We all want to help the hungry, especially during the holidays. But many of us don’t know an easy way to do it that won’t cut into our already-jammed schedules full of work and chores and holiday to-dos. But this season, your local Mariano’s is taking the pain out of donating.
Mariano’s is leading a community effort to donate One Million Pounds of food to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository this December.
That One Million Pounds is equal to about 500 pallets of food – enough to fill over 25 trailer trucks. YOU can make it happen this December in one of two ways – while you’re shopping for your own household:
- Donate non-perishable, non-expired food items at any Mariano’s location. Designated bins will be set up at each store for your contributions. Please, no cleaning supplies or health and beauty items.
- Or, even easier, just purchase food donation bags for $1, $5 or $10 at the checkout at all Mariano’s locations
Mariano’s will also be partnering with vendors and with local schools and business to increase donations.
“During this season of giving, we are grateful for Mariano.’s steadfast support in the fight against hunger,” said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “Through the One Million Pounds program, Mariano’s is making it easy for shoppers and vendors to support the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank in our daily work to provide nutritious food, and hope, for our neighbors in need.`
Donate any of the following items: canned proteins (tuna, chicken), peanut butter, canned beans, oatmeal, soup, canned tomatoes/pasta sauce, pasta, rice (brown preferred), dried beans/lentils and mac & cheese. Keep in mind items must be non-perishable and, if at all possible, low-sodium.
“Together with Greater Chicago Food Depository, we serve more than 1.4 million men, women and children each year,” said Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank. “Without partners like Mariano’s and the One Million Pounds program, we simply would not be able to do that and we are so grateful – especially during the holiday season.”
Additional details on the One Million Pounds initiative can be found on Mariano’s Facebook, Twitter and website at www.marianos.com. Hashtag: #MarianosMillionPounds and #MyMarianos.
Mariano’s, owned by Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR).