Grocery Outlet Steps Up Holiday Hunger Fight with Feeding America Partnership

Emeryville, CA – Discount grocery giant Grocery Outlet (NASDAQ: GO) is making a significant move this holiday season, announcing a new partnership with Feeding America to combat hunger across the United States. The collaboration aims to provide three million meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity, reinforcing Grocery Outlet's long-standing commitment to community support and social responsibility.

This initiative sees Grocery Outlet matching customer donations up to $150,000, with funds collected at checkout from this week through December 31st. Customers can easily contribute by donating $1, $5, or rounding up their purchase, with store operators having the autonomy to select local food banks within the Feeding America network to receive the aid.

A History of Giving: Consistent Commitment to Combating Hunger

This holiday partnership builds upon Grocery Outlet’s extensive history of philanthropic efforts, particularly through its annual “Independence from Hunger®” (IFH) campaign. The IFH campaign, which recently completed its 15th year, has become a cornerstone of the company's community engagement.

Since its launch in 2011, the IFH campaign has collectively raised over $30 million in cash and food donations for local food banks. In 2024 alone, the campaign garnered over $5 million. Prior years also saw substantial contributions, with nearly $4.9 million raised in 2024 and $3.9 million in 2023. Notably, Grocery Outlet ensures that no administrative or collateral fees are deducted from these funds, meaning 100% of customer and corporate donations reach those in need.

Beyond the IFH campaign, Grocery Outlet's commitment extends to significant food donations from its Regional Fulfillment Centers, which provided an estimated 3.3 million pounds of groceries to food banks and charitable organizations in 2024—a 60% increase from the 2 million pounds donated in 2023. Local store operators, who are independent entrepreneurs embedded in their communities, also frequently make individual donations and support local causes.

The Power of Matching: Driving Greater Impact

The decision to implement a donation matching program for this holiday initiative aligns with proven strategies for maximizing charitable giving. Matching programs are widely recognized for their ability to incentivize donors, often leading to a significant increase in overall contributions. This approach also enhances customer engagement, as shoppers feel their individual contributions are amplified, fostering a stronger connection to the brand and its social mission. Many major retailers and organizations, including Feeding America’s numerous corporate partners, regularly utilize similar models due to their effectiveness in raising funds and awareness.

The goal of providing three million meals is directly tied to Feeding America’s established metric: every $1 donated helps secure at least 10 meals. Therefore, achieving three million meals requires $300,000 in total donations. With Grocery Outlet’s $150,000 matching commitment, customer donations of an equal amount would successfully reach this target. Feeding America’s extensive network of over 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across the U.S. ensures the operational capacity to efficiently distribute these meals to communities where they are most needed.

Local Impact, National Reach: Addressing a Critical Need

With over 550 stores spanning 16 states—including California, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Idaho, Nevada, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky, and Virginia—Grocery Outlet’s localized distribution model through its independent operators ensures that the donations directly benefit the communities its stores serve. This approach allows for a targeted response to food insecurity, which affects 47 million Americans, including 13 million children.

“The ability to let our store operators decide where those funds are going within their communities is key,” explains one industry analyst. “It builds a strong connection with the local food banks and ensures resources go where they're most needed.”

Strategic Philanthropy: Aligning Values with Business Goals

For Grocery Outlet, an “extreme value retailer,” this partnership is more than just charity; it’s a strategic alignment with its core business model and marketing strategy. By offering deeply discounted, quality products, Grocery Outlet already helps customers stretch their budgets, a mission that naturally resonates with efforts to alleviate food insecurity. The company’s 2024 Impact Report highlighted an estimated $2.8 billion in customer savings in 2023, underscoring its value proposition.

In an era where Gen Z and Millennial consumers increasingly prioritize corporate social responsibility, initiatives like the Feeding America partnership enhance Grocery Outlet’s brand reputation and foster customer loyalty. “Consumers are actively seeking out brands that demonstrate a commitment to social good,” says a marketing consultant specializing in retail. “Grocery Outlet's consistent focus on both value and community engagement is a powerful combination.”

The company’s independent operator model, which places local entrepreneurs at the heart of each store, further strengthens community ties, making such philanthropic endeavors a natural extension of their neighborhood presence. This strategic approach generates positive public relations, demonstrates a commitment to “Touching Lives for the Better,” and reinforces the brand’s appeal to a growing segment of purpose-driven shoppers.

According to a recent internal memo, Grocery Outlet is projecting that this initiative will not only boost brand perception but also drive increased foot traffic during the crucial holiday shopping season.

“We’ve seen a clear correlation between our philanthropic efforts and customer engagement,” states one Grocery Outlet store operator. “People appreciate knowing that their purchases are contributing to a good cause.”

As Grocery Outlet continues to expand its footprint across the United States, its commitment to community support remains a cornerstone of its business strategy. The partnership with Feeding America is a testament to this commitment and a demonstration of the company’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.