Wakefern Food Corp. Announces $1 Million Donation to Support Food Banks During COVID-19 Pandemic

Wakefern Food Corp., along with its cooperative members – who own and operate supermarkets across nine states – announced on April 10, 2020 that it will donate one million dollars to regional food banks to help meet the dramatic increase in demand for food and essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation will be divided among 30 food banks across the nine-state trading area of supermarket banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace and The Fresh Grocer.

“It’s so important for us to support the food banks that are experiencing increased need and demand during this crisis,” said Joe Colalillo, chairman and CEO of Wakefern Food Corp. “In these uncertain times our members remain committed to supporting the communities our stores serve and will continue to help in the fight against hunger by working with our food bank partners.”

The $1 million donation is the continuation of Wakefern and ShopRite’s long history of addressing food insecurity through its support of regional food banks and those in need. The company’s ShopRite Partners In Caring Fund, a community-based, hunger-fighting initiative, has donated $50 million to more than 2,200 charities over the last two decades.

In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, Wakefern also donated ShopRite trailers to help move hospital equipment to pop-up field hospitals in the state, and this week the company donated respiratory protective masks to New York and New Jersey hospitals to provide much needed protection to medical personnel on the front lines.

About Wakefern Food Corp.

From a small, local cooperative that began with eight grocery store owners, Wakefern Food Corp. has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States.

Founded in 1946, the cooperative comprises 51 members who today independently own and operate 354 supermarkets under the ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer, Price Rite Marketplace, Gourmet Garage and Dearborn Market banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit www.wakefern.com.