Raley’s Food For Families Annual Holiday Drive raised $2.1 million this holiday season, the largest amount ever donated in the organization’s 33 years of hosting the event. The donations came from customers, vendors and team members and will make a direct impact on those suffering from food insecurity in northern California and Nevada.

Raley’s Food For Families partners with 12 regional food banks across the company’s footprint, stretching from northern California through western Nevada. The food bank leaders support the over 1.4 million food insecure individuals in these areas with services and food donated by Raley’s.

“Although we all have unique and very personal reasons for where and why we give, clearly, our customers care deeply about alleviating hunger and helping their neighbors. We are so fortunate to share this ability to make a difference with such generous donors that shop at our stores,” said Becca Whitman, executive director of Raley’s Food For Families.

This year, the organization expanded the holiday bag product to include more variety. Working with their food bank partners, and keeping nutrition top of mind, Raley’s Food For Families developed a product list that caters to the direct needs of their local communities. For some food agencies, this annual campaign keeps the warehouse full well beyond the holiday season.

In calendar year 2019, Raley’s Food For Families made a significant change, increasing donation capabilities for their generous customers. Raley’s introduced the option to make a donation on check stand pin pads at 128 locations. With the support of this technology, it helped increase 2019 holiday donations by more than 30 percent.