News Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: November 3, 2020 |
CONTACT: Kathy Sautter 716 635 5577 |
TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS LAUNCHES 10TH ANNUAL FOOD FOR FAMILIES CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT FOOD BANKS IN PA | |
Williamsville, N.Y. – As we enter into the giving season, now more than ever our fellow neighbors are in need of your help. Even before the pandemic hit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 13.7 million homes or 10.5% of all homes in the United States experienced food insecurity at some point during 2019. That equates to more than 35 million Americans uncertain where their next meal might come from. And it hasn’t slowed down. As a matter of fact, many of the participating food banks that will benefit from this program have indicated that the need is up more than 40%. That is why Tops is proud to once again host its annual Food for Families Campaign, now in its 10th year, with a goal to provide 2 million meals for our neighbors in need. As Tops launches its Food for Families campaign November 8 - December 26, 2020 we ask that you considering making a donation the next time you shop in store or online. Tops Food for Families campaign is synonymous with The Little Brown Bag of Hope. Customers can easily purchase a Little Brown Bag of Hope paper icon at the register anytime they shop. At the register customers, will be asked if they want to support the campaign by buying a $5, $10, and/or $20 bag for someone in need in our community or to round up their change. Little Brown Bags which are filled with nutritious items that will help families extend their meal planning, can also be purchased at any self-scan register as well. Virtual Little Brown Bags of Hope will also be available for purchase online by simply visiting https://www.topsneighborshelpingneighbors.com/ so no matter what the weather, a donation can be made right from their phone, tablet, or desktop. Here customers can select what food bank they wish their donation to benefit. While donations can be made throughout the campaign until December 26, many locals love the tradition of bringing or purchasing their donation at the store on the day Tops hosts its one-day food drive. We’re grateful to be joined by local media sponsors WRTS 103.7, WXBB 94.7, and WTWF 93.9, as well as food bank volunteers on Friday, December 11, 2020 who will be helping to accept your donations. In light of COVID-19, our masked volunteers are happy to accept your donation from the trunk of your vehicle. Donations can be made throughout the day at the following Tops Friendly Market locations: 1702 East 38th Street, Erie PA 1520 West 26th Street, Erie PA 712 W 38th Street, Erie PA “The pandemic impacted countless lives. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is serving 200,000 people per month, up from the 135,000 served in the months just prior to the crisis. The demand for food is at an all-time high and our neighbors struggling with hunger need help now more than ever,” said Joe Arthur, Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “We are so thankful to Tops Markets for their continued support to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the important role their Little Brown Bag of Hope Campaign plays as we head into the holiday season to make sure everyone has food on their table.” The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves Bradford, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union Counties. Serving 11 counties in Northwest, PA including Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Venango and Warren counties is Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania. In speaking to Karen Seggi, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania noted, “Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is so thankful for the Tops Food for Families Food Drive as it enables us to provide for families in need during the holiday season, when budgets are especially tight. Thank you, Tops employees and customers!” ### Tops Markets, LLC is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 157 full-service supermarkets with five additional franchise stores and is the largest private, for-profit employer in Western New York. As a leading grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont, and with the support of 14,500 associates, our core mission is to help our communities flourish. We support programs that seek to eradicate hunger and disease; promote the education of our youth; and to ensure we reduce environmental waste and energy consumption while providing our customers with sustainably sourced, high quality products. For more information, visit www.topsmarkets.com
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