AFS in the News Retailer News

Utah Grocery Stores Donate More than 285,800 Meals to Families in Need

Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market Donate to Utah Food Bank
There are a lot of questions at the beginning of the school year, but Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market are making sure that where food will come from isn’t one of them. The Utah-owned grocery stores donated $165,518 worth of food to Utah Food Bank’s Mobile School Pantry program Thursday to help fight food insecurity, especially among children.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to help the youngest members of our community have a great school year by providing nutritious to the Mobile School Pantry program,” said Gary McCloud, operations manager for Associated Retail Operations, which owns the five stores. “This donation wouldn’t be possible without the great support of our community and we’re so thankful for their generosity.”

On Thursday, 10 members of the Associated Retail Operations team, which owns the five grocery banners, visited Edison Elementary in Salt Lake City to staff the Mobile School Pantry for the afternoon. Utah Food Bank’s Mobile School Pantry program provides a free monthly food distribution point for students and their families directly from the school playground. More than 65 schools across Utah participate in the program. During Thursday’s donation event, ARO helped 160 families.

“Utah Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Associated Retail Operations and their customers for taking such a stand against hunger,” said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank Chief Development Officer. “With one in five Utah children likely to miss a meal today due to lack of resources, their donation will have a great impact on those we serve through our Mobile School Pantry program.”

Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market have partnered with Utah Food Bank since 2009 to provide food to families in need. Over the last seven years, the stores have provided 285,801 meals to families in need through the yearly Season to Share donation and other activities. The 2017 Season to Share drive to benefit the Mobile School Pantry program will begin November 1 at all locations.

AFS in the News Press Releases

Five Grocery Stores Ensure Kids Go Back to School with Full Tummies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Five Grocery Stores Ensure Kids Go Back to School with Full Tummies
Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market donate more than $165,000 to Utah Food Bank
Salt Lake City, UT (September 6, 2017) Back to school signals a fresh start with new pencils, notebooks, and other school essentials and five community grocery stores are making sure everyone has the food fuel they need to succeed. Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market are donating $165,518 worth of product to Utah Food Bank’s Mobile School Pantry program, which provides a free monthly food distribution point for students and their families directly from the school playground. The donation will take place at Edison Elementary in Salt Lake City tomorrow.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to help the youngest members of our community have a great school year by providing nutritious to the Mobile School Pantry program,” said Gary McCloud, operations manager for Associated Retail Operations, which owns the five stores. “This donation wouldn’t be possible without the great support of our community and we’re so thankful for their generosity.”

“Utah Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Associated Retail Operations and their customers for taking such a stand against hunger,” said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank Chief Development Officer. “With one in five Utah children likely to miss a meal today due to lack of resources, their donation will have a great impact on those we serve through our Mobile School Pantry program.”

WHAT: Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market make $165,517.77 donation to Utah Food Bank to benefit the                     Mobile School Pantry and other programs.

WHEN: September 7, 2017
3 p.m.

WHERE: Edison Elementary School
466 South Cheyenne Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
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About Associated Retail Operations
Started in 1999, Associated Retail Operations (ARO) consists of five independent grocery banners based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. ARO operates 42 stores across Utah under the Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market banners. ARO is a subsidiary of Associated Food Stores, an independent, retailer-owned wholesaler also based in Salt Lake City. To learn more about the stores visit:

www.maceys.com
www.linsgrocery.com
www.dansfoods.com
www.dicksmarket.com
www.freshmarketstores.com

About Utah Food Bank

Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but remains true to its mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide by providing food to a statewide network of 141 emergency food pantries and agencies. Last fiscal year, Utah Food Bank distributed 38.1 million pounds of food and goods, the equivalent of approximately 31.8 million meals, to families and individuals in need.  For more information about Utah Food Bank, visit www.utahfoodbank.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UtahFoodBank and Twitter at www.twitter.com/UtahFoodBank.

Media Contact
Rachael Wabel
rmwabel@afstores.com
801-978-8913