SWAMPSCOTT — The Marblehead and Anchor Food Pantries have something to celebrate this holiday season thanks to generous employees at Swampscott’s Stop & Shop.
On Tuesday, Stop & Shop representatives announced the grocery store chain donated $2,000 to Anchor Food Pantry — also based in Swampscott — to help the organization purchase products and gift cards for its Winter Gift Bag distribution, while the Marblehead Food Pantry received $500 in gift cards.
“During the pandemic, we realized the two communities we support could really use help with their food pantries,” said Andrew Ziner, Swampscott Stop & Shop store manager. “We have good relationships with both (organizations) … so we reached out to Maria in the corporate office, and she was more than willing to help us partner and do some funding.”
Of the total $2,500 donated, Ziner said $500 was contributed by individual Stop & Shop store associates who joined in the fundraising with an in-house collection when they learned of the store’s plans to help support local food pantries.
“I am proud of my team for helping to give back as we see more people in our community facing food insecurity as a result of the pandemic,” Ziner said. “Local food pantries play such a critical role in feeding those in need, and we’re happy to lend support, especially during the holiday season.”
The Anchor Food Pantry was only recently established to help families in need of food during the current health crisis. More information about the group is available on the organization’s Facebook page, and those interested in donating to the food pantry can do so using the Anchor Food Pantry Paypal.
“Swampscott Stop & Shop has been supporting us since day one and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” Anchor Food Pantry wrote on Facebook. “This includes the corporate office and our own Swampscott manager, associates, and customers.”
