#USA #Keurig Dr Pepper #Modesto, California #food banks #Save Mart

Save Mart and Keurig Dr Pepper's Friends Feeding Friends Campaign

In a commendable initiative to combat hunger, The Save Mart Companies, a prominent grocery chain on the West Coast, has partnered with Keurig Dr Pepper to launch the annual Friends Feeding Friends holiday food drive. Kicking off on November 6, 2025, and continuing until January 1, 2026, the campaign aims to provide essential support to local food banks across California and Western Nevada, a region currently grappling with economic challenges and heightened food insecurity.

The Need for Action

As families continue to face financial hardships, the Friends Feeding Friends campaign arrives at a crucial moment. With rising food prices and inflation impacting household budgets, many have found their resources stretched to the limit. Donovan Ford, Senior Vice President and COO at The Save Mart Companies, emphasized the need for this campaign, stating, "This year, we're targeting at least ten times more donations because the need has grown, and our communities' capacity to help is extraordinary."

Corporate Commitment

Both The Save Mart Companies and Keurig Dr Pepper have pledged a combined $120,000 in matching donations to encourage community involvement and help amplify the impact of shopper contributions. Shoppers can add either a $5 or $10 Pantry Pack at checkout—creating countless opportunities to contribute. The initiative allows these donations to stay localized, meaning that contributions collected in one area will directly benefit families in that community. For example, funds raised in Modesto will go to families in Modesto, while contributions from Reno will support Reno residents.

Making a Difference Together

Mario Guardado, Regional Vice President at Keurig Dr Pepper, remarked on the importance of their partnership with The Save Mart Companies, highlighting their commitment to supporting community needs: "By matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000, we're joining shoppers and The Save Mart Companies in proving what's possible when neighbors come together to help neighbors." The first batch of donations will be disbursed during the week of December 15, ensuring that support reaches families right before the holidays.

Community Support and Storytelling

The campaign will also incorporate community storytelling and recognition initiatives within stores to spotlight the impact of donations. There will be weekly updates to track progress toward donation goals, keeping shoppers informed about their contributions.' The Central California Food Bank's co-CEO, Kym Dildine, expressed gratitude for this partnership, stating, "The fact that 100% of donations stay right here in Central California means we can say yes more often."

Conclusion

The Friends Feeding Friends campaign exemplifies how regional grocery chains are stepping up to tackle local issues such as hunger and poverty. As the campaign progresses, communities are encouraged to participate and help those in need within their neighborhoods. For more details about this initiative and other philanthropic efforts by The Save Mart Companies, visit their website at The Save Mart Companies Community.

Together, through initiatives like Friends Feeding Friends, we can connect and uplift our neighbors during these challenging times.