Shaw’s/Star Market Provides Nearly 200K Meals to Needy

Shaw's and Star Market customers donated more than 259,000 pounds of food to more than 140 local hunger relief organizations through the banners' Spirit of Giving food drive, which took place Nov. 27 -Jan. 1. Bags of groceries purchased by shoppers will provide more than 199,000 meals to needy area residents. Along with customer donations, Shaw's and Star Market gave an additional $52,000 to local anti-hunger groups.

Shopper participants in the campaign purchased virtual pre-assembled bags containing nonperishable food for $5, $10 or $15. Once collected, the food was sent directly to community food banks and pantries throughout Shaw's and Star Market's operating area of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island. All 155 Shaw's and Star Market locations took part in the program.

The conclusion of the food drive saw the culmination of several holiday hunger relief efforts by the West Bridgewater, Mass.-based banners. In November, customers gave $220,000 during the Turkey Bucks fundraising campaign to help get Thanksgiving dinners on the table of those who would otherwise have gone without. These donations provided more than 4,000 complete holiday meals to area food pantries.