In 2021, our communities continued to feel the strain of the pandemic, with many people relying on non-profit organizations and other agencies for assistance. Through the help of our customers and community partners, millions of dollars were donated to help feed, house, and care for our neighbors. Our annual checkout scanning campaigns raised more than $4 million this year for our 47 local food bank partners, the Salvation Army (central Virginia), United Way (Buffalo and Southern Tier, NY), the Rescue Mission (Syracuse, NY), Feed a Friend (Pennsylvania), and Harvest for Hunger/Catholic Charities of Broome County (Johnson City, NY).

“Our customers have been incredibly generous this year, donating without hesitation to their local scanning campaigns,” says Linda Lovejoy, Wegmans community relations manager. “The money raised goes directly back into the community to help local non-profits serving your neighbors in need. From feeding the hungry to providing safe housing, these organizations provide vital services. Thank you to our amazing customers, employees, and community partners for your willingness to lend a helping hand every day.”

Below are just a few examples of the ways your generous donations have made a positive impact in your community:

Maryland Food Bank
When Bethlehem Steel ceased their Baltimore operations in 2012, Tracey Coleman’s family and thousands of others in the area found themselves scrambling for financial resources and food. “I just felt like helping others was something that I wanted to put some time and effort into, so I reached out to partner with the Maryland Food Bank to bring some food into the community,” Tracey explained. Together, Tracey and the Foodbank created a program that still provides food for 2,500 families monthly. They teamed up again in 2021 to open a new food pantry at the school where Tracey works. Initially, the new pantry will provide food and nutrition education to about 150 families, with plans to expand in the future.

Food Bank of South Jersey
At 77, Rosario has been a widow for more than 12 years, living alone while her nearest relatives are in a neighboring state. Once a month, she visits a food pantry in her town to help fill her cupboards with fresh produce, canned goods, meat, and other staples. “I could not do without going to the food pantry,” Rosario shares. “I depend on the food I get – it’s important for my life. The food pantry is how I have enough food to make it from one month to the next – it is how I survive and stay as healthy as I can be at this time of my life.”

Salvation Army of Central Virginia
Nykirah found herself homeless after losing her job during the pandemic, while caring for her sick mother and three sons. She came to The Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Shelter for a safe place to sleep and received case management support and a network of resources. “I can’t even describe in words what this program has done for me and my family,” said Nykirah. Through the help of the Salvation Army, she regained employment and was able to move into an apartment with her boys. Nykirah is now working toward purchasing a home of her own.

Food Bank of the Southern Tier
Since Terry Ross lost her home in a fire nine years ago, she has struggled to make ends meet. Her income didn’t qualify her for the SNAP program, and through disability and retirement, she’s become a regular at the Enfield Food Pantry. “More than just a place to get food, the Enfield Food Pantry provides community, where pantry director Jean Owens and the volunteer staff greet and get to know clients,” Terry says. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier provides Terry and thousands of others with necessary household items as well as treats to make the holidays special. “Some of us wouldn’t have a turkey or ham at the holidays, and the pantry has all the trimmings to make a great holiday meal. Not just the basics, but some goodies, too,” says Terry. “Without the food, it’s not even a holiday; it’s just a sad day.”

This holiday season and all year long, we are so grateful for your kindness, caring, and generosity. Together, we can make our neighborhoods stronger.