Local food banks to benefit from Weis Markets drive

Hunger visits the homes of hundreds of Southern Tier families and Weis Markets is looking to do something about it.

Through the end of the month, the grocery chain will host its fifth annual Fight Hunger Food Drive at all of its locations. Weis will donate $200,000, and customers can donate food to local food banks, including the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in Elmira and the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse in Broome County.

In addition to food donations, the stores’ customers will also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers that can be purchased at any Weis Markets cash register.

All of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift cards, so they fulfill any gaps in their food supplies, according to Weis.

“Food banks and pantries continue to tell us their demand has grown significantly in recent years and that they expect it to continue to grow in the months ahead,” said David J. Hepfinger, Weis Markets president and chief executive officer.

“Our combined goal is to generate 1 million meals for the 12 food banks and 100 emergency food providers who are working with our stores.”

Items that can be donated include cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100 percent fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.

In addition to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and CHOW, Weis Markets will donate to food banks near its 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia.

Written by

Debbie Swartz