BJ's collecting food

Written by John Kovach
Thursday, 29 October 2009 10:53

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, BJ’s Wholesale Club is challenging Stratford residents to help collect 25 tons of groceries to feed local families in need. In turn, BJ’s Charitable Foundation will donate the financial equivalent of 1 million meals that will be distributed among Feeding America’s Food Bank network partners, including the Connecticut Food Bank.

Through Nov. 8, BJ’s is asking for donations that can be placed in “25-Ton Food Donation Challenge” bins at its clubs. Non-perishables such as rice, pasta, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, cereal, canned soup, spaghetti sauce and other tomato products, and juice are needed.

The pounds add up quickly: a 2-pack of peanut butter weighs five pounds, a 6-pack of soup weighs nearly seven pounds and a bag of rice could weigh 12, 15, 25 or even 35 pounds.

“Earlier this year, BJ’s became the first wholesale club in the industry to accept EBT food stamp benefits, demonstrating our commitment to the fight against hunger,” Laura Sen, president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, said in a press release. “Our 25th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to continue BJ’s support in providing food assistance to those who need it most.”

BJs is located in The Dock shopping center.

Information can be found at www.bjs.com.