Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer serving New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont, is proud to launch this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign. The initiative will take place in all Tops stores from through Saturday, Feb. 8.

Since its inception in 2004, Tops’ annual Check Out Hunger campaign has raised nearly $6.5 million dollars for participating food banks, making a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among households with children, 17.9% (6.5 million households) experienced food insecurity in 2023. Additionally, 5.1% of all U.S. households (6.8 million households) faced exceptionally low food security, where normal eating patterns were disrupted due to limited resources. These statistics highlight a concerning trend in food insecurity across the nation.

By participating in the Check Out Hunger campaign, community members can help make a difference. Simply tell your cashier at Tops that you’d like to support the campaign, and you can contribute $2, $3, or $5 to help provide food for local food banks.

“Eradicating hunger and supporting our neighbors in need is central to Tops’ mission,” said Ron Ferri, President, Tops Friendly Markets. “We are proud to stand behind this effort year after year.”

The following food banks will benefit from this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign: FeedMore WNY; Food Bank of Central NY; Foodlink of Rochester; Food Bank of the Southern Tier; Food Bank of the Hudson Valley; Food Bank of NW PA; Food Bank of Central PA; Food Bank of NE NY; Food Bank of Vermont.

For more information about Tops Friendly Markets and its charitable initiatives, visit www.topsmarkets.com/Community/Living_Here_Giving_Here.

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including one franchise location. As one of Western New York’s largest employers, and with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint, Tops is committed to delivering sustainably sourced, premium-quality products. Beyond retail, Tops is committed to the communities it serves through initiatives focused on hunger relief, health improvement, youth education, and environmental sustainability. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.