Stop & Shop refreshes hunger relief program

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop has unveiled a program designed to raise funds for hunger relief agencies that will provide healthy food to local communities.

The Healthy Ideas Food for Friends program — a fresh new take on Stop & Shop's annual Food for Friends program, which raises money to feed those in need — now is running in New England stores across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and most of Connecticut through Aug. 19.

How it works: Customers can donate $1, $3 or $5 at their local Stop & Shop to help support hunger relief organizations within their local communities, as well as regionally. Customers also have the option to purchase a $10 charity box filled with Healthy Ideas Stop & Shop-branded items. The charity boxes are given directly to each store's local food pantry partner.

The program will deliver 100% of the dollars raised — 60% of funds raised will be allocated directly to local food pantries and 40% will be donated to seven regional food banks in New England:

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  The Greater Boston Food Bank;

  
  


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  Worcester County Food Bank;

  
  


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  Food Bank of Western Mass.;

  
  


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  Foodshare;

  
  


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  Connecticut Food Bank;

  
  


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  Rhode Island Community Food Bank; and

  
  


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  New Hampshire Food Bank.

  
  

"Stop & Shop is committed to promoting health and wellness in the markets we serve," said Joe Kelley, president, Stop & Shop New England Division. "Hunger is year round. There are thousands in need of nutritious meals — not just during the holiday season. We're proud to help our hunger relief partners bring healthy food back into our communities."