Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program Advances Hunger Relief Programs in Recognition of Hunger Action Month

Grants awarded to five community organizations; Customers invited to join the fight against hunger

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Albertsons® Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI), along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, is proud to announce a series of impactful initiatives aimed at ending the cycle of hunger in local communities. From a customer-driven campaign to funding key initiatives and collaborating with influential national organizations, the Foundation is deepening its commitment to food security at a time when millions of Americans face increasing challenges accessing nutritious food.

In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Albertsons Companies, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, is proud to announce a series of impactful initiatives aimed at ending the cycle of hunger in local communities. Photo Courtesy: Albertsons Companies

“With food insecurity on the rise, we’re doubling down on innovation, collaboration and empowering communities,” said Jennifer Saenz, Chief Commercial Officer at Albertsons Cos. and Board Chair of the Foundation. “Hunger Action Month is a powerful reminder that together, we can take meaningful action toward a future where no family goes hungry.”

Empowering Customers to Give Back

Throughout the month of September, the company’s Nourishing Neighbors charitable program will be raising funds to support hunger relief efforts in local communities. Customers shopping at any Albertsons Cos. store, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME and Tom Thumb, will have the opportunity to donate at the register, with every dollar going directly back to local community programs that help families put food on the table. More than 100 local food banks, food pantries and other community organizations will receive Nourishing Neighbors grants funded by customer donations to support neighbors in need.

Innovation Spark Grants

This month, the Foundation is also announcing the first five recipients of this year’s Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Spark Grants, with more to follow. Now in its third year, these grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that develop new programs designed to create long-term solutions and empower individuals and families to achieve lasting food security.

These grants, ranging from nearly $200,000 to $900,000, are part of the Foundation’s annual $10 million commitment to ending the cycle of hunger through various initiatives. The initial recipients of the 2025 Innovation Spark Grants include:

• NeighborShare: Awarded a $900,000 grant to provide rapid and flexible financial assistance to Massachusetts families in crisis through a technology-enabled platform that connects donors directly with urgent community needs.
• Food Research & Action Center: Awarded a $600,000 grant to strengthen state-level implementation of SNAP Employment and Training programs, aiming to bridge the gap between food insecurity and workforce development through enhanced access and support.
• National Health Foundation (Los Angeles): Awarded a $600,000 grant to engage youth with lived experience of food insecurity in researching, designing and advocating for systemic, community-informed solutions.
• FareStart (Seattle): Awarded a $290,000 grant to launch an externship program in partnership with Safeway and Albertsons to provide job training and inclusive workplace support for individuals working to overcome poverty.
• 4MyCiTy (Maryland): Awarded a $193,500 grant to support the expansion of food access through a mobile app that enables delivery of rescued food and generates income opportunities for individuals experiencing food insecurity.

“Over the past two years, the Innovation Spark Grants have fueled bold ideas aimed at reshaping the hunger relief landscape with $18 million total in funding,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director of the Albertsons Companies Foundation. “This year, we’re expanding our approach to ensure that organizations of all sizes, from grassroots initiatives to large-scale programs, have a chance to bring their ideas to life. Every spark has the potential to ignite lasting change, and we’re excited to support even more visionary nonprofits in the journey ahead.”

Past recipients of the Innovation Spark Grants include Hunger Free America, The North Texas Food Bank, Alpenglow Impact’s Gift Card Bank, Share Our Strength, United Way Bay Area and FIND Food Bank.

Childhood Hunger Relief

As summer comes to a close, the Foundation is celebrating the success of its Summer EBT awareness initiative, launched in 2024 in partnership with leading nonprofits including Feeding America®, Food Research & Action Center, Gift Card Bank, Hunger Free America, No Kid Hungry, Partnership for a Healthier America and WhyHunger. This first-of-its-kind initiative provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child during the summer months to reduce child hunger when students lose access to free or reduced-price school meals. This year, SummerEBT.org received over 360,000 visits, unlocking an estimated $4 million in benefits for families this summer.

“Food insecurity touches over 18 million* households across the country, and Nourishing Neighbors has been a key force in helping families access the nutritious meals they need,” said Duncan Anderson. “Our programs are designed to foster community-driven solutions and empower individuals. Real change happens when we work together, and together, we can build a tomorrow where every neighborhood thrives.”

About Nourishing Neighbors

Nourishing Neighbors, a charitable program of the Foundation, is helping ensure at-risk children, adults, seniors and families have access to the food they need to thrive. Since its inception in 2014, the program has delivered more than 1.3 billion meals and contributed over $330 million to fight hunger. To learn more about Nourishing Neighbors, click here.

*USDA Household Food Security in the United States in 2023

To download images, please click here.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of June 14, 2025, the Company operated 2,264 retail stores with 1,725 in-store pharmacies, 408 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2024, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $435 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Haggen and Balducci's Food Lovers Market are registered trademarks of Albertsons Companies Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACME, Carrs, Kings Food Markets, Shaw's, and Star Market are trademarks of Albertsons Companies Inc. or its subsidiaries. Albertsons associated logos, product names and services are trademarks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Media Contact: media@albertsons.com

Source: Albertsons Companies, Inc.