EMERYVILLE, California, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — About 5.4 million people in California are affected by food insecurityⁱ, which equals to 1 out of 8 Californians not having access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. As part of Grocery Outlet’s first anniversary in the Southern California market, the local independent operators from all 20 stores located in Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire launched a One-Year Anniversary Food Drive. Customers and employees will help address the issue of hunger by donating to those in need during the month of March. As part of Grocery Outlet’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community, the company will match up to $15,000 of the donations made by customers to contribute to the food banks.

“This initiative is a continuation of our commitment to being true partners of the communities we serve – from offering extreme savings up to 70% off on brand name products to raising awareness about food insecurity and the need to help address the issue,” said Brian Tademy, Senior Director of Field Marketing of Grocery Outlet. “This first year in Southern California has been marked by success and there is no better way to commemorate it than by helping families who struggle to access food on a daily basis.”

Throughout the entire month of March, Grocery Outlet will be collecting donations that will go directly to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino Food Bank (FARSB), three nonprofit organizations that distribute more than 101 million meals annually, assisting over 925,000 families and children each month.

Customers can make a difference by visiting their local Grocery Outlet store and participating in the One-Year Anniversary Food Drive by picking up a pre-made bag that is filled with an assortment of the groceries identified as part of the initiative. Customers can also ask their cashier to make a cash donation for $1 or $5, which will go directly to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino Food Bank.

The initiative led by Grocery Outlet has been welcomed by those relentlessly fighting food insecurity. As stated by Michael Flood, CEO and President of Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, “The support from Grocery Outlet will provide hope for children, adults and seniors throughout our community who struggle with hunger, and will mobilize valuable resources around this serious issue.” In addition, speaking on behalf of the Riverside and San Bernardino communities, Stuart Haniff, MHA-Chief Philanthropy Officer for FARSB, said, “Hungry men, women, and children throughout will benefit from the food and funds collected.” Lastly, and to reinforce the messages from her counterparts, Nicole Suydam, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, expressed words of appreciation for the help provided by Grocery Outlet to help end hunger in Orange County and beyond.

This program will build on Grocery Outlet’s past efforts, including the ‘Independence from Hunger’ campaign, a national food drive that collected more than 2.2 million dollars for local food assistance agencies across the country, helping advance the company’s greater goal of touching lives for the better.

About Grocery Outlet
Based in Emeryville, California, Grocery Outlet offers big savings on brand name products, with customers able to save 40% to 70% compared to conventional retailers. The fastest growing, extreme-value grocer in the U.S., Grocery Outlet has over 260 locations in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. Grocery Outlet carries a full range of products. From fresh produce, meat, deli and dairy to a wide assortment of natural and organic choices. They also offer a large selection of beer and wine, health and beauty care, as well as seasonal items. A third-generation, family-led company founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet’s mission has always been to provide customers an exciting place to find WOW savings on name brands they trust. Grocery Outlet stores are run by independent owner-operators in the local community. For more information, please visit www.GroceryOutlet.com.

For more information about the Food Banks, please visit the following websites:

• The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: lafoodbank.org.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Feeding America Riverside: FeedOC.org.
• Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino Food Bank (FARSB): feedingamericaie.org.

ⁱ Data collected from California Association of Food Banks: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/hunger-factsheet

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