Save Mart donates more than 1 million pounds of food
Save Mart donates more than 1 million pounds of food
Save Mart Supermarkets announced perishable grocery donations from the chain’s 226 stores topped 1 million pounds in the first quarter of this year. The food, which includes produce, bakery, dairy, deli and frozen products, is collected daily by local area food banks as part of the Fresh Food Rescue program launched in March 2012 by the Modesto, CA-based grocer and Feeding America, one of the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organizations.
“We are honored to work with our partner, Feeding America, on the Fresh Food Rescue program,” Alicia Rockwell, Save Mart’s public affairs director, said in a press release. “This vitally important initiative allows us to channel perishable food items that are no longer saleable, yet still safe for consumption, into the hands and the homes of many families in our communities who would otherwise go without. Our goal is to donate a total of 4 million pounds of perishable groceries by the end of the 2013.”
According to Rockwell, store personnel follow strict guidelines to ensure the integrity and safety of all donated food. Preparation of product includes removal from the sales floor, freezing, separating and labeling for pick-up.
“We value our long-standing partnership with Save Mart and the passion we share in the fight against hunger,” Eric Davis, director of retail product sourcing for Feeding America, said in the release. “The 1 million pounds of food they donated between January and March through Fresh Food Rescue provided 882,000 nutritious meals to our neighbors in need, and that is truly appreciated.”