Raley’s Food For Families Summer Fresh Drive raised an unprecedented $601,950, a full 30 percent increase over last year’s total. The campaign coincided with the launch of Food For Families’ Refresh program, designed to increase the availability of fresh produce to their food bank partners throughout Northern California and Nevada.

“We asked our customers, our team members, vendor partners and communities to help us fill our food banks with fresh fruits and vegetables, and they overwhelmingly responded with support. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity,” said Jennie Teel-Wolter, Food For Families Development Officer. “The funds raised by our Food For Families Summer Fresh Drive will help thousands of individuals struggling with hunger to live a healthier life.”

The widespread support allowed Raley’s to reach their goal – donation came from customers, team members, vendors, and the business community at large. In addition to covering all administrative costs, Raley’s matched $25,000 in monetary donations.

All donations stay local to help food banks in the communities where they were raised.

With children being home over the summer months, the need for food assistance grows dramatically. Families with children who rely on meals served at school may find it difficult to make ends meet. Conversely, food bank donations decrease over this same time period. Raley’s Food For Families program works 365 days a year to support families who are struggling.

The Food For Families program started in 1986 and has raised over $31 million and donated over 21 million pounds of food to families in need. One hundred percent of the funds go to fighting hunger; every penny donated goes directly to feeding families, and none to expenses, fees or traditional overhead, all of which are absorbed by Raley’s Families of Fine Stores. For more information, visit www.foodforfamilies.org.