Stories of Impact from Hunger Action Month
September marked Hunger Action Month, a time when communities across Pennsylvania came together to tackle food insecurity head-on. For several PFMA members, this was more than just a campaign – it was a call to action. From creative initiatives to longstanding traditions, these organizations found ways to make a difference in the lives of people facing hunger.
Redner’s Markets: Turning Generosity Into Meals
At Redner’s Markets, giving back is part of the culture. This Hunger Action Month, they partnered with Feeding America for their “Bag Hunger” program. Shoppers joined the effort by donating at checkout, raising funds to support local food banks.
Every dollar donated translated into three meals, meaning that Redner’s $50,000 goal would provide 150,000 meals to families in need. Hunger affects one in six children in our country. Redner’s didn’t just raise money, they also raised awareness. Inviting their community to share in the fight against hunger.
The Giant Company: A Grocery Grab With Heart
The Giant Company took a fun approach this year with their “Grocery Grab” event, benefiting Feeding PA and two local food banks: Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania.
The event brought people together in the spirit of friendly competition. It wasn’t just about collecting food – it was about showing how much can be accomplished when people work together. Giant’s efforts remind us that tackling hunger requires creativity, collaboration, and heart.
Wawa’s Fly Beyond Program: Nourishing More Than Bodies
Wawa has always been more than a convenience store – it’s a cornerstone of the community. This year, their “Fly Beyond” program focused on getting fresh, nutritious food to underserved kids.
Partnering with Philabundance, Wawa provided a $200,000 grant to relaunch the Healthy Snack Children’s Program, which offers after-school, backpack, and weekend meals for kids. These meals are designed to be fun! Giving kids a positive relationship with food.
Weis Markets: A Tradition of Fighting Hunger
For Weis Markets, Hunger Action Month has been a tradition for 16 years. Their Fight Hunger Campaign encouraged customers to round up their orders or donate at checkout, raising funds for local food pantries.
But Weis didn’t stop there. Their Fall Rewards program gave customers even more reason to participate by allowing them to earn points toward discounted groceries. It’s a thoughtful way to give back while making it easier for families to put food on their own tables. Weis’s commitment is proof that small actions, when multiplied, can make a big difference.
Why It Matters
Hunger Action Month is a reminder of the challenges our communities face. It’s also a testament to what’s possible when we work together. Whether it’s through a donation, a fundraiser, or simply raising awareness, every effort counts. This September, PFMA members showed us the power of taking action. ■
“The Fly Beyond key issue grant is a significant effort to fight food insecurity in our communities and will focus on programs emphasizing that good, nutritious food can build healthy habits, support the success of students and help them thrive. We were thrilled with the programs submitted as they were aimed at providing consistent access to nutritious and healthy meals for kids. By supporting these programs and our partners, we hope to inspire others, raise awareness and reach more youth to achieve their greatest potential. We are very excited to begin to share our Fly Beyond mission with our newest Food Bank partners in the Midwest as we begin our expansion to these new markets.”
“As PFMA members, we are thrilled to see how retail members support food insecure Pennsylvanians by working collaboratively with our food banks across the state, making major grocery donations, holding awareness events, and even staffing volunteer shifts. Retailers are essential partners in the charitable food system.”
