News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE:
 November 12, 2021
CONTACT: Kathy Sautter
716 635 5577

   
TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS LAUNCHES 11TH ANNUAL FOOD FOR FAMILIES CAMPAIGN IN ERIE
Williamsville, N.Y. – As we enter into the giving season, now more than ever our fellow neighbors are in need of your help. According to the US Department of Agriculture over 38 million people, including over 11 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2020 with no signs of that number decreasing. 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 Friendly Markets is proud to once again host its annual Food for Families Campaign, now in its 11th year, with a goal to provide more than 2.5 million meals for our neighbors in need. As Tops launches its Food for Families campaign November 14 - December 24, 2021, we ask that you consider 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://topsmarkets.com/LittleBrownBags 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 24, 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 10, 2021 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

“In central Pennsylvania, there are more than 330,000 individuals, including families, children, seniors and veterans, who are still facing impossible choices between buying groceries or paying for other critical expenses such as housing, medication or childcare,” said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “We are so thankful to Tops Markets for their continued support and the important role their Little Brown Bag of Hope Campaign plays as we head into the holiday season and work to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious meals so they don’t have to make those tough choices.”

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves Bradford, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union Counties.

“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,” said Karen Seggi, CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.

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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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