For Immediate Release
2020 Company Donations Included More than 235,000 pounds of Heathy, Shelf-Stable Items, Equaling More than 196,000 Meals
MODESTO, CA (February 16, 2021) — 2020 was a year in which many communities and households throughout California and Northern Nevada faced unprecedented challenges of food insecurity intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to economic uncertainty, food insecurity may continue to increase; therefore, The Save Mart Companies has renewed its annual commitment to helping local neighborhoods and families in 2021.
This past year, the company donated in excess of 235,000 pounds of healthy, shelf-stable items, which resulted in providing more than 196,000 meals. Additionally, through the companies’ “Fresh Rescue” program, another 5.3 million pounds of produce and other perishable food items were donated to local food banks in a companywide effort to mitigate the impact of food insecurity.
“So many in the communities we serve continue to face food insecurity, uncertain where their next meal will come from,” said Hal Levitt, senior vice president Retail Operations, The Save Mart Companies. “Our long-standing tradition is a meaningful and deep partnership with local food banks throughout California and Northern Nevada, the unsung heroes who provide so much to those in need.”
“Second Harvest is proud of the long partnership we have with The Save Mart Companies. It goes well beyond the grocery fresh rescue, which has proven to be a fantastic asset to our agency partners,” said Jessica Vaughn, development director, Second Harvest Food Bank San Joaquin & Stanislaus Counties. “The Save Mart Companies has sponsored programs that allow us to directly feed our community fresh grocery items. Throughout the pandemic they have made sure that we have the food necessary to continue what we do without interruption.”
Over time and through these established relationships, the company has been able to create the most efficient ways to get food directly to families from strategically placed distribution centers to its partner food banks. The Save Mart Companies also conducted annual and seasonal fundraising programs raising over $350,000 from the generosity of its shoppers, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to local food banks.
“We are especially grateful to our shoppers for joining with us in the fight to eliminate food scarcity throughout the year and not just during the holidays,” added Levitt.
In 2020, the company made 30 donations to local food banks to help supplement meals in the communities Save Mart, Lucky, Lucky California and FoodMaxx stores serve. The company is committed to continuing the priority of local food bank donations in 2021.
“We are honored to work with The Save Mart Companies in the fight against hunger in Central California,” said Kym Dildine, co-chief executive officer, Central California Food Bank. “As our neighbors struggled through the economic impacts of COVID-19, The Save Mart Companies stepped forward and provided food and financial support to ensure that people had access to food in their time of need.”
The Save Mart Companies is steadfast in its mission to eradicating food scarcity in the local communities and neighborhoods where their stores operate in 2021 and beyond.
About The Save Mart Companies
The Save Mart Companies operates 204 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of FoodMaxx, Lucky and Save Mart. The Save Mart Companies is committed to sourcing a wide variety of local products to communities throughout California and Northern Nevada. In addition to its retail operation, the company also operates Smart Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries (SSI), which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock. For more information on the company, please visit: www.TheSaveMartCompanies.com.