With the price of nearly everything climbing, more families in Central New York are feeling the strain of hunger. To address this growing need, the Food Bank of Central New York has teamed up with regional grocery chain Wegmans for a new fundraiser called “Check Out Hunger.”
How the fundraiser works
Beginning Wednesday, every Wegmans location in the Central New York area will give shoppers the option to add a donation to their total at the register. The program is simple: customers can choose an amount—anywhere from a few dollars to a larger contribution—and the money will go directly to the Food Bank of Central New York.
Why the effort matters
Food Bank of Central New York reports that the demand for its services has risen sharply as grocery prices continue to increase. The organization provides emergency food assistance, nutrition education, and a network of partner agencies that deliver meals to those in need. By partnering with Wegmans, the Food Bank hopes to broaden its donor base and secure additional resources to keep families fed.
Community response
Local residents have expressed strong support for the initiative. “Every little bit helps,” said longtime volunteer Maria Hernandez, who has worked with the Food Bank for over a decade. “When shoppers see the option at checkout, it reminds them that we’re all in this together and that a small contribution can make a big difference for a family struggling to put food on the table.”
Impact of donations
Funds raised through the “Check Out Hunger” campaign will be used to purchase fresh produce, pantry staples, and other essential items. The Food Bank also plans to expand its mobile pantry services, bringing food directly to neighborhoods where transportation barriers make it difficult for families to reach traditional distribution sites.
How to get involved
In addition to donating at checkout, community members can support the Food Bank by volunteering at local distribution centers, organizing food drives, or making direct online contributions through the Food Bank’s website. Wegmans employees are also encouraged to participate in volunteer shifts, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to service.
Looking ahead
The Food Bank of Central New York and Wegmans hope the fundraiser will become a recurring program, providing a steady stream of resources to combat hunger throughout the region. As the partnership gains momentum, both organizations are optimistic that the collective effort will help more families achieve food security during these challenging economic times.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
