Bashas’ and Food City supermarkets have teamed up with Wells Fargo to increase support of local food banks in Arizona, with a goal of raising enough donations for 2 million meals to feed families in need before Christmas.
“The holidays are an especially challenging time for so many families, and this year’s pandemic has only exacerbated that,” said Wells Fargo Lead Region President Don Pearson. “At the same time, the resiliency and generosity of the human spirit has become the true ‘heartbeat’ of our community. It inspired us to team up with Bashas’, Feeding America, and Arizona food banks to make the holidays a bit brighter this year. We’re optimistic that, by working together and inviting others to join in this goodwill effort, we can provide 2 million meals this holiday season for Arizona families who especially need it.”
It is estimated that one out of every six Arizonans – and one out of every four children in the state – suffers from hunger. A few days before Thanksgiving, thousands of people lined up for more than two miles outside one local food bank in Phoenix to pick up boxes filled with ingredients for Thanksgiving meals.
Every December, more than 100 Bashas’ and Food City supermarkets hold a statewide fundraising campaign for Arizona food banks as part of a Charity of the Month program, which invites grocery shoppers to make a monetary donation at their registers.
On Dec. 15, Bashas’ and Food City locations throughout the state also designated to give an extra boost toward the goal of reaching 2 million meals. Bashas’ Family of Stores matched up to $10,000 in donations made at its registers that day. In addition, the grocery stores accepted non-perishable food donations.
“Local food banks need our help now more than ever to keep up with the increased demand for their services,” said Edward “Trey” Basha, president of Bashas’ Family of Stores. “Thanks to the generosity of our customers, and a sizable donation from Wells Fargo, we’re at the 1 million meal mark now. We want to double that. We need to double that. We are asking Arizona to help us reach our goal of 2 million meals this holiday season.”
All Food City and Bashas’ stores continue to accept monetary donations at their registers for local food banks, through Dec. 31. Those who are unable to visit a Bashas’ or Food City store this month to make an in-person donation can make an online donation at bashas.com.
