Join Albertsons Companies to Give the Gift of Food

The holidays are a special time of year for families to gather around a bountiful meal and celebrate their good fortune. However, the holidays can also be a particularly difficult time of year to experience food insecurity – that means not all household members know where their next meal is coming from at all times. A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) study found that ~48.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households in 2014.

The Feeding America network of food banks is leading the fight against hunger in communities nationwide by serving over 46 million Americans in need.  Albertsons Companies also strives to be a responsible steward in its local communities and is proud to donate food to the Feeding America network at the “Visionary Partner” contribution level. The Visionary Partner is the highest status awarded to organizations which have made leading philanthropic investments, including aggregate donations of 40 million pounds or more of food and grocery products each year. Over the past two years, the Albertsons Companies family of stores (including Albertsons, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, Vons) have donated more than 200 million pounds of food (and counting). This is the equivalent of more than 169 million meals.  According to Jonathan Mayes, the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs/Government Relations/Philanthropy/Sustainability at Albertsons Companies:

“Reducing food waste is an important priority for Albertsons as part of our commitment to create better lives, vibrant neighborhoods, and a healthier planet. As a member of the USDA and EPA food waste reduction challenge, we are focused on minimizing food waste. We also are providing safe and nutritious food to local food banks, and raising funds through our Hunger Is program to help feed thousands of hungry children each year. Feeding America has been a great partner in helping us to achieve our goals.”

Albertsons Companies family of stores works closely with Feeding America to increase the range of products that can be donated, in addition to maintaining high food safety standards and assuring proper temperatures from pickup at the store to delivery of products to those in need. Matt Knott, the President of Feeding America, is also pleased with the continued partnership, he noted:

“Albertsons Companies, is a longstanding food donor to the Feeding America network. They continue to support food banks across the nation through a broad range of donation initiatives. Feeding America is grateful for our partnership with Albertsons Companies.”

Three Square is just one example of a local food bank that has benefitted from Albertsons Companies store donations. Three Square’s mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while pursuing a hunger-free community. They do this through providing food rescue, food storage, and ready to eat meals for Southern Nevada residents.

Three Square recognized Albertsons as a top giving partner and one of three organizations at the “Community Champion” level of more than 1,000,000 lbs of donations. These donations assist their 600 Program Partners to feed more than 137,000 people each month, more than 54,000 of whom are children. “One in six people don’t know where their next meal is coming from, which is why partnerships like Albertsons are vital to Three Square,” said Brian Burton, president and CEO of Three Square Food Bank. “Albertsons participation with multiple in-store programs benefiting Three Square, and their commitment to food rescue has made a large impact on the fight against hunger in our community. Their overall contribution to Three Square of more than 31 million pounds of food and approximately 64 thousand dollars in donations has made it possible for us to return more than 26 million meals in Southern Nevada. We are truly thankful for their continuous support.”

In addition to direct food donations, Albertsons and Vons also have a “Giving thanks” program in Southern Nevada which raises funds in increments of $1, $5, and $10 donations. Proceeds will be given to Three Square in time to provide holiday meals to families who may otherwise go without. Many of the Albertsons Companies grocery stores are also running similar donation campaigns. Ask your favorite local grocery store about how YOU can help participate in the spirit of giving this holiday season (and beyond).