On Monday, September 28, America250PA joined teams from ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer, and Wakefern Food Corp. to volunteer their time to assemble emergency food boxes for families across the region, with food donated by Wakefern. Together, they also presented a $20,000 contribution to Philabundance. Support from Wakerfern made this gift possible, helping to provide critical assistance to those facing food insecurity.
“We are deeply grateful for our partnerships with Wakefern Food Corp. and America250,” said Philabundance CEO Loree D. Jones Brown. “Their steadfast commitment to driving hunger from our communities ensures neighbors of all ages can have access to nutritious food.”
Along with America250PA, the owners and operators of ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer stores in the Greater Philadelphia area, including the Burns, Brown, and McMenamin families — all members of the Wakefern cooperative — attended the event. Wakefern’s longstanding partnership with America250PA reflects a shared commitment to good citizenship and community.
“We’ve always believed there should be many ways to celebrate. But there’s also a simple truth behind our gathering: it’s hard to celebrate when you’re hungry,” Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA, said. “That’s also why giving back has always been such an important part of America250PA’s mission.”
Patrick J. Burns, chairman of America250PA and president of Burns’ Family Neighborhood Markets, represented both America250PA and Wakefern during the event. The Burns family operates five Fresh Grocer supermarkets and two ShopRite supermarkets throughout Greater Philadelphia.
“As chairman of America250PA, I’m proud to support our mission of commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through service to others,” Burns said. “This event with Philabundance reflects that spirit and demonstrates the positive impact that can happen when organizations work together. I’m grateful for the support of the teams at Wakefern, ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer, whose commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting local communities helps make efforts like this possible.”
This effort was part of America250PA’s statewide effort to ensure Pennsylvanians have opportunities to participate in this one-in-a-lifetime anniversary, regardless of their economic background. In addition to the financial contribution, Wakefern, ShopRite, and The Fresh Grocer donated the food that was packed in the emergency care boxes. Those who receive the boxes will also get a special tote bag marking America’s 250th anniversary.
