Shaw’s and Star Market “Spirit of Giving” Food Drive Provides Meals to Food Insecure

Shaw’s and Star Market customers put their fellow neighbors first this past holiday season by donating more than 259,000 pounds of food  to more than 140 local hunger relief organizations through the  “Spirit of Giving” food drive.  Thanks to the generosity of Shaw’s and Star Marker customers, these bags will provide more than 199,000 meals to those in need of local hunger relief. In addition, Shaw’s and Star Market donated an additional $52,000 to support local organizations get food to those in need, company officials add. According to the USDA, one in seven U.S. households experienced food insecurity last year.  Through the Spirit of Giving program, Shaw’s and Star Market, along with its customers, works to ensure that local food banks are well-stocked and prepared to feed those in need around the holidays and into the New Year. From November 27th through January 1st, Shaw’s and Star Market customers were able to purchase virtual pre-assembled bags that contain much-needed non-perishable food for $5, $10 or $15. Once collected, the food was sent directly to community food banks and pantries throughout Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island. All 155 Shaw’s and Star Market locations worked to identify local organizations within their communities who will be the recipients of the food. The conclusion of the Spirit of Giving food drive marked the culmination of several holiday hunger relief efforts from Shaw’s and Star Market. In November, customers raised  $220,000 during the company’s “Turkey Bucks” fundraising campaign to help get Thanksgiving dinners on the table of those in need.  These donations enabled local food pantries to receive more than 4,000 complete Thanksgiving dinners. For more information about Shaw’s and Star Market Spirit of Giving program visit http://www.shaws.com/2014/11/spirit-of-giving-food-drive/