Fresh Grocer Staffers Help Hunger Relief

Fresh Grocer associates, managers and executive staff members have been volunteering at Philabundance, Southeastern Pennsylvania’s largest food bank and hunger relief organization, this summer.

“The Fresh Grocer is committed to our community and values opportunities that allow us to make a difference,” said Patrick J. Burns, Fresh Grocer president and CEO. “We are fervent in our efforts to support charitable organizations and encourage our associates to participate. Philabundance is an admirable organization and it is inspiring to see so many employees excited to volunteer.”

Staff members from all seven Fresh Grocer locations signed up to volunteer their time throughout the summer. June and July brought the first two groups of Fresh Grocer volunteers to extend helping hands at the non-profit food cupboard.

As Philabundance receives food donations, volunteers help to sort through, label and store the food items for repacking and distribution. In about two hours, the first group of Fresh Grocer volunteers packed more than 11,000 pounds of food.

“Philabundance can’t thank Fresh Grocer volunteers enough; they sorted and packed a total of 11,760 pounds of food for our neighbors in need,” said David Chiles, senior manager of volunteers at Philabundance. “We couldn’t operate without volunteers to help us move food through our warehouse which goes out into the communities to those who need it most.”

A month later, Fresh Grocer’s second volunteer group exceeded that number by a few thousand pounds. More volunteer dates are scheduled for August.

Philabundance provides food access to people in need in partnership with organizations and individuals, providing services to nearly 500 member agencies in nine counties, who serve approximately 65,000 people per week at an aggregate cost of 50 cents per meal.

The Fresh Grocer is an independent supermarket chain specializing in high-quality perishables with seven stores in the greater Philadelphia area.

IN THE PHOTOS: Fresh Grocer associates Latania McDowell and Erik Schwabe take a second to pose for a photo while packaging rice into smaller portions; Fresh Grocer volunteers at the Philabundance warehouse in Philadelphia.