Grocers across the country stepped up for their communities this week, led by a milestone 300th school food pantry in Massachusetts and a $1.7 million fundraising walk in Southern California. Here’s a look at the latest charitable efforts in the industry.
Stop & Shop: 300th school joins food pantry program
Stop & Shop welcomed McCarthy Elementary School in Framingham, Massachusetts, as the 300th school in its School Food Pantry Program, donating $10,000, shelving and a commercial-grade refrigerator to open the school’s “McCarthy Market.” Since establishing its first in-school pantry in 2019, the grocer has invested more than $10 million to grow the network, which now serves 50,000 students and families monthly, making it one of the largest school-based food pantry programs in the country.
“When a child is hungry, it’s hard to think about anything else, let alone focus on schoolwork,” said Roger Wheeler, president of Stop & Shop. “Seven years ago, Stop & Shop set out to put food where kids and families already are, in their schools. Across our now 300 school partners we’re hearing that students are showing up more often and that asking for help no longer carries the stigma it once did. As the need keeps growing, so will our commitment.”
In a survey of its pantry partners, Stop & Shop found 87 percent have seen stigma around pantry use decrease, 79 percent report a stronger school culture and 46 percent report increased student attendance. At McCarthy, a Title I school, 55 percent of the 474 enrolled students are considered economically disadvantaged; according to the Greater Boston Food Bank, food insecurity in Massachusetts has more than doubled since 2019.
The ribbon-cutting came with a day of learning in partnership with The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and Worcester native author-illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka, who shared his Lunch Lady graphic novel series with students. Stop & Shop donated 500 books curated by The Carle, supporting Framingham’s challenge to read 1 million books as a community by June 2027, and previously provided 500 Red Sox tickets to McCarthy families through its Strike Out School Hunger partnership, in which each Red Sox regular-season home strikeout feeds 1,000 students.
Stater Bros.: Believe Walk raises $1.7M for cancer patients
The 19th annual Believe Walk, presented by Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer, drew more than 8,000 walkers, volunteers, donors and sponsors to downtown Redlands, California, on Oct. 4, raising more than $1.7 million, including $1.2 million from Stater Bros. Markets’ in-store and online fundraising. To date, the Believe Walk community has invested more than $12.6 million in the fight against cancer.
“It truly takes a village. We are incredibly grateful to see our community come together year after year, walking and raising funds to ensure no one faces cancer alone,” said Nancy Negrette, chairman and president of Stater Bros. Charities.
Rather than funding research, the walk supports individuals and families navigating a diagnosis, with net proceeds invested in 18 Southern California cancer-fighting organizations providing treatment access, transportation, financial assistance, groceries and support services. Since 2008, Stater Bros. Charities has invested more than $54 million in local causes.
The United Family: $25K for South Plains teachers
The United Family
and Cheez-It teamed up through the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, donating $25,000 to educators in the South Plains region of Texas. Grants were selected through DonorsChoose, funding classroom projects and resources.
“Teachers play a vital role in the success of our communities, and we are grateful for opportunities like this to partner with organizations that share our commitment to education,” said Chris James, VP of operations for The United Family.
Following the presentation, The United Family, Cheez-It, Dr Pepper and Johnsonville hosted a community tailgate at Market Street, with photos alongside the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy. The Lubbock, Texas-based grocer, a subsidiary of Albertsons Cos., partners with Mars Snacking brands year-round on education, hunger relief and wellness initiatives.
Tops: $20,065 for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Tops Friendly Markets
presented a check for $20,065 to the Patricia Allen Fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, representing proceeds from the sale of Buffalo-inspired socks during last year’s football season. Teaming up with local designer Abigail Lee during the 2025-2026 season, Tops sold more than 4,000 pairs, donating a portion of proceeds and matching sock donations to the hospital.
“Our customers embraced this campaign as a way to celebrate their hometown team while supporting children and families right here in Western New York,” said Jamie Emmick, category business manager at Tops Friendly Markets. “We’re excited to work with Abigail Lee again this football season to continue supporting the care our community’s children depend on.”
The socks are back on sale at select Tops locations for the 2026 season, with a portion of proceeds again benefiting the Patricia Allen Fund and a one-for-one sock donation to patients at the hospital.
Aldi: 1,300-plus disaster relief boxes in the Inland Empire
Aldi team members packed more than 1,300 food boxes with shelf-stable items at Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino’s annual volunteer event, to be distributed for disaster relief as needed.
“The Inland Empire is home to several areas that are heavily affected by wildfires, so disaster relief is critical,” said Vanesa Rangel-Mercado, interim CEO of FARSB, which distributes more than 3.3 million pounds of food monthly through nearly 250 nonprofit partners. “We continue to ensure that there is food available in times of crisis so we can get the items out to those affected swiftly.”
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