Oct. 15. The program brings together 13 produce and fresh food brands, including 
CMI Orchards, Fresh Express, Little Leaf Farms, Shuman Farms and Sunset, to inspire family meal solutions while helping provide 120,000 meals through Nourishing Neighbors, the charitable program of Albertsons Companies Foundation.
“By bringing together our stores, supplier partners and Nourishing Neighbors, we’re able to turn an everyday trip to the grocery store into an opportunity to make a meaningful local impact,” said Jay Schneider, produce sales manager for Acme Markets and Safeway, East Region.
Brookshire Grocery Co.
Brookshire Grocery Co. completed its third annual companywide Supplies for Schools donation drive, raising more than $313,000 for local schools, more than doubling last year’s total. Customers donated at checkout at the Tyler, Texas-based grocer’s Brookshire’s, Super 
1 Foods, Spring Market, Fresh by Brookshire’s, Reasor’s and Fresh by Reasor’s stores, with all funds staying in the communities where they were raised to provide school supplies for the 2026-27 year.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our customers, employee-partners and communities, these funds will help ensure students have the supplies and resources they need for a successful school year,” said Jerry LeClair, CEO of BGC.
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee donated more than $295,000 to Midwest food banks and pantries through its Back-to-School Community Food Drive, held Aug. 15-23 as approximately one in five children nationwide faces food insecurity. Customers rounded up purchases at checkout, bought $5 and $10 food bags, donated online and dropped off food items, while the West Des Moines, Iowa-based employee-owned grocer contributed $100,000, with each store selecting a local pantry or food bank to benefit.
“No child should have to start the school year wondering where their next meal is coming from,” said Jeremy Gosch, chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee.
Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Friendly Markets has kicked off its 14th annual March of Dimes campaign, running Sept. 6-26 at 16 participating locations in upstate New York and Vermont. Shoppers can purchase a $1 March of Dimes icon at checkout or round up their change to support research, advocacy and programs improving outcomes for moms and babies; the campaign has raised nearly $205,000 since the partnership began in 2013.
“Whether customers choose to purchase an icon or round up their change, every contribution helps advance programs, research and advocacy that can give families a healthier start,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets.