Raley’s is introducing a Food for Families grant program to assist its partner food banks and supporting networks with safely storing, transporting and distributing food.
Starting at a minimum of $5,000 each, the grants will reflect a range of funding depending on the demonstrated need of the requesting food bank, according to a news release.
The new program is made possible by Raley’s and donations from throughout the community, the company said, adding that donations are being accepted now at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation site to support the initiative, which represents an expansion of the long-time Food for Families effort.
Raley’s says the nonprofit Food for Families converts customer and employee donations into food for more than 2.2 million people each month through 12 partner food banks in the communities where Raley’s serves.
“For years, Raley’s customers have provided unwavering support with their generous donations to our Food for Families program. Through experience with our ongoing programs, we recognized the need to further support the crucial food distribution needs within our existing food bank family,” said Chelsea Carbahal, executive director for Raley’s Food for Families. “This new Food for Families grant program will enable our current partners to more effectively and efficiently serve their communities by equipping them with resources that otherwise may have been out of reach financially.”
The company says grant funds will help support food bank necessities such as refrigerators, freezers, warehouse racking, transportation crates, shipping vehicles and other infrastructure items required to safely provide food to communities. Grant applications are being accepted now through Feb. 7, with application forms provided directly to and through Raley’s Food for Families food bank partners to their partner agencies.
“Our goal at Raley’s is to help get food in the hands of as many people in need as possible,” Carbahal said. “We know the food that we and our food bank partners provide is only helpful if there is a means to safely store and distribute it. This new Food for Families grant funding effort is all about growing the positive impact in our communities and helping provide the physical means to do so.”
Raley’s anticipates awarding up to $500,000 in grant funding in the first year of the new program, the release said. Grant funding will be made available in two waves, including the current grant application phase and another scheduled for later in the year.
The Food for Families grant program is available to Raley’s Food for Families food bank partners and their network of more than 2,400 partner agencies, such as smaller food banks, food closets and church distribution sites.
The Raley’s Cos. says it is committed to giving back by addressing local hunger needs, advocating for good and focusing on child welfare, the environment and sustainability, food access, food system education and total wellness. Between 2022 and 2023, the organization says it donated more than $3 million to local and regional nonprofits.
