ARLINGTON, VA. – February 13, 2014 – The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today announced the six winners of its 2013 Community Outreach Awards. The awards recognize the creative, charitable programs established and carried out by food retailers to enhance the lives of those in the communities they serve.
“These programs, and all those submitted, serve as vivid reminders that the longstanding tradition of the neighborhood supermarket enriching the life of its community is alive and well,” said David Fikes, FMI’s vice president of communications and consumer affairs. “Reaching well beyond the food they provide their shoppers, grocery stores seek to be an involved light in the local community, a beacon of shining hope.”
Two winners were selected across three categories: programs addressing food insecurity, youth development and neighborhood health improvement programs. Entries were judged based on criteria including participation, community need and impact. Each of the six winners will receive $1,000 from FMI to further their program:
Programs Addressing Food insecurity
- PCC Natural Market: Shoppers contribute cash donations and reusable bag rebates to fund the purchase of bulk food, which is repackaged at bi-monthly parties at 10 partner food pantries.
- Hy-Vee: This yearly campaign, created in 2002 to reenergize a 25-year-old partnership with Iowa’s largest food pantry, showcases Hy-Vee associates’ creativity and consumers’ generosity.
Neighborhood Health Improvement Programs
- Klein’s ShopRite of Maryland: Through a partnership with the City of Baltimore and nonprofits, the event allowed citizens to voluntarily surrender guns and receive a $100 ShopRite gift card.
- First Alternative Co-Op: Shoppers using reusable bags place their vote between charities and, over the course of the year, 16 charities receive a proportional donation.
Youth Development Programs
- Safeway: High-schoolers from local underserved communities participate in workshops and activities structured to help students achieve professional success despite life challenges.
- Big Y Food Stores, Inc.: This youth program focuses on Y-AIM: (a)chieve academically, (i)spire to attend college, (m)ove toward personal, family and community advancement.
For Media:
Winner’s profile pages
Database of past nominations
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
