Company : Bi-Lo Holdings
Program category : 2014

Origins:

We brought the Summer Backpack Hunger Relief Program to life at our BI-LO banner after realizing that food bank supplies often ran low during the summer months. This shortage was combined with the fact that many children depend on their school to provide them with nutritious meals throughout the year and have nowhere to turn during summer break. We launched this program to help fill the gaps.

Contribution:

Between July 16 and Aug. 18, 2014, customers were encouraged to donate at any BI-LO, Harveys or Winn-Dixie grocery store register to benefit children in need in the Southeast. Every dollar donated went directly to regional food banks to help fill backpacks with nutritious, fresh foods.

Objectives:

The Summer Backpack Hunger Relief Program provides a quick and easy way for our communities to help give hungry children a nutritious meal.

Impact:

The program collectively donated $208,645 to 18 regional Feeding-America affiliated food banks.

Quote:

“As a community food provider, no issue touches the heart of our customers and associates more than hunger,” said Randall Onstead, President and CEO of Bi-Lo Holdings. “This program gives us a chance to help provide nutritious meals so the children in our communities can get a healthy start to life.”

Support Statement:

BI-LO Banner: “BI-LO’s Summer Backpack Community Donation Program raised over $17,000 for Harvest Hope, which provided more than 127,000 Backpacks to help our children overcome the pain of hunger and begin every school week ready to learn,” said Harvest Hope CEO Denise Holland. “Harvest Hope’s mission to provide hunger relief to South Carolina’s children is made possible with the continued help of generous and dedicated community partners like BI-LO.” Harveys Banner: “Harveys has been incredibly generous to Second Harvest for many years now – helping us feed tens of thousands of people across South Georgia,” said Second Harvest of South Georgia Chief Marketing Officer Eliza McCall. "We are thrilled about our continued partnership with Bi-Lo Holdings and are grateful for the commitment that the company shows in making a difference in the communities they serve.” Winn-Dixie Banner: “Winn-Dixie has long been an incredible supporter of those in the community who do not have enough food on their tables,” said Thomas Mantz, executive director of Feeding America Tampa Bay. “Through their most recent donation, we were able to provide 80,000 meals to children who do not have enough food to eat, and every one of those meals is so critically important to their health and welfare. A child who is properly nourished is able to learn, to grow, to live into their potential, a dream we all have for our kids. This type of gift and investment in the welfare of children is what makes Winn-Dixie such a great partner to all of us.”