After Record-Breaking Winter of Snow, Peapod by Stop & Shop Says "Thank You" to its Fleet of Committed Drivers; Makes $10,000 in Donations to Local Food Banks in their Honor

News provided by

Mar 31, 2015, 10:00 ET

QUINCY, Mass., March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With the arrival of spring, residents in the Northeast are breathing a collective sigh of relief, happy to bid farewell to one of the most trying winters on record. To recognize the outstanding efforts of its drivers who have been on the frontlines of Mother Nature's fury, Peapod by Stop & Shop is donating $10,000 on its drivers' behalf to food banks in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

"Like our team, we know food banks were stretched to their limits during the brutal winter months," said Peg Merzbacher, Vice President of Regional Marketing for Peapod.

From a record-setting 108.6 inches of snow in Boston to downright nasty temperatures across the Eastern seaboard, this was by far the most challenging winter for Peapod's business which revolves around timely delivery to both homes and businesses."

"Of course we had to make tough calls to suspend deliveries during some of the bigger storms, but our drivers gave 110% to keep service as reliable as possible under these circumstances," continued Merzbacher. "To express our gratitude, and support the food banks in the communities where our drivers live and work – many of which also felt the results of the harsh winter weather – we're making a donation to three area food banks on our drivers' behalf."

Recipient food banks include The Greater Boston Food Bank, the Connecticut Food Bank and Rhode Island Community Food Bank. "For every $1 donated, The Greater Boston Food Bank can provide three healthy meals to those in need. Peapod's donation will provide nearly 10,000 nutritious meals to those we serve. As residents of eastern Massachusetts recover from a trying winter, this is greatly appreciated," said Courtney Johanson, Director of Marketing Communications for The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Peapod by Stop & Shop is also asking its customers to show their appreciation for drivers' efforts by nominating their delivery person for a Peapod Pros on the Road Facebook shout-out. "Each month we salute a driver who has gone above and beyond, and we know there are many to be recognized," explained Merzbacher. "It's a small thing, but it means a lot to the recipients."

Fans can nominate their drivers and share any outstanding stories of winter efforts on the Peapod Facebook wall, Facebook.com/PeapodDelivers.

About Peapod
Peapod – an Ahold USA company – is the country's leading Internet grocer, serving 24 U.S. markets throughout Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Wisconsin. Founded in 1989 as a smart shopping option for busy households, today Peapod has delivered more than 30 million grocery orders. Customers can order online or on Peapod's free mobile app for delivery to homes and workplaces or pick-up at many convenient locations. For more information on Peapod, call 1.800.5.PEAPOD (1.800.573.2763), e-mail [email protected] or visit www.peapod.com.