Local grocery stores raise $245,127 during Check Out Hunger campaign

Shoppers throughout the Southern Tier donated $245,127 to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier during this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign, which will provide 735,381 meals for people struggling with hunger. 

The total was announced today at the end of the Food Bank’s GratiTOUR, a 10-hour, 15-stop celebration at each participating grocery store: Jubilee Foods, Save-A-Lot, Tops Friendly Markets, and Wegmans. 

Total amounts given by shoppers were announced at each store and several dedicated cashiers were honored with the Golden Cash Register Award for outstanding efforts on behalf of Check Out Hunger. 

This is the 25th year that the Food Bank has partnered with local grocery stores for Check Out Hunger. Check Out Hunger is the Food Bank’s largest community giving campaign. Shoppers donate at the register in the amounts of $2, $3, $5 or any amount they choose to help provide meals for Southern Tier families. This year’s campaign ran Jan. 27 through March 2. 

“We are so grateful to our wonderful grocery partners and their generous customers for their continued support,” said Natasha Thompson, president and CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, adding, “Fundraisers like Check Out Hunger help to ensure that more people in the Southern Tier have full pantries and happier, healthier lives.” 

All donations made during Check Out Hunger stay within the community. According to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, one in eight people are considered “food insecure” in the region and may struggle to access affordable, healthy food. 

To learn more about the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, visit www.foodbankst.org.