BJ's Wholesale Club Announces $100,000 Grant to Philabundance

BJ's grant to Philabundance is part of BJ's Charitable Foundation's $1 million donation to Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Philabundance is one of nine local food banks to benefit from BJ's $1 million donation, which is the foundation's largest single donation to any organization to date.

"BJ's is bringing a fresh approach to nourishing communities and helping families thrive, and we're proud to support Philabundance," said Kirk Saville, executive director of the BJ's Charitable Foundation. "No one should have to worry about where to get their next meal, and we know that food banks face challenges in storing and distributing perishable foods. Our strategic partnership with Feeding America is focused on building capacity for fresh food at local food banks so we can work together to put an end to hunger in our communities."

With BJ's $100,000 grant, Philabundance will purchase two refrigerated sprinter vans, which will help the organization expand the acquisition and distribution of perishable food from retail partners such as BJ's. As a result, agency partners will rescue approximately 5,000 additional pounds of perishable product each week that would otherwise be diverted or go to waste. Moreover, by focusing on perishable foods such as produce, dairy and fresh meat, agency partners will be able to increase the variety and quality of food they are able to source for their clients.

Philabundance provides food to approximately 90,000 people each week through its network of nearly 350-member agencies, including food cupboards, shelters, emergency kitchens and more. In 2016, Philabundance distributed 24 million pounds of food, 10 million of which was rescued from retail partners and given to neighbors in need.

"More than 700,000 people in the Delaware Valley are food insecure, which is why we are grateful for BJ's partnership in helping nourish our community with fresh, healthy food," said Glenn Bergman, Executive Director, Philabundance. "Because of BJ's generous donation, Philabundance will continue to drive hunger from our communities today with the mission to end hunger forever."

Since 2009, BJ's has provided ongoing support to Feeding America through the BJ's Charitable Foundation and BJ's Feeding Communities® program, helping local food banks successfully expand their programs to reach wider and more diverse audiences.

In addition to capacity building grants from the BJ's Charitable Foundation, BJ's has secured over 50 million pounds of donated food, including fresh produce, frozen meats and fish, baked goods and dairy items through the BJ's Feeding Communities® program.

About BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ's is the leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 215 clubs and 133 BJ's Gas^® locations in 16 states. 

BJ's provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with top-quality, leading brands, including its exclusive Wellsley Farms® and Berkley Jensen® brands, along with USDA Choice meats, premium produce and delicious organics, many in supermarket sizes. BJ's is also the only major membership warehouse club to accept all manufacturers' coupons and, for greater convenience, offers the most payment options.

Visit www.BJs.com, and for exclusive content find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

BJ's is wholly owned by affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners, CVC Capital Partners and its management team.

About Philabundance
Philabundance is the Delaware Valley's largest hunger relief organization, serving more than 90,000 people each week in nine counties in PA and Southern NJ. Of those served, 30 percent are children, 16 percent are seniors, and adults served include students, the working poor and single parents. In 2016, Philabundance rescued more than 10 million pounds of food and distributed 24 million pounds through its own distribution programs, and a network of 350 agencies. A one dollar donation provides two meals – Give now or learn more at Philabundance.org.

About Feeding America^®
Feeding America^® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 46 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.

SOURCE BJ's Wholesale Club

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