Stop & Shop Rolls Out 'Support Our Troops' Program

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC has launched its Support Our Troops program for a second year to aid military service members and their families.

Customers are able to donate $1 at checkout, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 13, to benefit the USO and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). To thank customers who contribute to the program, Stop & Shop is giving out a booklet with $4 worth of coupons.

"It's because of … partnerships [such as the one with Stop & Shop] that the USO is able to continually support, comfort, connect and entertain troops and their families in new and meaningful ways," said Jean Mallon, director of Boston-based USO New England.

"Our vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of injured service members in our nation’s history," noted Brea Kratzert, director of strategic partnerships for Jacksonville, Fla.-based WWP. "The only way we are able to work toward that audacious goal is because of the generosity of the American people and corporations like Stop & Shop. The Support Our Troops program is a tremendous opportunity for us to raise funds and bring awareness to the lifetime needs of warriors."

Support Our Troops raised more than $100,000 last year. All proceeds go directly to support service members, veterans and their families, including many who live in Stop & Shop's market area.

"This campaign truly benefits our heroes and honors their sacrifices by supporting organizations that provide them with the programs and services they and their families need to live healthy and resilient lives," observed Joe Kelley, president of Stop & Shop New England division, in Quincy, Mass.

An Ahold USA company, Stop & Shop employs about 59,000 associates and operates 395 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. Ahold USA was named Progressive Grocer's Retailer of the Year for 2014.