Ralphs and Food 4 Less announce the return of their Help 4 the Hungry food donation drive at stores throughout California. Now in its third year, the month-long campaign raises awareness and funds to feed tens of thousands of people in need — a need that has grown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From now through December 24, shoppers can donate $1, $5 or $10 at the register or by texting H4H to 41444. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit regional food banks in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Ventura counties.
“We are so grateful to our customers and community supporters who so generously choose to give to the campaign each year,” said John Votava, director, corporate affairs, Ralphs.“As a company, Ralphs is working towards a bold goal of achieving a world with Zero Hunger | Zero Waste. The Help 4 the Hungry campaign is one of the many ways in which we reach that goal.”
Donating is easy and available through multiple methods to accommodate everyone taking caution during the pandemic. Shoppers at Ralphs or Food 4 Less can ask the cashier to add a cash donation to their total at checkout or can make a donation anytime on a mobile phone by texting H4H to 41444 and following the prompts. Donations of any amount are encouraged.
In three years, the campaign has raised nearly $1,000,000 in cash donations and provided thousands of meals to help alleviate food insecurity in the region. Local food banks are experiencing high demand as more children, families, seniors, veterans, and communities of color struggle with economic hardship, job loss, homelessness during the pandemic, and worry about how to keep up with the current pace.
“We believe in ‘food first’ and that no matter who you are, where you’re from, how you shop or what you like to eat, everyone deserves to have fresh, affordable and easy-to-enjoy food that tastes amazing, said Vanessa Rosales, director, corporate affairs, Food 4 Less. “We are dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve, and this holiday season is especially critical.”
In addition to the Help 4 the Hungry drive, Ralphs and Food 4 Less will donate nearly $150,000 which equates to 600,000 meals to local community organizations working to end hunger as part of the company’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative.
More information on how to donate can be found at Ralphs.com and Food4Less.com.