Stop & Shop aims to donate $2.5 million for hunger relief

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Stop & Shop hopes to raise $2.5 million for hunger relief during the holiday season, the Ahold USA-owned supermarket chain said Friday.

Customers can donate $1, $3 or $5 at stores to help support more than 300 hunger-relief organizations across the Northeast under the Food for Friends program, of which 60% will go directly to food pantries, while 40% will go to regional food banks. "Trimmings boxes" cost $10 and include nonperishable items like cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, cut green beans and other items; the company hopes to sell all 58,000 of the boxes before the end of the year. The company also plans to donate more than 21,000 turkeys to hunger-relief organizations.

"As a food retailer, we aim to be a better neighbor all year long, and sharing meals with those in need is an important part of what we do," Stop & Shop New England president Joe Kelley said. "For nearly 100 years, we've been providing fresh, healthy and affordable food to families and are proud to continue our hunger relief programs through the holiday season."