'Check Out Hunger' campaigns raise vital funds for FeedMore WNY

Press Release

Area grocery stores and their generous customers raised a total of $643,641 to support FeedMore WNY’s mission of alleviating food insecurity through their respective “Check Out Hunger” and related register fundraisers last year.

Wegmans Food Markets’ “Check Out Hunger” campaign, which ran from late October through November, raised $495,000 for FeedMore WNY – surpassing its goal by $68,000. Customers had the opportunity to donate $1, $2, $3, $5, or any amount at the register of local Wegmans stores, and 100% of the proceeds were provided to benefit FeedMore WNY.

In addition, Lexington Co-op Markets and the East Aurora Co-op Market both held register fundraisers during November and December for FeedMore WNY. Lexington Co-op Markets’ “Check Out Hunger” campaign raised more than $14,300, and East Aurora Co-Op’s “Round Up at the Register” raised more than $2,990 to help FeedMore WNY provide nutritious food and resources to Western New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity.

Community members still have opportunities to help “Check Out Hunger” for FeedMore WNY. Tops Friendly Markets’ annual “Check Out Hunger” campaign will run from Jan. 18 through Feb. 7 at area stores. Tops’ 2025 campaign raised $129,786 for the hunger-relief organization.

In addition, Wakefern Food Corp. (which includes ShopRite and PriceRite stores) is running a “Check Out Hunger” campaign that will conclude in February (campaign end dates vary by store). Wakefern’s local campaign raised $1,562 for FeedMore WNY last year.

“FeedMore WNY is incredibly grateful for the support of our retail partners and their generous, compassionate customers as we work together to alleviate food insecurity throughout the region,” said Lisa Woodring, executive vice president of external affairs for FeedMore WNY. “The donations raised through these ‘Check Out Hunger’ campaigns enable FeedMore WNY to continue our vital programs, including our food bank distribution network serving nearly 400 hunger-relief agencies, our home-delivered meals program providing nourishing food and friendship to older adults and homebound neighbors, and our free RISE workforce development program offering career training and wraparound services to people with high barriers to employment. We thank everyone who has already participated in ‘Check Out Hunger’ campaigns where they shop, and we encourage the community to support the current campaigns at Tops Friendly Markets and Wakefern Food Corp. brand stores.”

More about FeedMore WNY: FeedMore WNY offers dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need. Through its food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivered meal program, other targeted feeding programs and RISE workforce development training, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. More information is available at www.feedmorewny.org.