Greater Boston Food Bank Names Stop & Shop to Cornerstone Circle

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), named Stop & Shop as the only corporation to enter its newly-created Cornerstone Circle, a level of giving that recognizes donors that contribute more than $500,000 annually. The supermarket company is GBFB’s number one food donor, providing the food bank with more than two million pounds of food almost every year for more than 20 years; Stop & Shop has been a food donor since GBFB’s inception in 1981.

GBFB created the Cornerstone Circle to recognize Stop & Shop’s continued support of funds, food, and volunteer hours; Stop & Shop contributes more than $700,000 annually and has given GBFB more than $5.3 million since the hunger-relief organization’s inception. Stop & Shop was part of GBFB’s inaugural Leadership Circle five years ago and moved its way up to the President’s Circle three years ago by contributing more than $250,000 annually.  

“Stop & Shop’s continued support and dedication to the food bank is nothing short of amazing,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of GBFB. “They are a valued partner, from running our largest annual cause campaign to making a significant donation toward our efforts to feed hungry children and families.”

Stop & Shop’s leaders have been very involved with GBFB, serving in a variety of roles including on the board of directors and board of advisors; Mark McGowan, president of the Stop & Shop New England Division, currently serves on GBFB’s board of directors, and Judi Palmer, director of marketing and external communication at Stop & Shop, currently serves on the board of advisors.

“We are incredibly proud of our over thirty year partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank,” said Mark McGowan. “It is through this partnership that we are helping to feed the hungry in the communities our stores serve.”

For three years, the supermarket company has been a lead sponsor of the food bank’s Festival, an annual fundraising event that raises more than $1.2 million annually, providing more than 3.6 million healthy meals to those in need in eastern Massachusetts. GBFB recognized Stop & Shop in 2011 as its Food Donor of the Year and in 2008 with its Founder’s Award, which is given to an individual or organization that demonstrates extraordinary leadership in philanthropic and human services by donating money, food, and time.