Check Out Hunger

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer serving New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont, is proud to launch this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign. The initiative will take place in all Tops stores from Sunday, January 19, through Saturday, February 8.

Since its inception in 2004, Tops’ annual Check Out Hunger campaign has raised nearly $6.5 million dollars for participating food banks, making a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among households with children, 17.9% (6.5 million households) experienced food insecurity in 2023. Additionally, 5.1% of all U.S. households (6.8 million households) faced exceptionally low food security, where normal eating patterns were disrupted due to limited resources. These statistics highlight a concerning trend in food insecurity across the nation.

By participating in the Check Out Hunger campaign, community members can help make a difference. Simply tell your cashier at Tops that you’d like to support the campaign, and you can contribute $2, $3, or $5 to help provide food for local food banks. 

“Eradicating hunger and supporting our neighbors in need is central to Tops’ mission,” said Ron Ferri, President, Tops Friendly Markets. “We are proud to stand behind this effort year after year.” 

The following food banks will benefit from this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign: 

• FeedMore WNY
• Food Bank of Central NY
• Foodlink of Rochester
• Food Bank of the Southern Tier
• Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
• Food Bank of NW PA
• Food Bank of Central PA
• Food Bank of NE NY
• Food Bank of Vermont

For more information about Tops Friendly Markets and its charitable initiatives, visit www.topsmarkets.com/Community/Living_Here_Giving_Here.

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont, is excited to kick off this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign (which beings Sunday, January 23-Saturday February 12, 2022) with a generous donation from the Lisa Miller Cutten Foundation for $20,000! This will directly impact FeedMore WNY right here in our community.

“FeedMore WNY is deeply grateful for the incredible partnership of the Lisa Miller Cutten Foundation. The Foundation’s gift to our Food 2 Families event allowed us to provide $10,000 worth of turkeys to community members in need. That donation was matched by Tops Friendly Markets in complementary food items, ensuring our hungry neighbors could enjoy a complete, hearty meal,” Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said. “We are humbled that the Lisa Miller Cutten Foundation is donating $20,000 to kick off Tops Friendly Markets’ Check Out Hunger campaign for FeedMore WNY. The Foundation’s generosity and support will help FeedMore WNY provide nourishing food and hope to children, families and older adults throughout Western New York.”

Tops’ annual Check Out Hunger campaign has helped raise over $4,845,333 for participating food banks since 2006.

According to a recent study by Feeding America, more than 38 million people, including 12 million children, face food insecurity in the United States. With the community’s support, however, we can make a difference. When shopping at Tops simply tell your cashier you’d like to help Tops Check Out Hunger and a donation of $2, $3 or $5 will help provide food for your local food bank.

“Eradicating hunger and assisting our fellow neighbors in need is part of Tops core mission so supporting this effort on an annual basis is something that we gladly stand behind,” said Kristen Hanson, Vice President of Center Store, Our Brands; Pharmacy and FeedMore WNY board member.

Participating food banks that will benefit from this year’s Check out Hunger Campaign include:

• FeedMore WNY
• Food Bank of Central NY
• Foodlink of Rochester
• Food Bank of Southern Tier
• Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
• Food Bank of NW PA
• Food Bank of Central PA
• Food Bank of NE NY
• Food Bank of Vermont

To learn more about Tops Friendly Markets and its charitable programs, please visit http://www.topsmarkets.com/Community/Living_Here_Giving_Here/.