PS Food Mart Launches Second Annual 'Fight Hunger. Give Hope.' Campaign

HOMER, Mich., March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty PS Food Mart stores across Michigan and Ohio are joining together to launch the second annual "Fight Hunger. Give Hope." campaign to raise money for local food banks. Between March 18 and April 3, customers are invited to purchase a paper heart in any of the 30 PS Food Mart stores across South Central Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Proceeds from the sales of the hearts will be collected by Folk Oil, supplier for the network of PS Food Mart stores, and donated to the local food banks as part of the ongoing PS Food Mart Charities initiative. PS Food Mart hopes to raise more than $45,000 for the Food Bank of South Central Michigan, Toledo Northwest Ohio Food Bank, and several local food pantries in the communities represented by PS Food Mart.

"Every dollar counts in the battle against hunger in this country. Just one dollar, about the same as a small cup of coffee, will provide eight meals. A five dollar donation will ensure that 40 people have a good meal," said Jim Linton, Vice President with PS Food Mart. "We are excited to lead our PS Food Mart managers and employees in this ongoing effort to make our community stronger and healthier."

"Our store managers and sales associates are the reason for our success with our fundraising programs," added Ed Heath, Vice President of Operations with PS Food Mart.

To kick-off the fundraising, customers will earn a free 20 oz. coffee or 20 oz. fountain drink with any donation of $5 or more in the first three days of the program, March 18 to 20, at any participating PS Food Mart Store.  

"Fight Hunger. Give Hope." donations can be made at each PS Food Mart store throughout South Central Michigan and Northwest Ohio. With each donation of $1 or $5, customers will be able to post their name in the store on an individual paper heart as a mark of their support, and hopefully encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. PS Food Mart Stores will also be recognizing donors who go above and beyond in the effort to feed hungry families by selling golden hearts for each donation of $100 or more. Spare change boxes on the counter will also help drive PS Food Mart towards their goal of $45,000 or roughly 360,000 meals for needy local families.

"We are extremely grateful to have the strength and support of PS Food Mart as our dedicated partner as to help in our mission of eradicating hunger in our communities," said Robert Randels, executive director with the Food Bank of South Central Michigan. "Their efforts to not only raise money, but also to educate local people on the issues that face tens of thousands of families in our area, are truly inspiring. We are confident that their enthusiasm and support will help break last year's fundraising goal and allow us to help even more families throughout the region."

Year after year PS Food Mart Stores raise money for many local and national organizations through PS Food Mart Charities. Organizations supported include the American Cancer Society; the Homer, MI Area Community Foundation; local schools systems in their respective communities, as well as many other local organizations that are providing support for the community.

Donations to the "Fight Hunger. Give Hope." campaign will be accepted at each of the 30 PS Food Mart stores from March 18 to April 3. To find your local PS Food Mart, and for more information on the positive impact of PS Food Mart Charities in the community, visit www.psfoodmart.com.  

SOURCE PS Food Mart