As a food company, we’re acutely aware of the realities of hunger in America. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 Americans may have experienced food insecurity in the past year* alone, and the issue is not new. We’ve been working with our associates, vendors, and customers to fight hunger for decades, refining our local approach year after year to help people who are struggling. We identify the most pressing needs in our communities and collaborate with local leaders to ensure our impact is focused and effective. Check out some of the ongoing programs we’re proud to spearhead, embracing the values that have guided us for more than 75 years.
*Source: Feeding America, “The Impact of the Coronavirus on Food Insecurity in 2020 & 2021”
ShopRite Partners In Caring was established in 1999 as a community-based, hunger-fighting initiative that supports thousands of local charities. For 25 years and counting, the program has raised money for soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers and other organizations committed to providing wholesome meals and food. In total, ShopRite Partners In Caring donates $3.5 million every year to over 2,500 hunger fighting organizations.
Wakefern and ShopRite work with America’s Grow-a-Row, whose mission is to positively impact as many lives as possible through volunteer efforts of planting, picking, rescuing and delivering free fresh produce people in need. Every year, associates gather at America’s Grow-a-Row in Pittstown, NJ. Wakefern’s Transportation Team loans refrigerated trailers to America’s Grow-a-Row so they can deliver over 300,000 lbs. of fresh produce to local food banks.
The pollinator garden and bees helped increase yields from 75,000 pounds of apples for donation to neighbors in need in 2020 to over 161,000 pounds of apples in 2021 -- more than doubling the yield in just one year.
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Since 1992, Wakefern/ShopRite has been the title sponsor for the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, New Jersey’s premier women’s golf event. We are proud to support women’s golf and host some of the best players in the world while also helping communities. Proceeds from the event provide over $1.5 million in grants to charitable groups each year, totaling over $35 million since the event’s inception. Check out the full list of charity partners here, most of which focus on food insecurity, health, education and wellness in our local communities.
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In addition to fighting food insecurity, Wakefern is proud to support and advocate for over 100 unique organizations committed to changing communities for the better. These charities include hospital and health foundations, regional foundations, educational programs, disaster relief programs and more. From financial support to volunteerism and awareness efforts, we stand ready to help.
Wakefern/ShopRite celebrates the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation in its efforts to fund breast cancer research, increase access to care, support our community, and commit to action. Year after year, ShopRite supports the foundation as associates proudly wear pink and volunteer at local races, providing food and encouragement to thousands of survivors and their families.
Learn moreWakefern supports this organization through the NJSIAA ShopRite Cup, an annual award presented to the top high school athletic programs in New Jersey. Youth athletics play a vital role in developing confident, well-rounded adults, and we amplify that message by honoring young men and women who contribute to their school’s success.
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