Donations for Fresh & Easy's Shop for Schools program nearly double

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Fresh & Easy said its third annual fundraising program for schools garnered more than $1.3 million.

For every $20 spent at a Fresh & Easy store from Sept. 15 through Dec. 31, 2010, participating schools in the retailer's Shop for Schools program received a $1 donation. In addition to collecting receipts, registered schools also could participate in Shopping Nights, which provided an opportunity to raise even more money.

Shop for Schools was launched as a pilot program in spring 2009, raising more than $130,000 for schools in California, Nevada and Arizona. Fresh & Easy brought the program back in fall 2009, raising another $670,000 for local schools.

Fresh & Easy said it will bring the program back in the fall.

"Shop for Schools is much more than just a fundraising program — it is a great way for us to connect directly with parents and teachers to work on the issues that are important for our neighbors," said Fresh & Easy CEO Tim Mason. "We are thrilled to see such an increase in participation and interest in the program this year, and we know next year's program will be a success with even more partnership with our neighbors."