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Food Retailers Recognized For Community Outreach, Charitable Initiatives

PCC Natural Markets for FMI

Last updated on February 17th, 2014 at 10:37 am

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presented its 2013 Community Outreach Awards to six honorees. The awards recognize the creative, charitable programs established and carried out by food retailers to enhance the lives of those in the communities they serve.

“These programs, and all those submitted, serve as vivid reminders that the longstanding tradition of the neighborhood supermarket enriching the life of its community is alive and well,” said David Fikes, FMI’s VP of communications and consumer affairs. “Reaching well beyond the food they provide their shoppers, grocery stores seek to be an involved light in the local community, a beacon of shining hope.”

Two winners were selected across three categories: programs addressing food insecurity, youth development and neighborhood health improvement programs. Entries were judged based on criteria including participation, community need and impact. Each of the six winners will receive $1,000 from FMI to further their program.

Programs addressing food insecurity

• PCC Natural Markets: Shoppers contribute cash donations and reusable bag rebates to fund the purchase of bulk food, which is repackaged at bi-monthly parties at 10 partner food pantries.

• Hy-Vee: This yearly campaign, created in 2002 to re-energize a 25-year-old partnership with Iowa’s largest food pantry, showcases Hy-Vee associates’ creativity and consumers’ generosity.

Neighborhood health improvement programs

• Klein’s ShopRite of Maryland: Through a partnership with the city of Baltimore and nonprofits, the event allowed citizens to voluntarily surrender guns and receive a $100 ShopRite gift card.

• First Alternative Co-Op: Shoppers using reusable bags place their vote between charities and, over the course of the year, 16 charities receive a proportional donation.

Youth development programs

• Safeway: High school students from local underserved communities participate in workshops and activities structured to help students achieve professional success despite life challenges.

• Big Y Food Stores: This youth program focuses on Y-AIM: (a)chieve academically, (i)spire to attend college, (m)ove toward personal, family and community advancement.

In the feature photo at top are volunteers from PCC Natural Markets.

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Featured Photo PLMA Annual Private Label Trade Show
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Chicago, Illinois
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