Albertsons launches initiatives aimed at ending food insecurity

As the cost of groceries continues to rise, so does the rate of food insecurity across the country. About 18 million households per year face some kind of food insecurity. One Idaho company is launching initiatives through its nonprofit arm to hopefully end the problem.

Albertsons Companies and Albertsons Companies Foundation are launching initiatives which they state are “aimed at ending the cycle of hunger in local communities.”

The initiatives coincide with Hunger Action Month and include the Albertsons Foundation Nourishing Neighbors program. Customers who shop at Albertsons, Safeway, Vons and any of the other grocery stores owned by Idaho-based Albertsons, will be able to donate during checkout. Those proceeds go to local programs that help feed families.

“With food insecurity on the rise, we’re doubling down on innovation, collaboration and empowering communities,” said Jennifer Saenz, chief commercial officer at Albertsons Cos. and board chair of the foundation. “Hunger Action Month is a powerful reminder that together, we can take meaningful action toward a future where no family goes hungry.”

In addition, Nourishing Neighbors will be awarding Innovation Spark Grants to five nonprofit organizations, with funds ranging from $200,000 to $900,00. The awards are the first five of the year, and the foundation stated it has a commitment to award $10 million toward such initiatives each year.

According to Albertsons Foundation, the first five awardees are:

NeighborShare: Awarded a $900,000 grant to provide rapid and flexible financial assistance to Massachusetts families in crisis through a technology-enabled platform that connects donors directly with urgent community needs.

Food Research & Action Center: Awarded a $600,000 grant to strengthen state-level implementation of SNAP Employment and Training programs, aiming to bridge the gap between food insecurity and workforce development through enhanced access and support.

National Health Foundation (Los Angeles): Awarded a $600,000 grant to engage youth with lived experience of food insecurity in researching, designing and advocating for systemic, community-informed solutions.

FareStart (Seattle): Awarded a $290,000 grant to launch an externship program in partnership with Safeway and Albertsons to provide job training and inclusive workplace support for individuals working to overcome poverty.

4MyCiTy (Maryland): Awarded a $193,500 grant to support the expansion of food access through a mobile app that enables delivery of rescued food and generates income opportunities for individuals experiencing food insecurity.

“Over the past two years, the Innovation Spark Grants have fueled bold ideas aimed at reshaping the hunger relief landscape with $18 million total in funding,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, president and executive director of the foundation. “This year, we’re expanding our approach to ensure that organizations of all sizes, from grassroots initiatives to large-scale programs, have a chance to bring their ideas to life. Every spark has the potential to ignite lasting change, and we’re excited to support even more visionary nonprofits in the journey ahead.”