Shop 'n Save kicks off 'Lend a Can' hunger relief program

KIRKWOOD, Mo. — Supervalu banner Shop 'n Save has launched a program to combat hunger.

The "Lend a Can" program, which kicked off Sept. 23 and will run through Oct. 13, is designed to benefit hungry people and pets. As part of the program, the retailer is partnering with various community allies, including Del Monte Foods and the St. Louis Area Foodbank. How it works: Signs at Shop 'n Save stores will encourage customers to donate canned goods and pet food at participating metro-area schools, which will be collecting the items for the food bank and the animal shelter, respectively. Shoppers can visit Stlfoodbank.org and click on the "Lend a Can" icon, followed by the "Register Your School" link, for a list of participating schools. The school that collects the most pounds of food will receive $2,500. Five second-place schools will each receive $1,000.

In addition to the food drive, Del Monte will donate 25 cents for each Meow Mix, Pup-Peroni and Kibbles 'n Bits item purchased at Shop 'n Save, with the funds benefiting Five Acres Animal Shelter, located in St. Charles. What's more, shoppers have the opportunity to be rewarded during the campaign. Customers who purchase 10 cans of Del Monte canned goods at any Shop 'n Save store can receive a $5 gift card from the retailer by mail-in rebate, Shop 'n Save said.

"We are excited about our involvement with the 'Lend a Can' campaign," Shop 'n Save president Marlene Gebhard said. "As a grocery retailer, providing hunger relief is very important to us, so we are pleased to have this opportunity to help those in need, including beloved pets."