KEASBEY, NEW JERSEY – ShopRite and Wakefern Food Corp. have pledged $1.25 million in food and funds to food banks across the region to support families affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits.
Wakefern, the retailer-owned supermarket cooperative with members who own and operate supermarkets across nine states, said the donation will be distributed among regional food banks in the communities where Wakefern supermarket banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Di Bruno Bros., Morton Williams and Dearborn Market operate.
Locally, ShopRite operates supermarkets in four in Stamford and eight more in Fairfield, Norwalk, Derby, Brookfield, Shelton, Danbury, Southbury, and Bristol. Except for the two Grade A Markets in Stamford, all are under the ShopRite banner.
“We know many families are facing increased food insecurity and uncertainty right now, and that is why we are making this donation to food banks,” said Mike Stigers, Wakefern Food Corp. president. “More than just corporate giving, our long-term commitment to fighting hunger through our ShopRite Partners In Caring program is a testament to the power of community.”
The donation builds on Wakefern and ShopRite’s decades-long commitment to addressing food insecurity. Through ShopRite Partners In Caring, the cooperative has contributed more than $65 million to over 2,500 charities and hunger-fighting organizations since the program’s inception in 1999.
“Wakefern members represent family-owned businesses and live and work in the communities where their supermarkets operate,” said Sean McMenamin, Wakefern chair and president of Philadelphia-based McMenamin Family ShopRite. “We know the people who come into our stores – they are friends and neighbors. We’ve watched their kids grow up, celebrated milestones with them, and now, in this challenging moment, we want to help make things a little better for those who are struggling.”
