Wegmans: A Committed Partner in Fighting Hunger
September 18, 2024
At the Food Bank of Delaware, we’re grateful for the ongoing support of partners who share our mission of creating a community free of hunger. Wegmans is deeply committed to hunger relief and community engagement.
Stephen Jones serves as Wegmans Service Area Manager and is proud to work for an organization that is making a positive impact. Stephen has been with Wegmans for 19 years and says that Wegmans has been focused on “providing healthier, better food for the community.”
Food Bank of Delaware partner agencies Rosehill Community Center and the Salvation Army pick up regular fresh food donations from the Wilmington store. Some of those donations include fresh bagels, pastries, and produce that, while not up to the company’s rigorous sales standards, are still high-quality and nutritious.
Wegmans’ impact goes beyond just food donations. In addition to supporting hunger relief with fresh, quality food, they also donate financial resources. Some recent fundraising efforts, include the Runs to End Hunger campaign in partnership with the Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball team. Every time a home run was hit at a Blue Rocks game, Wegmans made a donation to the Food Bank of Delaware. At the end of the year, they round up the donations, typically resulting in a generous $2,000 contribution that helps support important programs like our Backpack Program initiative, ensuring children have access to meals on the weekends.
“We are grateful for our relationship with Wegmans,” said Food Bank of Delaware Director of Food Acquisition Zack Kellerman. “Wegmans understands the importance of nutritious food for everyone in our community. From food to financial resources, they are committed to our mission.”
Wegmans has a hands-on approach to charitable giving through their Fill the Bus and Checkout for Hunger campaigns, which encourage their customers to contribute directly. These initiatives not only help raise funds but also raise awareness about food insecurity in local communities.
One of the key strengths of Wegmans’ community involvement is their localized approach. Stephen explained that all donation requests are funneled to the nearest store to ensure that their giving directly benefits the communities where Wegmans employees work and live.
To engage employees in the charitable giving process, each store has a community team that reviews donation requests and makes decisions together, ensuring that their charitable budget is used to its fullest potential.
Thank you, Wegmans, for helping us to create a community free of hunger!
