The Save Mart Companies’ annual storewide Friends Feeding Friends holiday food drive is underway at all Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx stores in California and Western Nevada, now through Dec. 31. The drive supports community food banks and pantries during the holiday season and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31. To make this season of giving extra special, The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation will also make a matching cash donation to area food banks, up to $20,000.

“Our community food banks and local food pantries play an invaluable role in alleviating food insecurity in the neighborhoods we serve. Our Friends Feeding Friends food drive provides our stores and valued shoppers the opportunity to positively support our neighbors in need during the holidays,” said Donovan Ford, SVP and Chief Operations Officer at The Save Mart Companies.

There are two ways to donate this year; when shopping at their local Save Mart, Lucky or FoodMaxx store, customers can choose to purchase a bag filled with grocery essentials for $15 or $25 at checkout. They can also select a “virtual” bag donation at the end of their online shopping experience. Either form of purchase is added to the shopper’s total grocery bill, and the tax-deductible contribution is noted on the receipt.

“With food insecurity rates similar to the early days of the pandemic, supporting local food banks is critically important,” said Stacia Levenfeld, chief executive officer of the California Association of Food Banks. “On behalf of food banks across the state, I want to thank The Save Mart Companies for their leadership in fighting hunger in our communities. A matching donation from The CARES Foundation will have a marked impact on our food banks’ being able to provide food for their neighbors.”

For more information on The Save Mart Companies’ philanthropic efforts, visit www.thesavemartcompanies.com/community/charitable-giving.

The Save Mart Companies operates 194 Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx stores in neighborhoods throughout California and Western Nevada. The Save Mart Companies’ philanthropic non-profit organization, The CARES Foundation, provides resources for children and families and has donated over $5 million to local communities.